While it might be pushing the boundaries of what’s usually considered “Northern Virginia,” Northern Fauquier Community Park is a wonderful choice for outdoor portraits. The M. family was looking for a location out in the western part of the area, and my Google skills told me N.F.C. Park might be a good choice. I don’t usually like to show up to a session without scouting a location first, but there was enough imagery online that I felt comfortable in my suggestion. When we met up on a typically hot and humid June morning, I could immediately tell it was a great location for relaxed, natural family photography. Within the first few minutes, I saw a variety of scenic backdrops and plenty of things to keep the kids interested.
Northern Fauquier Community Park features open spaces with grassy fields, a nice pond, an amphitheater, and a playground; all of which make it possible to capture both posed portraits and candid interactions within a short distance. The four-year-old twins really loved exploring and running around rather than constantly sitting for stuffy portraits.
The amphitheater, especially, proved to be a favorite spot for the twins. They put on a “show” and danced for Mom and Dad while I snapped photos. That area was also great for some composed family shots thanks to the tiered stone walls surrounding the stage.
The willow tree by the pond was a highlight of the natural setting for me. I really loved the images from here with those willow branches in the background. We grabbed a few posed portraits here as well, and then we played some games to get big smiles.
When there’s a playground involved, I always recommend that the kids run around on it for at least a few minutes. I’ve found that I can get great candids–capturing genuine expressions, movement, laughter, and sibling interactions–while they’re having fun. If the kids aren’t having fun, then no one is having fun!
Documenting those moments of fun and interaction is so important to a family’s story, and the photographs serve as a reminder of who everyone was at that specific moment. Because children (and we adults as well!) can change so quickly, it’s vital to preserve ordinary details: personalities, relationships, favorite activities, and appearance.
Since I’m a massive advocate for film photography, I took a few frames on 35mm film as well (the three shots above). I just love the softness, grain, color, and that tangible, nostalgic quality that film brings to the table. It’s a great complement to digital photography, and even those imperfect frames can become the photographs families treasure most. I offer a film add-on to all my digital sessions for those that want to include a bit of film, as well as film-only sessions.
If you live in Gainesville, Haymarket, or any of the western parts of Northern Virginia, I highly recommend Northern Fauquier Community Park as a location for photos. It would be ideal for family photography, couples photography, pet photo sessions, proposal photos, or engagement photography. Visit the contact page to book a session at Northern Fauquier Community Park or anywhere in the DMV.