I'm going to share a secret that most photographers probably keep to themselves: As a photographer, you always have favorites.

Favorite lenses. Favorite locations. Favorite photos. Favorite clients.

When it comes my to favorites, Allison, Melvin, and Bernie are it. I just adore this family!

Sadly, because of the pandemic, we haven't seen each other in over a year. It was so good catching up during our photo session near their home in Gaithersburg. It's hard to believe how much Bernie has grown -- the last time I saw him, he had just turned one!

As a photographer, it was also good to be challenged.

​This photo session took me out of my comfort zone in two unique ways: location and timing. Not only were we not in Sligo Creek, but the only time Allison, Melvin, and Bernie could meet for photos was around noon.

In most cases, I encourage my clients to meet for photos around 2 hours before sunset because that's when natural light is the best. At noon, and without clouds, the sunlight can be harsh. Because of this, I had to constantly be aware of my surroundings and pay close attention to how and where Allison, Melvin, and Bernie were standing in relation to the sun. I was worried about delivering photos that wouldn't meet my standards.

Allison was kind enough to pose for a test shot, though, and the rest, as they say, is history! I even captured a few images that have become new favorites!

Do you have a favorite from this collection? Let me know in the comments section below!

2020 has been a wild and crazy year full of challenges and heartbreak. It may feel like all hope is lost and all love is gone, but I know that is not true. I know that because of families like the Rodriguezes. This entire family is so full of joy, and their loving spirit shines through in these images. It was an absolute pleasure working with them!

I love working with families, but I especially adore working with moms and daughters. There's just something special about the bond a mother shares with her daughters, and I was honored to be able to capture that relationship in these images. Aisha and her daughters Noelle and Cece were delightful to work with, and their loving, fun spirit really shines through in these photos!

Sligo Creek Parkway has always been a haven for me. Walking along the nine-mile trail offers a chance to slow down, collect my thoughts, and be with nature. It also offers a chance to connect with those who love the parkway as much as I do. That's certainly the case with the Habicht Family.

For this lovely family of four, Sligo Creek was a discovery made during the pandemic. They have spent the year exploring the parkway and couldn't wait to show me some of their favorite spots during our time together. It was at one of those spots, near a favorite boulder, where a Jonna Michelle Photography first happened: daughter Abby lost her tooth DURING our session! It was such a simple, beautiful reminder that even in chaotic and troubling times, life still goes on.

Fall is always a magical time -- the crisp air and colorful leaves make me want to spend every waking moment outside. I couldn't have asked for a better start to the fall family photo season than by spending time in Sligo Creek with the Arnett Family. Mom and Dad Gina and Josh were so fun to work with, and little Marty is just a doll. I especially loved how this family included grandparents in their photo session as well. Look for more from Jonna Michelle Photography coming soon!

I'm thrilled to be able to share these images of Baby Alice and her proud parents, Maggie and Zack. We spent last Sunday afternoon together at their home in Mount Rainier and, as you can see, everything was gorgeous... from the soft, golden light to Maggie's radiant cream dress to the way baby Alice slept so comfortably in the baskets we set her in. What stuck with me the most from this session, however, is just how at ease Maggie and Zack were in their new role as parents. I wish them and baby Alice only the best.

It's funny... the older I get the more I grow to appreciate and -- dare I say -- even love winter. As brutal and gloomy as this season may feel to some, I've learned to embrace the darkness and the cold and reflect upon what winter teaches us about life. To me, there's something special about turning inward, slowing down, finding peace, and just being. That's what this season means to me, and its why Winter Solstice has become one of favorite days of the year. 

I couldn't have picked a better way to spend Solstice than with this gorgeous family. Mom Alysson and Dad Yemboado were so lovely to work with, but for me, the star of the show was daughter Siena. She came fully prepared with her own ideas for photos -- and they worked out surprisingly well! During she session we sang, we danced, we even pretended she was a forest queen who lived in a cave! It's been awhile since I've had such creative fun at a family photo session!

As excited as I am to Alysson and Yemboado as neighbors, I'm just as thrilled that their kiddos will get to grow up surrounded by nature. Even for an adult, Sligo Creek is full of beauty and surprises. I can only imagine this place must be a goldmine for kids, and I hope Alex and Siena grow to love the parkway as much as I do. Based on the fun we had during our time together, something tells me they're already well on their way... :)

Since its getting colder outside I've been doing more and more family sessions indoors, which is such a treat. It gives me an opportunity to hone some skills I don't always get to use, and I get a glimpse of the way others live, which is always fun :)

Getting to work with this Silver Spring family was especially exciting. They live in a mid-century modern masterpiece built by famed architect Charles Goodman. If you don't know much about Charles or his work, definitely read up. He designed a few different neighborhoods here in the DMV and the original national airport just outside of DC. Having the opportunity to experience one of his creations was such an added bonus to the time I got to spend with this family!

Ade, Zac, and Ethan are such a joy. It's clear how much mom and dad absolutely adore their little one. Ethan is a charmer and was more than happy to show me his toys, including his favorite farm animal puzzle. When it was time to go outside, he was all about the swinging, which -- pro tip -- always makes for really adorable photos.

I wish Ade, Zac, and Ethan -- and everyone reading this post -- a warm holiday season and blessings for a bright New Year.

I had such a wonderful time a few weekends ago helping this beautiful family welcome their newest member, sweet baby Selene. Proud parents Ian and Amy welcomed me to their home here in Silver Spring, where I spent a few hours watching them cuddle and coo their two precious babies.

As much as I adore photographing newborns, the best part of this photoshoot was getting to know big sister Angela. She's one of those kids with real personality, and it was so fun watching her react to the camera and working with her to draw out her best smile. I can already tell Angela is going to be one great older sister.

I'm more than a little behind on blogging, but that's okay -- better late than never, right? I can't believe this session happened almost a full year ago!!

​I love using my camera to bring people together and one way I do that is through Silver Spring's food festival, Taste the World in Fenton Village. Not only do I try to photograph this festival every year, but I also donate a door prize -- a family photo session!

The lucky winners of the 2017 prize are the Guinnessy Family. The three of us met in the fall of last year for a family photo shoot and I love how these images turned out! The timing couldn't have been better. Just look at those GORGEOUS leaves!

Want to win a FREE family photo session? Mark your calendars for 2019's Taste the World in Fenton Village happening May 19. I hope to see you there!