Special Portrait Sessions at Monday's Child

Taking photos of kids can be stressful, really stressful. I'm certain that my family holds the record for the worst meltdown The Scout Guide Alexandria has ever seen for a photoshoot. The crying, the desperate bribes, mom's time-out threats whispered under a forced smile while looking at the camera. All you need is that one shot, but it can feel hard to get.I've gotten to work with many incredible photographers in Alexandria, and I'm in awe of their beautiful work and their love of our community and town. If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Renée C. Gage of Renée C. Gage Photography, let me assure you - she makes family photos actually enjoyable! This patient, calm, kind soul, mother of five boys, is beautiful on the inside and out and incredibly talented at what she does. Renée works to tell the stories of her subjects with elegance and whimsy, and she delivers. She was just awarded the 2021 winner of the "Best Portrait of a Child" by Virginia Professional Photographers Association. We are so excited to host her this month for two days of special sessions: Black and White Heirloom Photos on Saturday, April 17, and Holy First Communion Photos on Sunday, April 18.   We love all things classic and black and white - Heirloom Portraits are timeless treasures that will be loved for generations to come. During a quick 20 minute (socially distanced) studio session, Renée will capture an angelic vignette that will be printed on fine art paper. She'll then be back the next day for sessions of First Communion portraits with the option of color or black and white photos on fine linen paper. A print is included in the session package, and options for framing and additional prints are also available.  I have a family picture hanging on our wall at the store that was taken over two years ago, and it's become a daily reminder of how fast time goes, how babies don't keep, and how important it is to not only take pictures but to print them and hang them on your walls! The beauty of these sessions is that a few weeks after pictures are taken, Renée will have a beautiful 8x10 ready to hang on your wall (conveniently in time for Mother's Day). I often get paralyzed by indecisiveness when it comes to picking pictures and framing them, but with her help and talented eye, you will have the perfect photo-ready for your wall. I had no intention of being a subject for an heirloom photo, but Renée gently coaxed me to sit for a few minutes and then surprised me with a beautiful print that I know my family will cherish. Every now and then, moms need to be on the other side of the camera.  We hope you will take advantage of this very special opportunity! Sign up here!