A Navy Family’s Chesapeake Bay Session

As a photographer, Capturing beautiful and heartwarming moments of people's lives is a privilege. As a spouse of a (now retired) service member, having keepsake photos of your family is a treasure because often you are separated because of duty. So when Meghan, a Navy wife, reached out to me for a fall family photo session, I was excited to capture her family. Especially when she told me she understood the session would take place in autumn, but she didn't want her photos to feel like "the fall." Instead, she wanted something that would reflect their life near the Chesapeake Bay and their time spent here without being too obvious. And so, my search for the perfect backdrop in Calvert County began.

Ultimately, I decided to go with Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, MD. This stunning location offered lush greenery and breathtaking views of the bay, providing the perfect blend of natural beauty and subtle coastal charm. While also provideing wide open spaces for the two young boys to play and explore. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Meeting Meghan, her husband James, and their two young boys was a delight. Their family dynamic was infectious and genuine. I couldn't help but feel nostalgic about my own boys when they were little.

As we started the session, I focused on capturing candid moments – the boys' playful energy and their laughter as they chased each other through the grass, the tender embraces shared between Meghan and James. The backdrop of Jefferson Patterson Park provided a picturesque setting and glimpses of the Chesapeake Bay, adding a serene touch to the photos.

Throughout the session, I aimed to capture the essence of their family – the love, the connection, and the joy of being together. And I have to say, they did not disappoint! Meghan and her family were so natural and relaxed in front of the camera, allowing their personalities to shine through in each shot.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the bay, I knew we had captured something special. Meghan's vision of a fall photo session with a subtle nod to their life by the Chesapeake Bay had been brought to life in a way that exceeded her expectations.

But it wasn't just about the photos we took but about the memories we created together. For Meghan and her family, this photo session was more than just a series of images – it celebrated their love, their bond, and the beauty of life near the Chesapeake Bay. It was a privilege to document this chapter of their lives, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it.