1. Crispus Attucks Park: A Community Treasure

Nestled between the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods, Crispus Attucks Park is a small, community-maintained green space that offers a peaceful retreat from the city hustle. This park is named after Crispus Attucks, the first casualty of the American Revolution.

Highlights:

• Community Gardens: The park features beautiful community gardens maintained by local residents.
• Quiet Spaces: Enjoy a serene atmosphere with benches and shaded areas perfect for reading or meditation.
• Dog-Friendly: The park is a popular spot for dog owners and their furry friends.

Pro Tip:

Visit in the early evening to enjoy the park’s tranquil ambiance and meet friendly locals walking their dogs.

2. Mitchell Park: A Hidden Gem in Kalorama

Located in the Kalorama neighborhood, Mitchell Park is a charming, lesser-known green space that offers a variety of recreational activities. This park is a favorite among locals for its well-maintained facilities and quiet atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Tennis Courts: Enjoy a game of tennis on the park’s well-maintained courts.
• Playground: The park features a modern playground perfect for families with young children.
• Shady Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic tables and shaded areas make it an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic.

Pro Tip:

Pack a picnic and spend a relaxing afternoon under the park’s large, shady trees.

3. Westminster Playground: A Local Favorite

Tucked away in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood, Westminster Playground is a small, lesser-known park that offers a quiet escape and a place for community gatherings.

Highlights:

• Playground Equipment: The park features playground equipment that’s perfect for young children.
• Basketball Court: Shoot some hoops at the park’s basketball court.
• Community Events: Check out the park for local community events and gatherings.

Pro Tip:

Visit during a community event to experience the park’s lively and welcoming atmosphere.

4. Chevy Chase Circle: A Historical Green Space

Straddling the border between Washington, D.C. and Maryland, Chevy Chase Circle is a historic and lesser-known park that offers a peaceful, circular green space surrounded by beautiful homes.

Highlights:

• Historic Fountain: The centerpiece of the park is a historic fountain that adds to its charm.
• Walking Paths: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the circle’s well-maintained walking paths.
• Serene Atmosphere: The park’s quiet, residential setting provides a serene escape.

Pro Tip:

Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Chevy Chase neighborhood to admire the historic architecture.

5. Dumbarton Oaks Park: A Natural Sanctuary

Adjacent to the more famous Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, Dumbarton Oaks Park is a hidden natural sanctuary that offers a peaceful retreat and a connection with nature.

Highlights:

• Woodland Trails: Explore the park’s woodland trails that wind through lush greenery and along a stream.
• Historic Stone Bridges: Discover charming stone bridges and small waterfalls throughout the park.
• Birdwatching: Bring binoculars to spot a variety of bird species in this tranquil setting.

Pro Tip:

Visit during the spring or fall for the most vibrant foliage and serene atmosphere.

The post Discover D.C.’s Lesser-Known Neighborhood Parks: Hidden Gems in the Capital first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Preparing For Your At-Home Newborn Shoot

A 6 Step Guide On What To Expect

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1. Preparing Your Home

You’ve just had a baby, life is hectic! You already have an A+ in my book just for scheduling this shoot. So let’s not add too much to your already full plate. I will gravitate towards the rooms with the best light. Typically that is the main bedroom and living room. Cleaning off nightstands and hiding any clutter beside your couch is about all you really need to do. Don’t worry about the rest, I will move anything else that is in the way or that I think is distracting to the shot.

2. Safety

I take the health of my clients very seriously. My own children have an auto-immune disease that is triggered by illness so I make sure to take extra care when it comes to stopping the spread of germs. I will continue to wear a mask to all newborn sessions. I will also notify you of any illness in my home and ask you do the same. Rescheduling is no biggie and trust me when I say you will NOT love the photos of your toddler while they are fighting a cold. You can photoshop out a lot of snot but not a bad attitude.

3. Getting Started

After washing my hands I will get started photographing the baby. Typically we will begin in the main bedroom. That will give me enough space to move around the baby freely so I can get nice close-ups and detail shots. If you have an older child, especially if that child is a toddler and not super excited about the photoshoot then we will play the scenario by ear. I will encourage the toddler to hop in and out of the scene as they like. I try to make the session as stress-free and fun as possible. We will let them lead so we can encourage their cooperation throughout our session.

4. Taking Breaks

Sometimes the baby needs some extra breaks during the shoot and that is 100% encouraged. The ROI on taking a 20 minute break for baby to eat, snuggle and get a fresh diaper is through the roof when it comes to having a cooperative baby for the remainder of the session. I also include free nursing/feeding images if you like.

5. Including the Family

Once I’ve finished up with the newborn portraits we will bring in the other family members. Expect photos of mom & baby/children, dad & baby/children, siblings & baby and then the entire family. We will even try to include the family pets! Feel free to mention any additional shots or combos that you think I might have missed.

6. After Your Shoot

I’ll get started editing right away. You can expect the online delivery of your gallery about 2-3 weeks after our shoot. I will email that link to you. You can share, download and order prints from that gallery. You also receive a print release so you are free to print at your preferred lab. However, I highly suggest ordering directly from your gallery. I use a professional lab and the quality is much better than the commercial labs that are open to everyone. Your gallery will remain online indefinitely. Even so, please download your gallery when you have some free time, just in case. You can refer to my original gallery email for the link. Then all you have left is to enjoy your images and email me again when you are ready for another newborn or family shoot!

The post A 6 Step Guide On Preparing For Your Newborn Photoshoot first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

1. Choosing the Perfect Location for Family Photos:

2. Preparing for a Successful Family Photoshoot:

• Wardrobe coordination: Learn how to coordinate outfits without being overly matchy, creating a cohesive look for your family.
• Timing is everything: Understand the importance of scheduling your photoshoot at the right time of day for optimal lighting.
• Keeping children engaged: Discover creative strategies to capture authentic and joyful moments with children during the shoot.

3. Essential Photography Techniques for Capturing Family Moments:

• Using natural light: Understand how to leverage natural light to enhance the mood and atmosphere of your photographs.
• Candid vs. posed shots: Have several posed shots in mind but make sure to give the clients opportunity to add their personality. Simple instructions like “mom, look at dad” and “give snuggles and kisses” can create wonderful candid shots.

4. Editing and Enhancing Family Photos:

• Basic editing techniques: Learn essential editing techniques to enhance colors, adjust exposure, and fine-tune your family portraits.
• Preserving authenticity: Discover how to maintain the natural look and feel of your family photos while enhancing their visual appeal.
• Sharing and printing: Explore various options for displaying and sharing your family photographs, from social media to printing and framing.

Family photography is a wonderful way to capture and preserve the love and joy shared among family members. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to create stunning family portraits that will be cherished for generations to come. Embrace the art of family photography and embark on a journey of capturing moments that truly matter.

SEO Focus Keywords: family photography, family portraits, capturing moments, family photoshoots, preserving memories, editing techniques, displaying family photos.

The post Capturing Cherished Moments: A Guide to Family Photography first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Remember, working with toddlers requires adaptability and a sense of humor. Stay positive, go with the flow, and be prepared for unexpected surprises. With a little patience and creativity, you can capture stunning images of these little bundles of joy.

A Photographers Guide to Redirecting a Difficult Toddler

Tips for Photographers

Photographing toddlers can be a delightful but challenging task. Their boundless energy and unpredictable behavior can make it difficult to capture the perfect shot. Redirecting a difficult toddler during a photo shoot requires patience, creativity, and a few tricks up your sleeve. Here’s a photographer’s guide to help you navigate through the session:

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1. Establish a Connection: Start by building rapport and establishing a connection with the toddler and their parents. Engage with the child on their level, making them feel comfortable and at ease with you.
2. Choose the Right Location:
   Select a location that suits the toddler’s personality and interests. This could be a familiar place like their home or a nearby park where they can freely explore and play.
3. Be Prepared: Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, including a camera with a fast shutter speed to capture quick movements. Have extra batteries, memory cards, and any props you may need readily available.
4. Timing is Key: Schedule the photo shoot during the toddler’s happy and alert hours. Avoid naptime or mealtimes when they may be tired or hungry. A well-rested and content child is more likely to cooperate.
5. Keep It Short and Sweet: Toddlers have short attention spans, so plan for a relatively short photo shoot. Aim for 30-60 minutes to capture their best moments before they become restless or lose interest.
6. Make it Playful: Create a fun and playful atmosphere during the photo shoot. Use games, songs, or funny noises to elicit natural smiles and laughter. Let them explore the surroundings while you capture candid moments.
7. Follow Their Lead: Toddlers often have their own agenda. Instead of forcing poses or specific shots, go with the flow and follow their lead. Encourage them to explore and play, capturing their genuine expressions and interactions.
8. Involve the Parents: Parents can play an essential role in redirecting their child’s attention. Ask them to stand near you, behind the camera, and engage with the toddler. They can make funny faces, sing songs, or hold their favorite toys to get their attention.
9. Be Patient and Flexible: Patience is key when working with toddlers. They may have meltdowns, get easily distracted, or refuse to cooperate. Stay calm, flexible, and adapt your approach accordingly. Sometimes taking a break or changing the location can help reset the mood.
10. Capture Natural Moments: The most beautiful and authentic photographs often come from capturing natural moments. Let the child be themselves, and be ready to click the shutter at the right time. Candid shots can be the most memorable and cherished ones.

The post A Photographers Guide to Redirecting a Difficult Toddler first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Start With Mom’s Outfit

Let’s be honest, we are often more picky about how we look, and moms are typically pulling the outfits together anyways. Wear an outfit you feel great in! Please do not feel like you have to dress to the nines for the photo shoot. Relaxed and casual clothing like jeans and a t-shirt or light shirt/blouse or a floaty dress work particularly well for an at-home session. Clothing that is too formal may make it harder for you feel relaxed and in the moment. If you’d like to get a more formal shot then have that outfit on standby. You’ll be at-home so it’s no big deal to have a quick wardrobe change.

Coordinate Don’t Match

Today’s family pictures are more about coordinating than matching. Each person in your family can dress in a way that fits their own personality and you can still look pulled together in your family pictures. Start by picking a color palette and then add in accessories to pull the whole look together. For big family shots this can be particularly helpful advice. Telling everyone to wear what you want as long is it’s cream, navy or yellow for example, can help make picture day planning so much easier on everyone. Click HERE for color and outfit inspiration for the whole family.

Watch That Watch

Do you really want to wear your watch in your family photos? Yes, if it’s a piece of jewelry. No, if it’s constantly lighting up with incoming text notifications. It’s a great idea to skip the watch for the shoot. This applies to hair ties too!

Empty Your Pockets

Pocket bulges from phones and car keys don’t ruin a photo, but they sure do make your pants look silly!

Newborn Outfits

I think less is more when it comes to dressing your newborn. A plain or neutral onesie or snug fitting jammies is perfect attire for your babe. I’m sure you’ve received a ton of swaddle/receiving blankets over these past several months, chose a few of your favorites to have on hand for your photographer. Don’t worry about swaddling, your newborn photographer is likely a pro in this department. And, if you want some shots in that cute little outfit that is completely impractical but you had to buy it anyway, just have it ready to go. A quick outfit change isn’t a big deal if baby is still calm and happy at the end of the shoot.

Get Some Pro Help

Consider hiring a professional hair and makeup artist to come to your home before the shoot. This might seem like an unnecessary expense at first but I can promise you that having this help on picture day will be a good investment!

What-about Those Toes?

Like with the outfit, casual is best. Bare-feet, socks or even slippers are all great options!

Where to Shop:

Amazon

Nordstrom

H&M

Express

The post 7 Tips on Dressing For A Stress Free At-Home Photoshoot first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

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The post Photoshoot Outfit & Color Inspiration For Your Whole Family first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

Tips For Online Printing

• Tip 1  When printing on your own, please always select a “matte” or “lustre” finish.  Do not, I repeat, do not order “glossy”. Glossy prints will not show off the quality of your images and have a tendency to stick to the glass in a frame causing inconsistencies on the print.  They also have a tendency to collect finger prints.
• Tip 2  Make sure you TURN OFF any color correction or auto correct functions.  Many labs not only have this as an option but will also automatically apply it.
• Tip 3  Double check your crops.  Your images may not be sized perfectly for all print sizes sometimes resulting in a very unfortunate decapitation.  Make sure to double check any crop placement before hitting the ORDER button.
• Tip 4  Don’t print screenshots.  Take the extra step to download your images.  This often requires a computer as images sizes are likely too big to be stored on your phone.  If you’ve hired a professional photographer and then print screenshots, you’ve just wasted your money.

Jes’ Favorite Print Shops:

• Nations Photo Lab delivers good-looking, well packaged prints to avoid any shipping damage.  It is also one of the few services that offer an attractive gift-packaging option: A sleek box tied with a silk ribbon makes for an attractive gift shipped directly to family or friends. Nations also offers free shipping for orders of $50 or more and often you can find a promo code with a quick Google search.
• Mpix who is part of the Miller’s family, offers great prints with very little color and exposure change from the original image.  The prints are well packaged and like Nations you can also often find coupon codes online.
• Printique who comes from Adorama, delivers photo prints on a good choice of papers and in very sturdy shipping material.  They don’t offer as many photo gifts as some of the other labs but you can be assured that what they do have will be beautiful and arrive to you safely.
• Artifact Uprising offers a wide range of printed photo products and all of them are of superb quality.  From creation to order to shipment, Artifact’s photo printing services are on point.
• Framebridge is best for full-service online framing. They offer a simple ordering platform, and the quality is top-notch. Each frame is handcrafted, and the cost depends on the size of the finished product, but shipping is always free!
• Walmart Photo  Walmart makes this list because it’s a great option if you need your photos ASAP. Want your prints the day you order them? No other service here can boast that feature. The print quality can vary from store to store so don’t expect forever quality prints but they’ll do in a pinch.

The post Tips & Recommendations For Online Printing first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

START WITH MOM’S OUTFIT.

It can be hard to know where to begin. Start with one outfit and then you can build upon that. Let’s be honest, we are more picky about how we look, and moms are typically pulling the outfits together anyways. Wear an outfit you feel great in! Mother knows best!

CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE.

After you’ve picked mom’s outfit, think about 2-3 coordinating colors. The color palette you choose will affect your appearance and the overall look of your photo. Warmer colors like rose, cream, brown, yellow will give your photos a soft glowing look, while bold and vivid colors will produce a brighter and sharper appearance. Avoid overly saturated and bold colors, as they distract in the photo. Look for MUTED versions of the same color. For example, if you have a bright red shirt, try a muted dusty rose or rust color instead.

COORDINATE, DON’T MATCH.

Farewell to the days of matching white polos and khakis for family photos. Choose colors that complement each other but are not overly matchy-matchy. For example, avoid wearing the same color top as your spouse or putting your girls in the same matching dresses.

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER.

You might have the perfect outfit on, but if you’re freezing or sweating to death, a family photo session can quickly unravel especially for the little ones. Layering is the perfect solution for those chilly evenings or sweltering days! Remember, little ones get cold more quickly than adults when temperatures are low, so pack a cardigan or sweater for them. Consider buying cute coats for your session instead of a new outfit!

The post 4 Tips To Help You Decide What To Wear For A Fall Photoshoot first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

It can be difficult to get kids to cooperate in the best of circumstances! Many times they may feel uncomfortable with a photographer they don’t know well especially if we are in an unfamiliar place. Here are some tips for preparing toddlers for a photoshoot.

1. Prepare

Let your child know in the days ahead that “our friend Ms Jes will be coming to take our pictures!” Tell them that I love to play and I have stickers for good listeners! Let them take pics on your phone and let them know that I will show them how to take a picture on my camera too!

2. Eat

Make sure your toddler is well fed and rested before our session. Try to avoid snacks during the shoot unless your goal is to have a yogurt pouch in every shot.

3. Get Cozy

Make sure the outfit you pick for your toddler is comfortable. That is easy for indoor sessions but if our session is outside on a hot fall day, don’t try to get your toddler to wear a wool sweater. Maybe bring the sweater along and we can get a few shots with it and then change back to more weather appropriate clothing. Same is true for those freezing fall shoots. Consider buying a cute coat instead of a new outfit for your toddler. A cold toddler is the quickest way to ruin your photoshoot!

4. Stay Positive

Sometimes toddlers are overwhelmed during the photoshoot. That’s normal! If that is the case with your little one then instead of trying to get them to sit down and smile at the camera, try starting a tickle fight, play chase, swing them around or toss them up. If that is too much energy for your child then give some snuggles and kisses. Don’t worry about looking at the camera. Focus on looking happy instead!

5. Bribe

Just bribe them. All parents do it.

6. Don’t Say “Cheese!”

Let me work on getting a natural smile. I have a bunch of tricks up my sleeve to get those candid shots. Just sit back and relax and let me make a fool out of myself to get the smiles.

7. No Sick Kids!

I cannot stress this enough. Your child will not be happy to be there if they are sick and I will not be happy if I get sick after our session. Please reschedule if someone isn’t feeling well!

8. Bonus tip for parents, SMILE!

NEVER.STOP.SMILING. It only takes one second to get that great shot. It’s horrible when we finally get the kids to smile only to see later that the parents look miserable!

The post 7 Simple Tips to Prepare Your Toddler for Photo Day! first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.

1 SMILE!

You are probably thinking, “wow, what a concept, smile during the photos!” But! I can’t tell you have many great shots are ruined because we finally got the kid to smile only to have the parents talking or looking miserable. Even if your kid is crying, YOU keep smiling. It only takes one second to get a great shot so always be ready!

2 PACK LIGHT

Don’t give your child anything that you aren’t ok having in the final image. If you give your toddler a neon green sippy cup or the lollipop you promised to give them if they were good then YOU WON”T BE ABLE TO TAKE IT AWAY LATER! There will be tears. Wait until the end.

3 WHAT TO HAVE ON HAND

You should try to keep your “go bag” as light as possible. I like to snap some in between shots and you will look better if you aren’t weighed down like a pack mule. Consider bringing a blanket to sit on. You will likely be able to see it in your pics so make sure you like it! If you are including your pup then bring some dog treats! Tissues and baby wipes are a great idea too. Boogers and nose crusties can be a big pain to edit out of every photo.

4 PLAY!

Play with your child! Swing them, spin them, toss them in the air, give them tickles and kisses and cuddles. Be silly! This is how all the best shots happen! Don’t worry, I’ll get the traditional poses too!

5 RELAX

If we are at your home for the session then put on some music or even have a stiff drink before I arrive. Anything you can do to relax. 9am session? Crack open that White Claw. No judgement here!

6 DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

I’ll take care of that baby acne in post. I’ll keep an eye on any fly away hairs or if you get lipstick on your teeth. And if I don’t catch it the first time then there is always photoshop!

7 GET COZY

Get lovey with your partner and kiddos. Snuggle up, hold hands, kiss, whisper sweet nothings. You might feel stupid in the moment but you’ll love the results later!

8 TIDY UP

100% of my clients tidy up a bit before our home sessions but you can focus your cleaning efforts on a few spots. Tidy up bedside tables and the rooms with the best natural light (master bedroom, living room & nursery are the most photographed areas) but don’t worry, I’ll move something if I think it will be distracting in the photo!

The post 8 Tips for a GREAT FAMILY Photoshoot! first appeared on Jessica Caso Photography.