I have been wanting to shoot at the DC War Memorial for a MINUTE. There’s access to clean light, a beautiful white marble backdrop, and it’s convenient for my DC families! I can tell you that it did NOT disappoint, and that had nothing to do with the location.

I MEAN DO YOU SEE THIS BABY BOY’S FACE?! He is going to be a big brother come November, and it was just this time last year that I was documenting his first few days of life. He hammed it up the entire time and just knew his cuteness was working me over. Honestly the easiest hour of work of my LIFE – you can’t beat it. I was thrilled to see this whole family again, and left with so, so much joy in my heart.

For all you photographers out there – this location is a win for a few reasons… here are a few:

1. Access to “clean” light, aka the light from the sky wasn’t clouded by trees, buildings, or anything colored.
2. The pavers are a natural color, so the light reflecting from the sky off the ground and back onto their face was neutral. If this was darker it wouldn’t have reflected as well, and if it was color (aka grass) it would have reflected a green tint onto their faces.
3. The background! The first things matter a LOT, but you can’t go wrong with this beautiful, white marble backdrop.