How to Get Timeless Family Photos | Northern Virginia Photographer
Looking for a Northern Virginia family photographer with a timeless style? You’re in the right place! Since beginning my business back in 2016, “timeless” has been a core part of my work. I’ve always wanted my clients to be able to look back at their photos 5, 10, 30 years from now and remember the moment – without feeling like they’re dated or out of place. There are a few ways you can do this for your own family photos! Here are tips for getting timeless family photos at your next family session.
1. Find a photographer who specializes in timeless.
This is a really big one! You can’t get timeless photos if your photographer doesn’t shoot or edit in that style. The big question – where do you start with this task? Here are a few ideas.
First, carefully look over a potential photographer’s website to see the style of their work. Look for a consistent editing style throughout all the photos you see, and make sure you love what you see! Can you picture yourself and your family in their work? It’s also important to look closely at their editing style. Timeless photos often have true-to-life colors and avoid trendy edits that are popular at the moment. Look at color tones including the greens in the trees / leaves / grass, skin tones, and overall warmth (does the photo have a really yellow/orange/warm tone, a cooler/blue tone, or is neutral and right in the middle)? While this seems very technical, once you start looking closely you’ll be able to see the differences!
2. Be intentional when selecting your location and start time.
Light and location are two of the biggest things that affect the final look of your photos. First, I’ll tackle light. You want soft, flattering light so you can look your best. For outdoor sessions I prefer early morning or just before sunset (although there are some exceptions)! My photography studio in Sterling, Virginia, gets perfect light from 10 AM – 2 PM. And if you’re thinking of in-home, I’ll help you pick the best time based on when your home gets the most natural light!
For location, the goal is to choose a place that will be a beautiful backdrop without distracting you from the main subjects – your family! In Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland there are many beautiful locations for portraits. I have a whole list for my clients to look through, along with photo examples so they can get an idea of how they photograph. I’m also open to new ideas, however, I will let you know if I think a location won’t work well!
3. Wear neutral, timeless clothing.
This doesn’t mean you should all wear white. Instead, focus on a color palette that has neutral tones with a soft pop of color. See examples from past style boards I’ve created for my clients! Avoid the latest style trends, opting for simple, classic pieces that will stand the test of time. If I’m your photographer, you can wear dresses in my curated client closet of dresses, and I can help you pick outfits for everyone else! Rest assured you will have a gorgeous, cohesive family look that stands the test of time.
4. Embrace connection during your session instead of being too “posed.”
I know it’s nice to have those “smiling at the camera” shots, and we’ll definitely capture a few during our time together. But outside those, it’s best to fully immerse yourself with your family. Don’t worry about posing and looking perfect. Instead, relax and be yourselves! Let the kids run around and play, embrace the random cuddles, and smile through the tougher moments. (It’s bound to happen, especially if you have toddlers)! Real, authentic moments are often the very best ones.
5. Print your photos so they stand the test of time.
Think about how you want to enjoy your photos as a family down the road. Do you want to flip through them on a phone, or is it a better experience to actually flip through pages of an heirloom album? As a full service photographer, I’m here to take printing, framing, and album design off your plate! I know you are super busy with your own family, and while you may love having your photos printed, it can be so hard to actually check this off your to-do list. I only work with the best of the best in the industry. So you know your prints are in good hands! Frames are museum quality, heirloom albums are designed to last 100+ years, and individual fine art prints are thick, luxurious, and oh so pretty.
About this Northern Virginia Family Photographer
Emily Alyssa Photography offers outdoor family, maternity, and couples portraits throughout Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. She also offers studio and in-home portrait sessions. Her natural light photography studio is in Northern Virginia. With an emphasis on a relaxed, natural photography style, she enjoys getting to know her families and documenting this special time in their lives. Interested in commissioning Emily for your family photos? Reach out for more details: