Family Photography Session in Big Meadows | Shenandoah National Park
Since moving back to the Shenandoah Valley, I’ve been slowly trying to get back to work here with family photography! I’ve taken a VERY long break from family sessions in the lower 48. In fact, I think I’ve only done maybe 1 or 2 since moving down here from Alaska. I’d built up such a solid client base in Alaska, it’s been hard to adjust to a different world down here. When I say different, I MEAN different. It’s hard to explain until you’ve done it, but Alaska’s economy and support for small businesses is unlike any other. It’s one of the reasons I go back so often. I get to catch up with the families I’ve been working with for years while also knowing I can book photoshoots there if I need to.
It’s time to get established in Virginia though, and I’m absolutely taking advantage of living at the base of Shenandoah National park in Elkton, Virginia. People travel from all over to see these mountains and it’s such a privilege to be able to just pop up there for a photoshoot.
Every once in awhile I have a session where there was a miscommunication and we don't go to the right location or even meet at the right time. This was one of those sessions. We were set to meet at Big Meadows at 7:30 for the sunset. I didn’t realize THEY didn’t realize we weren’t meeting at the Swift Run Gap entrance. There is very little service up in the mountains so once 7:30 came and went, I knew something was very wrong. Randomly a text came through and I realized what had happened. I also managed to get a text back to them, but Big Meadows is a longer drive up and I was worried we wouldn’t have any light by the time they got to me. It was also SO windy and cold. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous when they pulled in that I wouldn’t be able to deliver.
But, I DID and so did they. They were so much fun to work with! It was 8:15 before we got started and it was a race to still have light. They were a great example of, if you just go with the flow and love on your kids, you will have a gorgeous (big) gallery. I think I photographed them for maybe 15-20 minutes and sent them a gallery of almost 60 images.
Under the right conditions, I can work magic FAST, haha.
Enjoy these cuties below! If you’re interested in booking your own photoshoot in Shenandoah National Park, please reach out to me HERE!
5 Tips to Have Happy Kids at Your Virginia Family Photoshoot
The secret to happy kids at your session has nothing to do with threats or frustration. In fact, if you show up with that energy your kids are going to give you the same energy right back. Instead, you need to make your photoshoot FUN and make them feel like they’re included before it even starts.
1.) Tell them about your photographer, your photoshoot, and all the details. Kids are very interested in the who/what/when/where/why. Once they’ve hit the age they can talk, I’m usually spending most of the session answering questions about my entire life. So before your session, maybe go over the minor details of who their photographer is. Their name, details they’ve sprinkled in their bio, and even their picture would be great! Showing up to a stranger with a camera doesn’t sound very fun, especially when you’re little. Giving a backstory can really help them put the puzzle pieces together so they feel like they understand (somewhat) what’s going on.
2.) Explain HOW the session is going to go. We are going to meet x (photographer) at x (location) on x (day/time). If you’re working with me, explain that these are not cheesy smile at the camera pictures! I want them to have FUN, so we’re going to go on a little adventure (or if indoors plan some fun activities) and I’m going to take pictures of them playing with you. That way, they don’t feel like they need to appear a certain way. They just need to have fun!
3.) Don’t be above bribery. Give them something to look forward to AFTER your session. Like, when we’re done we’re going to go get ice cream! Or, we’re going to go your favorite park! You get the idea. A light at the end of the tunnel helps with the kids that REALLY don’t want to be there (ahem, the older ones). Transitions can also be really hard. Many times kids don’t want to be there in the beginning and don’t want to leave at the end! Have something really good for them to look forward to at the end.
4.) PLAY WITH YOUR KIDS. Don’t just stand back with your hands in your pockets hoping your kids will do all the entertaining. You have to get involved. Run with them, hold their hand, throw them in the air, pick flowers with them, hug them, tickle them, do whatever you do normally to get your favorite giggles out of them. If you’re visibly uncomfortable, they’re going to follow your lead and also be visibly uncomfortable.
5.) Don’t get mad at them for not doing what you want them to do. Seriously, it helps no one. Some kids take awhile to warm up and that’s okay! Can you imagine your parents just driving you to a random place in nature all dressed up and telling you to act normal while a stranger puts a camera in your face? Sounds horrific, doesn’t it? Have patience. Even if they never really relax into the moment, I’ve been doing this a VERY long time. You’ll still get beautiful pictures.
By choosing to include them in planning your sessions and giving them the details, you’re going to have kids that are less weary of what’s happening and more excited to take part. They might be little, but they understand when an environment is uncomfortable. Giving them a little control of the situation can be so helpful.