A family asked me to photograph their annual ladies’ holiday tea at the Willard Hotel in DC. I had never been to the Willard at Christmastime, and wow, the decorations were beautiful! I took some candids of the women (and girls) at their tea in the very elegant hotel restaurant, and then I took family portraits with the Christmas decorations. It was a gorgeous place to take photos!

      Photo tip:
      Christmas lights are usually appreciated at night, but I love to take photos of people with them in the day time. Position the people several feet in front of the lights — the farther away the lights, the larger they look in the background. Then use the natural daylight to light the people’s faces, and a wide aperture to blur out the lights in the background. It’s an easy way to get beautiful holiday photos.

      While I was there, I also took photos of the phenomenal gingerbread Jefferson Memorial that the Willard’s pastry chef created.

      And the final photo of the day was a selfie with my friend Raquel! We wore opposite shirts that day, ha!


      I’d love to photograph your family, too. Take a look at my Families and Kids portfolio, and then contact me if you’d like to chat about it.


      Related posts:

      Reston family portraits at Lake Anne: Fall colors and holiday lights!

      Reston family portraits at Lake Anne: Why choose fall or Christmas when you can have both?

      Family portraits at the Lincoln Memorial — with a boy named Lincoln!

      Jingle on the Lake: Santa’s arrival by boat at Lake Anne Plaza

      The Reston Holiday Parade: The best local way to kick off the holidays

      Sparkling Christmas scenes at Reston Town Center and Lake Anne

      Silver Bells, Silver Bells, It’s Christmastime at Reston Town Center

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      Charlotte Geary

      CHARLOTTE GEARY

      Lifestyle, event, and portrait photographer with a vibrant, joyful style and 17 years of professional experience.

      Located in Reston, Virginia near Washington, D.C. and available for travel.

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