Before the winter months drove us all indoors, I had the pleasure of meeting up with the Poole kids for a sun-filled photo session in the backyard of my home, which is one of this Washington DC family photographer’s favorite backdrops.  Mea, age 4, and her brother Parrish, age 4, are fraternal twins and over the years this duo has certainly hit their stride when it comes to photo shoots.

I first photographed Mea and Parrish as newborns and our paths have crossed intermittently over the years as the need for holiday portraits and family photos arose from time to time. This year, Meg, mother of this adorable pair, was on a similar mission. To quote the note I received from her in my inbox, “I have always loved your work in the past, and I would love both candids and posed. Just nothing too cheesy and we will be thrilled.” That’s exactly the kind of request I love to receive.

As a Washington DC family photographer, I know the balancing act that accompanies ever photo session – a pinch more candid, a touch less posed, a little more movement, but everyone hold still for just a moment. It’s a balancing act that changes with every family, with every child’s energy level, and with varying moods present in the room – no to mention the east coast weather that keeps everyone on their toes. And it’s a balancing act that excites and energizes me, so when Meg booked another holiday session I was more than excited to reunite with this beautiful family.

One of my favorites moments of the session was when little Parrish, who like most little kids his age hardly stops moving long enough to freeze the action for a photograph, walked up to my white picket fence and struck the cutest pose. He gently leaned against the fence, braced his weight against his right elbow, tipped his head to the side and showed off his pearly whites in an all too easy smile. It was divine. And in all my experience as a Washington DC family photographer, these playful moments have become some of my favorites throughout the years. Child photographers have to be careful to direct and observe in just the right quantities, so as not to disturb the easygoing nature of non-self-conscious kids. But every so often, I encounter someone who is willing to play along with me, to “work it” and lean into the camera in a new way and I have to be ready for those moments too.

I love catching up with this family whenever they’re ready for fresh photos and it is an honor being able to document how their children have grown since the time they were newborns. I hope we have lots more magic moments ahead of us.