If I had a dollar for every time a parent asked me this before a session, I'd probably be writing this from a beach somewhere.
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Truth is, it&rsquo;s completely normal to feel a little nervous about how your kids will behave in front of the camera. You want beautiful photos&mdash;ones where everyone is smiling, the lighting is perfect, and your little ones are on their best behavior. But let me let you in on a little secret: the best family sessions are never about perfection. They're about play.
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The key to a truly memorable family photo session? Let your kids take the lead.
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Yes, really.
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Let them run, explore, laugh, and be their wonderfully wild selves. Instead of asking them to pose or smile on command (which rarely works anyway), I guide the session with gentle, playful prompts. Think blowing dandelions, playing tag, or tackling mom in a fit of giggles. When we lean into their natural energy rather than trying to contain it, magic happens.
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Take one of my sessions as an example. This lovely family fully embraced the idea of play. They trusted me to steer their kids toward joyful moments&mdash;without forcing anything. We got laughter, snuggles, and even a surprise splash when one little one decided to leap into the water mid-shot while I was photographing mom and dad.
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Was it part of the plan? Not even close.
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Was it perfect? Absolutely.
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Because that spontaneous moment? That&rsquo;s the one they&rsquo;ll remember forever. Not just because of the photo, but because of the joy, the silliness, the togetherness it captured.
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When you look back at your family photos, I want you to see you. Not a staged version. The real, giggly, sometimes messy, always beautiful story of your family.
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So the next time you're worried your child won&rsquo;t cooperate, just remember: the most meaningful images come from letting go&mdash;and letting play take the lead.

"What If My Kid Hates Having Their Photo Taken?" — The Secret to a Joyful Family Photo Session

When you think of eloping, perhaps the first places that come to mind are sandy beaches or quiet forest hideaways. However, for those who have more of a connection to art and history than the outdoors, an indoor elopement might be the perfect option. And what better place to exchange vows than in the breathtaking setting of The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC?
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One of our lovely couples planned to exchange their vows in front of the Washington Monument. DC's temperamental weather put a wrench in those plans with high winds and freezing temperatures. The bride then had the brilliant thought of utilizing another one of DC's big draws, their museums.
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This iconic establishment is not only a cultural hub, but it also serves as an exquisite backdrop for a unique, intimate wedding ceremony. Imagine saying 'I do' amidst European masterpieces, decorative sculptures, and the soft glow of elegant, historic lighting fixtures. Every corner of this place whispers stories of romance and passion immortalized in art.
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Your vows will echo through halls that have hosted countless visitors, each seeking their own connection to the past and future through the universal language of art. Stunning architecture, lush greenery, and jaw-dropping works of art all in one prime location. Did I mention they are photographer friendly? Just be respectful of the art, visitors, and staff and you will be welcome to have your big day captured.
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The National Gallery of Art offers a unique blend of history, culture, and beauty, creating an atmospheric setting that is both intimate and grand. As you walk hand in hand through the galleries, your love story becomes part of the tapestry of tales that these walls have seen. It's not just about the aesthetic appeal; it's about the emotion, the history, and the shared appreciation of art that makes this location so special.
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If you're looking for an elopement location that is as unique as your love story, consider The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. Here, you can start your new chapter amidst timeless masterpieces, making your special day truly unforgettable. This is more than just a wedding venue; it's a place where love, art, and history intertwine to create the perfect setting for your indoor elopement.
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Elope in Style: The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC

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Happy International Women&rsquo;s Day! It's a day we hold dear to our hearts, as it offers us an opportunity to appreciate the remarkable women we have had the privilege of photographing. Looking through our archive we see stories of strength, resilience, and beauty. This blog post is a tribute to these incredible women who have graced our frames.
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From business owners to artists, from sisters to partners, from daughters to mothers, these women embody versatility and power. It's a testament to their limitless potential, their capacity to be and do anything. We could easily create ten more blog posts dedicated to each one of these inspiring women, such is the depth and richness of their stories and achievements.
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We are fortunate to work with these women, who are not only inspiring as individuals but also as a collective force that drives our community forward. They are the ones who truly run the world, and we are merely here to capture their light and share it with the world.
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In this post, we're taking a stroll down memory lane, revisiting some of our favorite moments and the incredible women we've photographed. As you scroll, you will find two boutique owners, a cosmetic tattoo artist, a knitter and crocheter, a teacher, a mental health advocate, a realtor, a coffee shop owner, and an athlete. Head to our Instagram @millrunphotography to check out the tagged photos and support these incredible women.
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In celebrating International Women's Day, we wish to highlight the importance of supporting women-owned businesses. Each follow, each word of encouragement, and each purchase from these businesses helps create a more equitable world.
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So, here's to the women who've stood in front of our cameras, the women who've made their mark in their respective fields, the women who inspire us every day. Here's to the women who run the world. Happy International Women's Day!
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Remember, every day is a good day to celebrate the women in our lives. So, let's take this moment to appreciate their tenacity, courage, and the invaluable contributions they make to our society.
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Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Tribute to Women We've Captured Through Our Lenses

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There's something magical about capturing portraits during the 'golden hour' and 'blue hour' &ndash; those fleeting moments just before sunset and just after sunset, when the world is bathed in a warm, soft glow, and then in a dramatic, cool shade. As a professional photographer, these are my favorite times of day to shoot. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing such moments with a very special subject: my dear friend, Taylor.
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Taylor and I have been close friends for over a decade, and our bond is something that I cherish. We have shared countless moments of laughter, tears, and everything in between. Being able to capture her personality through my lens was not just a job, but a wonderful experience as well.
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The photoshoot took place in Maryland, where we both grew up and where I am currently based as a photographer. As an 'somd photographer', I love using the natural beauty of our home state as a backdrop for my work, and this session with Taylor was no exception.
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As we ventured into the shoot, we immediately began bouncing ideas off of each other. Not only was she excited to be in front of the camera, but she was also eager to be a part of the creative process. Her input and ideas were invaluable, and they brought a unique touch to the photos that I wouldn't have been able to achieve on my own.
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Using my trusted Nikon, I was able to capture Taylor's vibrant personality, her infectious laughter, and her genuine warmth. These evening portraits are more than just photos; they are a reflection of our decade-long friendship, encapsulated in the golden and blue hues of the setting sun.
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Looking back, I am grateful for this experience. It was a reminder of why I chose photography as my profession &ndash; to capture and immortalize moments of joy, friendship, and love. This evening with Taylor was filled with all these and more, and I am thrilled to have been able to capture it all.
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Here's to many more golden hours and blue hours filled with laughter, friendship, and the joy of capturing beautiful moments. As a Maryland photographer, I am always ready to capture these special moments, whether it's with an old friend like Taylor or with someone new. So, if you're in need of a photographer, don't hesitate to reach out. After all, every hour can be a golden hour or a blue hour, if you're ready to see it that way.

Capturing Evening Portraits With A Great Friend

Photo shoots with Brianna and Ryan are ALWAYS the best experience! They're extremely knowledgeable and make their shoots fun and comfortable. You'll have a blast and have beautiful photos.

Taylor H.

Ryan and Brianna are incredible to work with in so many aspects. They make you feel comfortable, confident, beautiful, happy, and everything in between. Capturing certain moments and emotions can be challengingand yet they do it so effortlessly. I have had three photoshoots with them and it is always so easy yet exciting. Their energy is fabulous and so is their work!!

Grace F.

After doing a branding shoot with Brianna & Ryan, I knew they were the photographers for me! We did a family photoshoot in the fall and the pictures are gorgeous. My toddler didn't really want to cooperate and Brianna knew exactly what to do to get a great shot. She was so good with our toddler and patient. I can't wait to do photos with them again this fall!

Jax B.

Brianna and Ryan were amazing to work with! This was our first professional photo experience, and they made us feel so comfortable. We were nervous - we're not the most photogenic people around - but with them, it felt like second nature. They had us laughing and enjoying every moment of it. And they captured all of that joy in every photo!! Such beautiful images that I will treasure forever and will definitely frame for our new home. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!

Nicole A.

I've known Brianna for YEARS. I saw that she always had great family photos on Facebook and when I needed some taken in Maryland I reached out to her, at that point Mill Run Photography didn't exist. I'm so thankful that she said that she could take them with her husband Ryan, because now I have amazing memories and they have an amazing business!!! I really couldn't recommend them more. Photos from these shoots have been the background of my phone since 2021! The only regret I have is not booking them for my NYC wedding.

Rachel C.

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