J has loved museums for as long as she can remember. Growing up, she and her family visited all of the museums they could, and that’s where her deep appreciation for art, architecture, and theater began. So when it came time for her senior photos, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. was the obvious choice! As an Alexandria, VA senior photographer, I love when a senior chooses a location that truly means something to them.
The Gallery is just a short drive up the parkway from Alexandria, but walking in with J felt like stepping right into her happy place.
We began our session outside, in front of the National Gallery. The grand stone steps and tall columns were the perfect match for J’s simple white dress: classic, elegant, and oh-so timeless. Two fountains sit on either side of the main steps and entrance, and we chose the one on the left for the best lighting in the full daytime sun.
Next, we wandered over to the Sculpture Garden just next to the museum. As we were walking, J’s mom spotted a colorful mosaic and recognized the piece and the artist immediately: Marc Chagall’s Orphée! Of course we had to stop for a few portraits in front of it. (Clearly, the love of art runs in the family!) Between the mosaic, the garden greenery, and a sneaky peek of the Washington Monument down the walkway, we had so many gorgeous backdrops without ever walking very far.
One of my favorite spots was the sculpture gallery, where J posed beneath Degas’ famous bronze Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. We also found a gorgeous atrium upstairs, filled with natural light and so much beautiful architectural detail. I could have stayed there all day!
J is so much more than a museum lover. When she isn’t building sets for the stage, you can find her rock climbing! I love getting to know all of the different sides of my seniors, and J’s mix of creativity and adventure made her such a joy to photograph. She was relaxed, thoughtful, and completely herself in front of the camera.
If you’re a rising senior (or a parent planning ahead), now is the perfect time to start dreaming up your senior photos. Whether your happy place is a museum, a garden, a stage, or a climbing wall, I’d love to help you plan a session in Alexandria, anywhere in northern Virginia, or Washington, D.C. that feels completely like you.
If you’re looking for an Alexandria, VA senior photographer to help tell your story, let’s connect and start planning!
Planning your own senior session? Grab The Ultimate Senior Session Prep Guide for what to wear, where to shoot, and what to expect on the day.
