jan michele photography

Old Town Alexandria Cherry Blossom Engagement Photos

Jan — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 23:38:30 +0000

Don’t let those cherry blossom flowers or sunshine fool you! This is the coldest photo shoot I’ve ever had. It felt like it was in the 20s with the wind. I really don’t know how Harriet survived in her lovely lace dress. These two were troopers (with breaks to jump back in the car and warm up!) and we were still able to capture the fun they have together in these spring Old Town Alexandria engagement photos. They are such a great match, it’s obvious they bring out the best in each other.
Next up is the wedding! And I know those photos at River Farm are going to be gorgeous!

Alexandria Virginia Fall Family Photos

Jan — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 22:09:00 +0000

My favorite ages to photograph – around Kindergarten age and Sitters before they are mobile and can get away. Our last photo session we were anticipating Miss N’s arrival. So it was so fun to meet her and have her adorableness here! So glad we still had fall flowers for these sister photos in Old Town Alexandria.

Fairfax Virginia Newborn Photography – Welcome Jackson

Jan — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:56:00 +0000

Sweet Jackson is the latest addition to this adorable family! Everyone is thoroughly smitten! When you photograph a couple for their engagement and wedding, and then their newborns, and growing family over the years, it’s a special honor and joy to be part of celebrating all these important moments!

Jackson was the sweetest little newborn model, sleeping and smiling and posing for me. It really doesn’t get any cuter! It’s still a multi-hour process, but oh so worth it for these pictures! It’s all baby led, so it can be a slow process to keep them sleepy and comfortable and eased into different outfits and poses. And having older siblings to hold baby brother also makes for the sweetest pictures!

Adjusting to a new baby at home is a lot, and adding in a day of photos can seem like too much. But babies grow and change so fast. They are only newborn for a couple of weeks (I try to catch them before they are 2 weeks old), so this is a brief time to capture something so special. And the pictures are just so beautiful, there’s nothing like them, it’s truly a once in a lifetime moment.

River Farm Fall Wedding – Congratulations Jill and Mark!

Jan — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 21:05:00 +0000

Second chances are treasured moments! The happiness when two people find their match later in life is contagious and easy to see in pictures! It was so special to have their children and family and friends all on hand to celebrate this new beginning. Many Jewish traditions were incorporated in the ceremony and reception. It all came together for a lovely afternoon and evening at River Farm that was enjoyed by all.
The ceremony featured the Potomac River as the backdrop and made for beautiful photos. The cocktail hour moved everyone over to enjoy the garden. Then to the draped and chandelier adorned tent for dinner and dancing. Jill and Mark had taken lessons to learn a choreographed dance, and impressed everyone with the first dance.
The first portrait features old White House gates that are now part of the landscape at River Farm.
Congratulations Jill and Mark! Best wishes for lots more smiles and many more adventures together!

Ceremony and Reception: River Farm
Coordination and Florist: Dragonfly Events and Design
Guitarist: Bialeks – Brian Webber
Caterer: Heirloom
Photographer: jan michele photography

Old Town Alexandria Senior and Family Photos

Jan — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:32:00 +0000

The years fly by! This family photo session was a combo, as Benjamin is also a Senior in High School. So he was given a little extra photo time. However, his beautiful sister who is so photogenic was given her fair share too, I couldn’t resist. I love that this family makes time for pictures, even though the kids are nearly grown. These are still precious years and these pictures will be treasured by the kids and parents for years to come.
The streets of Old Town Alexandria are always great for pictures, with so many colors and textures for backgrounds, any time of the year. And nearly any time of the day.

Washington DC Fall Family Photos

Jan — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 16:55:00 +0000

I always enjoy catching up with families I photograph over the years. Though the kids seem to grow up awfully fast! This young man is incredibly talented, it’s always interesting to hear what he’s up to and in to.

I also love that this family orders large canvas wall portraits, as well as collages. They come matted and framed and ready to hang (more info here). They enjoy their portraits as art on their walls they see every day. I always encourage printing and displaying over spending the same amount on the digital files that rarely are printed or even viewed.

Washington DC Family Photographer – fall garden photos

Jan — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:40:00 +0000

This family I had the pleasure to catch up with this fall, for photos in DC, is another longtime client. I’ve photographed them since Claire was a toddler and it’s been an honor to capture their family in photos every year or two since. She can share her mom’s clothes now, but will she be as tall as her mom for their next family photo session? And maybe mom will have published her second book too! Can’t wait to hear what they’ve been up to next time I see them!

Washington DC Family Photographer – Cousins turn One!

Jan — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 16:10:00 +0000

These cousins, in their adorable matching outfits complete with suspenders are going to grow up the best of friends! These photos are to celebrate turning One!

Reading books to small kids makes for a great way to interact, grab their attention, and keep them still for a moment – and make for sweet family moment photos. Once they are mobile, toddlers want to GO! Crawling, climbing, walking – so much to explore. Props can also work, a favorite toy that you don’t mind included in the picture, or something seasonal, like theses cute pumpkins. But most give us a run for our money to keep them happy and at least moving in the right direction toward the camera. But it’s all worth it for these adorable faces captured in photos!

Alexandria Family Photos – First Birthday

Jan — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:47:00 +0000

Turning One is a great reason for a family photo session! Capturing pictures of milestones is something you’ll never regret! You don’t realize how quickly your children change and grow until you look back at those previous family photos.

Capturing a moment in time for a growing family is such an honor! And Old Town Alexandria is always a great choice for a beautiful location.
When children are shy, I photograph that sweet snuggle of safety in a parents arms. When a child has a lot of energy, running toward the camera is always an active option. And parents can be included in the background, proudly looking on.

Maryland Backyard Family Photos

Jan — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 22:35:00 +0000

I always love seeing this family! I photographed their wedding, and all boys as newborns, and now get to catch up and see how the boys have grown for family pictures each year. The last few years we’ve used their beautiful backyard which works well with small active kids. And it’s so special that they include grandparents for family photos, such a great idea to have wonderful pictures of them with the grandkids as well! You’ll have to scroll down to the last picture. When we DON’T need the kids in the picture, they are right underfoot. Of course!