Kait likes coffee, but she’s never been a fan of tea. The irony is that her photo shoot is at Lady Camellia, a tea house, and Kait very much looks like she belongs. Renée and I are also salivating, because Debbie, the owner, has brought out a stunning display of pastries and sandwiches – and tea for us to try – and it’s sitting in front of Kait!

I so vividly remember meeting each of my boys. My eyes tear up a little every time…they are these little miracles that will grow into themselves and they are given to us to simply love. It’s not always complicated, it’s quite simple actually: share love and it will bring light to your life.

For many, joy is in your family, and capturing the togetherness of family is a tradition we love. As the clock resets and a new year begins, there's magic in the air. It’s a fresh start, full of hope, new goals, and exciting opportunities. Capture this moment with fresh photos and mark the turning of a new chapter in your life.

I’m grateful for a wonderful week celebrating and reflecting on all the goodness that surrounds us…especially at Renée C. Gage Photography. There are so many women in our community that raise each other up to create, help and bring us all together! 

After more than 20 years of photo adventuring on the go, I am beyond excited to have a physical space of my own! It was my heart’s desire to open my photography studio in Alexandria at 7946 Fort Hunt Road. The launch of the studio coincided perfectly with a major family milestone—we signed the lease on the very day of my husband's retirement from the US Navy after 26 years of service.

With chlorine, sun and salt water no longer wreaking havoc on our manicures, we’re all in for rocking some new nail looks this fall. Our hands are an extension of our daily look/vibe/mood and keep us feeling polished (pun intended) during the fall madness. While we’ve been out and about in Old Town, we couldn’t help but notice the vast range of shades and styles displayed on our friends’ hands. So we asked our contributors to share the fall hues they’re loving:

Since our inaugural Heirloom Portrait session at Monday’s Child in 2020, the tradition of capturing timeless children’s portraits has evolved into a cherished event. With a special place in my heart for children, I love creating these timeless images. Heirloom Portraits are photographs you will hand down to your future generations. They capture the true beauty and spirit of a person…of a child…of a moment paused in time.

People are often surprised and curious about the span of our five boys and the adventures we have. The simultaneous life events that traditionally don't coincide and all the little moments in between remind us—this is what matters most.

Renée signs everything “Shine Bright” and when you meet her, you’ll immediately grasp that because her energy puts you at ease. “I journal a lot…to find the light in myself, for my family, as a photographer I’m always looking for a light, and finding light, being the light.”