When Mr. H and I spoke on the phone, these were his first words:

“This family portrait session is a surprise for my wife, who’s been wanting to do family portraits since our daughter was born. I found you on Yelp – I looked for professional photographers in the Kensington area with the best reviews, then looked for a photographer who specializes in family portraits. Now, my #1 concern is to select a family photographer who is comfortable working with kids and has the patience that that entails. Our daughter moves (!), and I want off-the-wall pictures that capture her. My #2 concern is that our schedules are very busy, and we need a photographer who’s willing to work with us to find a time for our family portraits that’s convenient.”

Mrs. H. was set on spring-time family portraits beneath Washington DC’s cherry blossoms. So I got us a photo permit from the National Park Service for the Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, and FDR Memorial, and despite the HOARDS of tourists who uncharacteristically swarmed the Tidal Basin at our early morning hour, I managed to create a series of family portraits that really show off this family’s personalities (and make the Tidal Basin look like a calm place with no one else around)!

After the family portrait session and before the H’s ordering appointment, Mr. H sent me a photo of their living room, and together, we created the perfect layout for a 4-piece family portrait grouping of metal prints to hang above the fireplace. Scroll to the bottom of this post to see their love grouping!