I don't normally start out my blog posts this way, but I have to give a big shout out and thank you to the Wolff-Pell family, who were so understanding and flexible during this session. Just days before we were supposed to meet, I broke the news to them that the location they originally chose for their photos recently started charging an outrageous photography fee. We had 48 HOURS to figure out a new location and, once again, Sligo Creek Park came to the rescue!

I had a blast with the Wolff-Pells as we walked around the woods here in Silver Spring, talking life, love and babies. That little you see is Tallulah and she did such a great job turning on the charm for the camera! Her mom and dad beam with pride when they're around her -- and how could they not? Just look at that smile!

What made these photos especially fun is the fact that they were gifted to this family by a loved one. I might be biased, but I can't think of a more precious gift for a family than professional photos. I love how these turned out and I hope this family cherishes them for years to come.

One of the questions clients most often ask is where they should get photos taken. I encourage clients to take a lead on picking locations, especially if there's a place that has special meaning to them, but more often than not, they defer to me for answers... and I'm always happy to help.

I love having a list of great go-to spots for family and engagement photos, but as of last week, my list shrunk. A place I always used to recommend recently implemented a new photography policy, and now requires photography permits that can cost as much as $180 for a two-hour session! That's a cost I have to pass onto my clients, and unless clients have a deep emotional attachment to the area, I just can't justify that kind of expense.

So, with a little help from my friends Katy and Josh, I spent a few hours over the weekend scouting out great locations in another favorite place -- Sligo Creek Parkway. Can I just say how much I LOVE Sligo Creek Parkway? Cliff and I call it the enchanted forest because, well, just look at those pictures! It's pristine wilderness in the middle of the city!

For those who don't already know, Sligo Creek is just northeast of Downtown Silver Spring and runs nine miles from University Blvd. down past Washington Adventist Hospital. It's also where Cliff and I got our own family photos taken, so I can vouch for its beauty in more ways than one. The tricky part is finding secluded areas that make great spots for photos. Within that nine mile stretch are tennis courts, soccer fields, a golf course and lots of street crossings -- which aren't ideal for backdrops.

After a drive through the parkway, I selected a few spots from the road that I thought might make great photo locations, but I needed to test them. That's where Katy and Josh came in. (By the way, if they look familiar to you, its because they are!) They were kind (and patient) enough to put up with some crazy while I directed them to sit on rocks, walk over bridges, stand under trees and, yes, even crawl through brush to test locations. And you know what? I think I found some great ones!

Not every idea I had worked, but I was pleasantly surprised by what did. The best part, in addition to spending fun time with friends, was discovering hidden gems that I didn't even know about! You can be certain you'll be seeing more from Sligo Creek on the blog soon!