There are some sessions that feel straight out of a picture book. The joyful, colorful ones that are full of little moments you want to tuck in your heart forever. This family session at a local bookstore was exactly that kind of magic.
As a Washington DC family photographer who loves playful, personality-driven locations, I live for sessions like this one. When families pitch fun ideas—like reading books, cozying up in the kid’s section, or grabbing hot chocolates from the café—it gives us such a beautiful window into who they are right now.
(If you love one-of-a-kind settings, you’ll also enjoy my Dream Sessions—you can read more about those here!)
Bright Murals + Big Smiles
We started outdoors against the bookstore’s colorful mural, and you know me: give me all the color!! Bright backdrops are such a fun way to bring personality to your photos, and this embraced every minute of it. Giggly family moments, playful prompts, pops of bold color… this is what family sessions are all about.
Exploring the Bookshelves
Once inside, the real magic began. They wandered the shelves, pulling down their favorite stories and sharing them with each other. For the grownups: the proud smiles watching tiny hands flip through big stories. For the little: the thrill of picking out books just for them.
These quieter moments of curiosity and connection always end up being favorites.
Playtime in the Kids’ Section
The kids’ corner was the perfect backdrop for authentic personality portraits. Climbing, playing, exploring and surrounded by bright book covers. These are the moments where kiddos truly shine.
A Café Treat to Finish
To wrap up our session, we headed to the bookstore café for “coffees” (hot chocolates). It was such a sweet way to end an already cozy, joy-filled afternoon. Those little fingers hugging warm mugs? Instant heart-melter.
Sessions in bookstores, gardens, markets, greenhouses, or mural-filled city blocks allow your photos to feel like you. They’re personal, fun, and rich with natural moments.
They also require a bit of flexibility—changing light, curious shoppers, limited space—but that’s part of the charm. When families come ready to roll with whatever the space offers, we create magic together.
Ready to craft your own personality-filled family session? Let’s make something magical together. Contact me here
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