As family photographers, with a portrait studio located near Fairfax in Northern VA, we know how busy it is when it’s back-to-school time!
It seems like summer just arrived and here we are in the blink of an eye in the middle of August. For most children the start of school is just around the corner. Now is the time to buy supplies and clothing to prepare for the big day!!! Don’t forget to get that camera out to snap some photos to document the first day of school!
Help Your Child Prepare For Back to School by Wed MD provides great tips to start this process.
1. Re-Establish School Routines
During the summer your child may be sleeping in and not having a regular routine. It is a good idea to start having your child get up and dressed the same time each morning. Coordinate meals with the times your child will be eating when school is back in session.
Also create some morning activities outside of your home so your child will leave your home at the same time he leaves for school. This will help alleviate a mad rush when school starts.
2. Nurture Independence
Have a chat with your child now about being independent and taking on responsibilities. Being able to do things for himself builds confidence and will make it easier for the transition.
Some tasks include organizing school supplies, making sure that he has assignments written down or a younger child can practice writing his name or tying his own shoes says says Nicole Pfleger, school counselor at Nickajack Elementary School in Smyrna, GA. (more…)
At Ever After Portraits, we specialize in family photography. We’re located near Fair Oaks in Northern VA.
One of the most common problems people face is not getting a good night’s sleep. A lack of sleep can be a contributing factor of many health and emotional issues. Although it seems like this should be an easy fix, it’s hard to do on your own. We came up with some tips to help you get into a better sleeping pattern and hopefully start getting the rest you deserve.
SET A REGULAR BEDTIME — Although this seems like a no-brainer, it’s easy to mess up, and very important for your body’s ability to rest. When you set a regular bedtime, your body becomes accustomed to relaxing at that time every day, making it easier to rest.
TAKE NAPS INSTEAD OF SLEEPING IN — Just like it’s important to keep a schedule going to bed, it’s important to keep it the same waking up as well. It’s much better to take short naps during the day to catch up on sleep then sleeping in late.
KEEP YOUR SLEEP ENVIRONMENT DARK AT NIGHT — Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in your body when it is dark that helps your body relax and fall asleep easier. Sleeping in a dark environment helps release those hormones to get you to sleep faster and easier.
EXERCISE REGULARLY — Exercising has so many benefits, one of which helps your body to relax better at night. The harder you work during the day, the more tired you’ll be at night.
SHUTDOWN — Try keeping your cell phones, computers, ipads, etc. out of the bedroom. How many of us get caught up in checking our social media right before bed, and before we know it, it’s 2:00am. Set a time of night (one hour before your normal bedtime) to do a final check of emails and social media. Once the final check is complete, shut it down and walk away.
Ahhhh, now it’s time for a good night’s sleep!
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
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As family photographers with a portrait studio located near Vienna in Northern VA, we know how very much a family photo means to you! We thought you would enjoy a little info regarding what photographers consider the golden hour for photography.
You might have heard the term “golden hour” before in the photography world, but maybe not have totally understood it. The golden hour is the hour after sunrise, and hour before sunset every day. During both of these periods of time, the sun is in prime position for taking pictures. The light is lower and softer, which makes less harsh shadows on the subject, and more even lighting.
It is also a great time to use the light in other creative ways. One of which is backlighting; when the sun is behind the subject but the subject is still exposed well enough to see them. Another is silhouettes which is basically the same setup as backlighting, but the shot is underexposed so the subject is dark, creating an outline or “silhouette.” Even shooting your subject with the light hitting them on their face will be so much better during this time of day.
There are many other ways to shoot creatively in the golden hour light, and fully take advantage of the most beautiful lighting every day. Try it for yourself and watch how the “golden hour” makes the most of your images!
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
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As a family photographer in Northern Virginia near Oakton, we provide professional pictures of your family!
Community service is a wonderful way for your child to participate in helping others less fortunate. Understanding that life is about giving back, not just focusing on yourself teaches valuable skills and knowledge that can not be found in books. It promotes social relationships and opens the door to the real world and its hardships.
To learn how to motivate your child, read this blog,3 Tips for Inspiring Kids to Volunteer from the Points of Light that will give you some insight and ideas.
First, let your child take an active role. Find a problem in your community that you feel your child can have a connection with. Talk to your child about how he thinks this problem can be solved and develop a strategy so that you and your child can feel like you a part of it.
Second is to lead by example. Teaching your child about volunteering by being active in your community. If you child sees that this is part of your lifestyle then that will encourage him to follow in your path. Working together as a family in helping others promotes a closer bond between parent and child and a sense of pride and accomplishment.
This is to foster internal motivations. Finding a way to make your child want to be part of the community by giving their time and hard work is a way to develop them into human beings in this next generation with a social conscience.
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy and Joriana Belcher, a mother-daughter photography team located in Northern Virginia. They specialize in candid, emotional and artistic images.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
View Our Portfolio | Order Prints | Ever After Portraits |
Ever After Portraits has a photography studio in Northern VA, and serves the area including Annandale. If you want family pictures, we’re the photographer for you.
We are now in the heat of the summer and kids love to cool off playing in the water. Safety in a pool or at the beach is a priority for all parents. When your child is near any water he should have your full attention. These safety tips provided from Safety Kids Swimming Safety could help prevent a serious disaster.
Infants can begin to be around water approximately at six months old. Always be with an arms reach of your baby when he is in the water. A little child can drown in as little as one inch of water.
Each child learns at his own pace, start swim lessons when you feel your child is ready. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore
There is a big difference between a swimming pool and the open water. The child needs to be taught about uneven surfaces, river currents and ocean undertows.
Your child should always swim with an adult. It is imperative that your child understands that he should NEVER go near or in water without an adult being there.
Swimming aids like wings or noodles are toys and are not the same as having U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device that protects your child in the water.
Parents should definitely take the time to learn CPR. When your children are old enough they should be enrolled in CPR classes. This skill is one that could save a life.
If you have a backyard pool, there should be four sided fencing that is at least 4 feet high and has a self closing, self-latching gate to prevent a child from wandering in the pool.
Have a door alarm and a window alarm to let you know if a child has come into the poll area unsupervised.
There is a serious danger of entanglement or entrapment with a pool drain. Your child needs to understand to never play or swim near drains.
Make regular checks on your drains to make sure that they are secure and do not have any cracks. Flat drain covers should be replaced with dome-shaped ones.
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy and Joriana Belcher, a mother-daughter photography team located in Northern Virginia. They specialize in candid, emotional and artistic images.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
View Our Portfolio | Order Prints | Ever After Portraits |
At Ever After, we are a family portrait photographer. Our passion is portrait photography! We are located in Northern VA and serve the area, including Burke.
Now that school is out and the kids are home all day every day. Here are some great ideas for family adventures to keep boredom at bay!
This list is from Kids Trips 2015 has a variety of ideas of outdoor activities. Make sure to pack your camera to take photos of the special times so you can look back with fond memories.
Summer is also a great time to have a family portrait session. Our beautiful 2.5 outdoor studio is a perfect backdrop shaded by trees and a pond with a pier.
Films in the Park: Mosaic District: (kid-friendly films on select Fridays in July)
Come to the hip Mosaic District to enjoy FREE outdoor films. Grab a picnic from one of the many amazing locations that make the Mosaic District a foodie’s paradise. Family-friendly titles for the summer include:
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, July 3
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, July 17
Frozen, July 24
Ratatouille, July 31
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon: July 4, 2015
This 18th century style celebration includes fireworks, old-fashioned fun and games, period costumed characters, mansion tours, military re-enactments, free cake and more. All activities are included with admission.
City of Fairfax 4th of July Parade: July 4, 2015
One of the largest and most fun local parades complete with spectacular floats, performers, characters, fire trucks, marching bands and some big “Macy’s style” balloons. Tip: Go early to secure your spot and park in the library parking garage for free, shaded parking.
Shrek the Musical at Encore Stage and Studio: July 17-26, 2015
Join the gang of fairytale misfits for this must-see, musical comedy based on the 2001 DreamWorks Film Shrek and William Steig’s 1990 book Shrek. Encore Stage and Studio is Northern Virginia’s premier theatre for kids, by kids.
Loudoun County Fair: July 27-August 1, 2015
A massively fun county fair with a carnival, professional bull riding, dairy and pet shows, children’s activities, vendors, live music and much more.
Ever After Portraits is comprised of Mindy and Joriana Belcher, a mother-daughter photography team located in Northern Virginia. They specialize in candid, emotional and artistic images.
Family means everything and capturing those precious moments to preserve forever will mean family heirlooms for you to share for years to come.
Best,
Mindy & Joriana – Contact Us!
View Our Portfolio | Order Prints | Ever After Portraits |
