3 reasons why you should book a spring mini photo session.

I love spring sessions because the flowers are blooming and the weather is getting warmer (not too hot and not too cold!). Photo sessions not only give you pictures they give you an experience to cherish - they are memories in the making.

Three big reasons why to book:

1. Quality time together

2. Professional guidance

3. Documenting growth

I am a mom of a 16-year-old son and I have had several pets during my life. I sometimes want time to stop so I can enjoy a certain age. I know that cannot happen - thus I am grateful for pictures!

Here is my girl Coco. We said goodbye to her a few years ago. I miss her! But so glad I have pictures of her.

5 tips to capture awesome holiday pictures of your kids.

1. Plan the Right Time: Choose a time of day when your child is well-rested and in good spirits. This could be in the morning after breakfast or during a time when they typically feel most energetic. Avoid scheduling the photoshoot during their naptime or when they might be feeling tired or cranky.

2. Create a Festive Atmosphere: Set the scene by decorating your chosen location with holiday-themed props and decorations. This could include a beautifully adorned Christmas tree, twinkling lights, festive garlands, or seasonal ornaments. Creating a visually appealing backdrop will add warmth and charm to your holiday photos.

3. Engage Your Child in Fun Activities: Encourage your child to participate in holiday-themed activities that will naturally elicit joy and excitement. This is my favorite way to capture memories. This could include decorating cookies, wrapping gifts, playing with holiday toys, or building a snowman. Engaging in these activities will not only create memorable moments but also help capture genuine smiles and expressions.

4. Keep it Candid and Natural: While posed shots can be beautiful, some of the most memorable holiday photos are often candid and spontaneous. Allow your child to be themselves and capture their authentic personality and expressions as they enjoy the holiday festivities. Be ready to snap away when they least expect it, capturing those fleeting moments of joy and wonder.

5. Get Down to Their Level: To capture intimate and engaging portraits, kneel or sit at your child's eye level. This tip is also great for pet parents! This perspective allows you to connect with them on their level and capture their expressions and emotions more effectively. It also creates a sense of intimacy and warmth in the photos, making them feel more personal and relatable.

By following these tips and embracing the festive spirit of the holiday season, you can capture beautiful and heartwarming photos of your child that will be cherished for years to come. Happy holiday capturing!

Celebrating Our Furry Friends: National Dog Day and Beyond

As a pet photographer, every day is a celebration of the unique bond between humans and their beloved canine companions. However, on National Dog Day, observed annually on August 26th, we have an extra special reason to honor our furry friends. This day serves as a reminder of the unconditional love, loyalty, and joy that dogs bring into our lives. But did you know that there are several other national dog-related holidays throughout the year? Here are a few:

1. National Puppy Day (March 23rd):

A day dedicated to celebrating the adorable antics and boundless energy of puppies! National Puppy Day is all about raising awareness about puppy adoption and promoting responsible pet ownership. It's the perfect excuse to shower your furry friend with extra love and pampering.

2. National Mutt Day (July 31st):

Mixed-breed dogs, my favorite, often lovingly referred to as "mutts," hold a special place in our hearts. National Mutt Day encourages the adoption of mixed-breed dogs from shelters and rescues, highlighting their unique personalities and the joy they bring to our lives.

3. National Black Dog Day (October 1st):

Black dogs are often overlooked in shelters due to myths and misconceptions about their personalities. National Black Dog Day aims to raise awareness about the beauty and value of black dogs, encouraging their adoption and dispelling stereotypes.

4. National Dog Week (Last full week of September):

National Dog Week is a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring the contributions of dogs to society and promoting responsible pet ownership. It's a time to reflect on the bond we share with our canine companions and to recognize the important role they play in our lives.

These are just a few of the national dog-related holidays that provide opportunities for pet lovers to celebrate and appreciate their furry friends. Whether it's National Dog Day or any other day of the year, let's continue to cherish and celebrate the unconditional love, companionship, and joy that our canine companions bring into our lives.

I am passionate about capturing the unique personalities and special moments of dogs through my photography. If you're looking to commemorate the bond with your canine companion, reach out to me to schedule a photo session that celebrates the love and joy shared between you and your furry friend.

Wishing you and your beloved dogs a happy National Dog Day and beyond!

Adopt a pet! Check out our local animal shelters!

As a pet photographer based in Arlington, VA, I have come to know several shelters and rescues in the area where you can connect with adorable animals in need of loving homes. Here are a few notable ones:

1. Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA): AWLA is a well-known shelter in Arlington dedicated to the welfare of animals. They provide shelter, medical care, and adoption services for cats, dogs, and small animals.

2. Homeward Trails Animal Rescue: Although based in Fairfax Station, Homeward Trails serves the Arlington area as well. They rescue and rehome dogs and cats from high-kill shelters and rural areas. Homeward Trails also advocates for spaying/neutering and community education.

3. Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation: This rescue organization, located in Falls Church, is committed to saving abandoned and homeless pets and finding them loving homes. They hold weekly adoption events in the area.

4. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue: Lucky Dog Animal Rescue serves Arlington and the greater DC area as well. They rescue dogs of all breeds and sizes from high-kill shelters and find them foster or forever homes through adoption events.

5. Animal Welfare League of Alexandria: Although located in Alexandria, this shelter is nearby and serves the greater Northern Virginia area, including Arlington. They provide shelter, medical care, and adoption services for dogs, cats, and small animals.

These shelters and rescues are doing incredible work to save and improve the lives of animals in our community. If you're considering adopting a pet or want to support their efforts, reaching out to these organizations is a great place to start. Additionally, as a pet photographer, I have collaborated with a couple of these shelters. You may have seen my work when checking out the animals up for adoption!

Props at a Family Photo Session can bring awesome results!

Bubble makers! I used a bubble maker at a recent family session. I got some fun shots with the toddler, mom, dad and dog. Be sure and ask if you would like me to bring the bubble maker to your photo session.

Guinea Pigs are shockingly easy to photograph!

I have photographed many guinea pigs while volunteering for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. We use whiteboard photography to help highlight the animals we are photographing. Occasionally we use colorful backdrops that also help capture their personalities. As you may know, guinea pigs freeze when they get scared. We use treats to help calm them - and we get amazing results. Here are just a few of the many we have captured over the years.

Did you know that January is National Train Your Dog Month?

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria not only adopts dogs but also trains those with special behavioral needs. And they also offer training classes. Check out their website here for more information.

Here is an image of a dog that got some training while at the AWLA. I was lucky to capture some of the training session.

Make some great memories - get your pet's picture with Santa!

I have been working with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for years. One of the events I do with them is Pet Santa Pics. I would highly recommend doing this with your pet. Not only are the pictures fun but the memories you make during the session can be priceless. This year one of the dogs we were working with was scared of Santa. So we moved Santa to behind the tree and look at the results.

And here are a few more that make my heart melt.

Put a reminder on your calendar at the beginning of October to look for Pet Santa Picture events in your area. Many of them are held by local animal shelters. Not only do you get an amazing pic and some great memories but you also get to help animals!

I fell in love with photographing crabs on my summer vacation. Check out some of the pics I took.

I had no idea how fascinating crabs are.

Did you know that July 8 is National-Ice-Cream-Sunday day?

To celebrate I want to share with you this picture I took of my neighbor’s dog on a summer evening. She loves ice cream.

If you want fun pictures of your dog click here to get more information on how to sign up for a pet photo session.

Did you know that June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month?

Let’s celebrate the month by checking out all the cats that I have photographed since the begging of the year. Enjoy!

Worried about your dog's behavior at a photo session? 3 easy ideas to ease your worries.

I understand, I love my dog but she does not always listen to me! To help your dog have a successful session try these ideas:

1. Take your dog for a walk or to a dog park before the session starts (unload some energy!).

2. Bring their favorite treat to the session (always helpful!).

3. Have fun and relax at the session. Your dog picks up on your emotions so enjoy it with your dog.

3 insanely cute pics from our sessions with Kip @ AWLA

I know you will agree with us that these pics are cute!

If you want some amazing pics of your own pets click here.

Can hound doggies be lovable and cute?

I never get tired of taking pictures at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Check this out and see why.

This is Dolan. He is available for adoption at the AWLA. Check out all the animals available for adoption by clicking here.

Are you curious what a shelter photo session looks like behind- the-scenes?

It is hard to get a good action shot of a dog. Or is it?

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at a photo session at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. I am working with two amazing volunteers. We always finish the session by stating that the time we spend at the shelter is the highlight of our week. Enjoy a few snippets of our time at the shelter!

Photographing a playful dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Simple coaxing technique of using a dog toy to maneuver into position.

5 Reason Why You Should Sign Up for an Outdoor Photo Session Now (Don't Wait!)

5 Reasons why you don’t have to wait

1. Your wardrobe can enhance a session (colorful jackets in the winter, elegant scarves, breezy summer outfits, etc).

2. We can schedule early in the morning or later in the day pending weather.

3. You get your holiday pictures done!

4. You can make it an outing with friends in spring, summer, winter, or fall (who says photo sessions are just for family).

5. It is a fun activity you can do any time of year. It is more than just getting your pictures taken. The session becomes an awesome memory.

If you want to know more about booking a session with DeSilva Studios click here.

A couple of tips to get ready for a family photo session.

Can photo sessions be fun? Yes, they can!

A few days before the session:

• Check the weather forecast.

• Think about clothing - Do you want to have color consistency in all outfits? If so choose 3 or 4 colors and mix and match everyone’s outfit. Do you want everyone to wear the same style (casual, dressy, athletic)? Do you want to bring a fun accessory for everyone (sunglasses, baseball caps, your favorite sporting team t-shirts) for a silly family shot? Do your kids like sports (bring a football or soccer ball for an action shot)?

• Think about snacks - keep everyone happy by bringing some snacks and water.

The morning of the session:

• Check the weather forecast.

• Collect all accessories and snacks.

• Leave 10 minutes earlier than you think you need to (so you don’t feel like you have to rush).

• Remember photo sessions are fun!

So many of us care about how we look in front of the camera. Yet during my photo sessions, we concentrate on having fun, and that is what comes through in the picture. Organize yourself and leave early and you too can have a fabulous photo session. Email me at alison@desilvastudios.com to book a session today.

5 outdoor places to hold a photo session

Have you ever been somewhere and thought “wow” this would be an amazing place to take pictures. It happens to me all the time.

I think the following types of places make great backdrops for photo sessions:

1. Your backyard (Yes! Fences, trees, grass, pavement, sky are all great backdrops!)

2. Your local park (A park in Arlington I really like for photo sessions.)

3. A cobblestone alley (Check out some in Alexandria, VA.)

4. A waterfront (Several places around the DC Metro area.)

5. A pedestrian street (Here is one in Bethesda.)

If you have an idea for a spot let me know. Or if you have a specific park or place send me an email alison@desilvastudios.com.

Family Session on a Beautiful Winters Day | Photography by a DC Family Photographer

We had a great time laughing and playing! We even moved a couch outside to bring a little something extra to this session.

Shelter Shots | Photography by an Arlington, VA pet photographer

Check out these awesome dogs! We had fun dressing a few of them up for the holidays.