I LOVE when families opt out of buying stuff for the holidays and instead invest in experiences they can enjoy together. That's what I always did for my nieces, who had everything their hearts desired and more. What could I buy them they they would cherish for more than an hour? Instead, every year they would receive a card with a ticket to a fun-filled weekend at Aunt Hannele's and it was just the best, for all of us.
Enter Renee, James and Kingston. This year instead of giving each other gifts they opted to do a photo session the weekend before Christmas. We met up at dawn in Georgetown's Waterfront and photographed for a few hours under the warm tones of the morning light. We played along the Potomac and strolled over to the Kennedy Center's new R.E.A.C.H. campus for an art-inspired backdrop.
Kingston, a 12 year old Chow Chow, reveled in all the attention—running around the park and soaking up all the love from his favorite people. Renee and James were natural models and were up for anything so we were able to capture so many sweet moments together. As we walked to our cars at the end, they exclaimed that this was way more fun than they anticipated. I know it's not always easy being in front of the camera so that to me was a sign of success. :)
