Category: Senior Portraits

The perfect hair flip

The Portrait Location that has EVERYTHING!

We’re so lucky to live in Virginia. This state has it all — rolling hills, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, fields, and so much history. I’d love to spend more time right in the mountains, but being close to them feels just as good. One of my favorite nearby spots is the State Arboretum of Virginia, and honestly, it never gets old. Every time I go, I find myself saying, “Wow.” Whether it’s spring or fall, it’s always beautiful.

I love suggesting this location to my clients because it’s so versatile. The number one request I get is, “Can we do fields?” and this place delivers. There are plenty of wide, open fields that glow when the sun hits them just right. I’m always moving around with my clients, chasing that perfect light as it highlights the tops of the plants and catches in their hair.

And then there’s the Gingko Grove. It’s famous for a reason! In the fall, the leaves turn the brightest yellow and make the perfect backdrop for portraits. Whether you’re in a flowy dress or jeans and a sweater, it just works. Even in other seasons, the trees are beautiful. I’ll have clients walk through them, lean against them, or just sit and take it all in — you really can’t go wrong here.

The Arboretum also has a lot of history as part of the Blandy Experimental Farm, which dates back to the 1780s. Many of the stone walls and buildings were built by enslaved people, and it’s important to honor that history while enjoying the space. The brick home on the property, which I use often for portraits, was once used to house enslaved workers. Remembering that gives so much meaning to the beauty around us. If you’re interested, I recommend checking out the Blandy website to learn more.

One of the most popular spots is the archway on the old brick building. It’s a favorite for everyone, and it’s not unusual to wait a few minutes to grab a photo there. There’s also a lovely garden nearby that has blooms for most of the year, which makes every session feel different.

I also use the roads, stone walls, fences, and all the little details around the property. Since I’m there often, I’m always finding new spots and angles so every senior gets a mix of familiar favorites and something that feels unique to them.

Here are a few of my favorite portraits from this amazing spot. I’m always happy to book a session at the State Arboretum of Virginia — no matter the season, it’s gorgeous every time.

 

Golden hour in beautiful fields in Northern Virginia

What makes me different?

I always tell every client that there is a photographer for everyone. Just like any business, shopping around is normal. I know that I won’t book everyone who meets with me – even if I would love that to happen. Some clients only want digital images for posting to social media. Some clients only want a mini session that lasts 20-30 minutes. And then there are some who want full customer service with planning down to the last detail. That is my client.

I do not do mini session. My shortest package is 45 minutes for college graduates which fits their needs perfectly. It allows them to get images on their college campus with their cap and gown.  This could also be applied towards a high school graduate as well – especially if they don’t want a full senior session.  But beyond that, I am here to hold my clients’ hands and walk them through the whole process from consultation to product delivery.

One step I always take is making sure to do a site visit to the clients’ desired location. This is a really important step for me because my senior clients often have very specific requests for their portraits. It might be fields or flowers or some other detail that they find meaningful. I hate to show up on the day of the session and find things have changed.  Sure, we always have to be flexible because nature is ever-changing but if I can mitigate any stress on the day of I will do it.  Especially when fields are involved. I mean how dare they mow them without consulting me!

So if you want a photographer who will create the session of your dreams all down to the small details, please reach out! I am available via phone, Instagram, email, WhatsApp… whatever works for you.  We can meet, talk about the ideas you have for your senior session, and I’ll explain how I will work to make that happen.

Phone: 703-568-7688

Instagram: @jennifergonzalezphotography

WhatsApp: Find me via my phone number

Email: info@jennnifergonzalez.com

Now Loading…. 2026 Senior Portraits

If you have a rising senior at home, you know how fast time moves. One minute they are starting high school and the next thing you know, you are ordering a cap and gown. Senior year is full of big moments and a lot of deadlines. Getting portraits done early can take a big chunk of stress off your plate.

Many families wait until the last minute, but that can mean scrambling for dates, rushing through planning, and settling for whatever is available. When you book early, you get your choice of dates and seasons. Want a warm summer evening session or fall leaves in the background? Those spots go quickly.

Planning now also gives your senior time to get excited instead of feeling rushed. We can talk about locations, outfits, and the overall vibe they want. For some seniors, that’s the fun part. For others, it is a relief to know we have a plan and they just get to show up and enjoy.

I work with each family to create a session that feels natural and personal. We choose locations that mean something to you or just make a stunning backdrop. I guide you through the whole process, so you never have to wonder what’s next.

And here is the best part. Once your session is done and the portraits are ready, you can check one big thing off the senior year list. You can spend the rest of the year enjoying the moments instead of trying to squeeze in a photoshoot during a busy season.

If your teen is graduating in 2026, now is the time to grab a spot. Let’s make their senior portraits something they are proud to share and you are proud to display.

Be sure to check out my Instagram account to see my style and latest portraits!

Graduation Portrait Sessions Start Now!

I remember when my kids were preparing for graduation. I was so excited for them to move on to the next stage in their life but also so sad each time I thought about the last time they would play their sport, have time with their friends, or just attend school. It is all bittersweet. I am so glad, though, that I was able to capture moments for graduation.

Often, once kids go on to college capturing family photos can be difficult. Coordinating times, getting families altogether, it all becomes too difficult. During graduation, families come together to celebrate. It is the perfect time to get family photos.

I love capturing these moments. I remember each session and when I think about them, they make me so happy.  I love being just a tiny part of this huge milestone.

Golden hour in beautiful fields in Northern Virginia

Everyone wants a beautiful field at sunset

The number one request that I receive from seniors is, “I’d like a pretty field at sunset.”  It is definitely on trend right now to wear a white dress and pose in a field with that golden light highlighting the hair.  The problem can sometimes be where to find these perfect fields. 

I remember last fall I thought I had the perfect location for a senior. I had just been there a month earlier for a session and she loved those images.  We planned to go to the same spot.  I arrived 20 minutes early for the session, as I always do, and to my horror, the field had been mowed.

I started to panic. However, I didn’t stay frozen. Part of being a photographer is also being a strategist and problem solver.  I hopped in my car and drove around to others parts of our location to see what I could salvage. I was so scared that she would arrive and be disappointed or want to cancel the session.  Thankfully, I was able to find some spots that would work for us.

We spent a lot of time going from spot to spot that day, but, you’d never know the original fields were mowed. We found multiple fields and she was able to get that golden glow that she wanted. 

I always want my clients to feel like I have gone above and beyond for them. It isn’t enough to provide beautiful images… I want them to feel like I took care of them from planning to session to product delivery.  They should never have to worry about anything.  My latest reviews show me that I am excelling and I would love to do that for you, too.

You can be sure that if your child wants a beautiful field, I’ll get that for them. Or flowers. Mountains. Barns. I am happy to find the perfection location.

Golden Hour
Fields of Gold
Beautiful Fields
On Trend
Tulip Portraits for Senior Pictures at Burnside Farms

Spring Tulip Portrait Sessions

Spring is my favorite time of year for portraits.  Autumn is a close second because of the fall colors but with spring you are guaranteed flowers and green and beautiful weather.  Tulips are a particular favorite of mine and I have enjoyed taking portraits with tulips.  A whole field of tulips provides a beautiful backdrop for individuals who love color.

My location of choice is always Burnside Farms. They provide wonderful customer service, a beautiful location and the tulips are top notch.  Each year I go not only with clients but also by myself to capture the colorful tulips.  Often they have props that are useful as well.  This is the same farm that I go to for sunflowers.

Each time I have worked with a client at Burnside they have loved their images.  You really wouldn’t even know that we were surrounded by people.  That is one thing that makes my portraits special.  I work hard to get angles and shots that minimize crowds.  Often times, I am also able to edit out people if necessary.  There are times, of course, where it isn’t possible but I do my best to make sure when you receive your prints that you feel like you had the whole field to yourself.

Now is the time to schedule your tulips sessions.  Once Burnside Farms releases their schedule, we get approximately 2 weeks for sessions.  This year I will be doing mini sessions if I see enough interest.  The mini sessions will be 20 mins, $150 and include 1 8×10 print (digital file included).  Additional images will be made available at 30% off my regular prices.  Clients must buy their own ticket to Burnside Farms.  Please note:  Late clients will give up their fee and whatever time is left in the session will be utilized as best as possible.  Clients who miss their session completely will not receive a refund and rescheduling will be $50.

Interested?  Please be sure to let me know!

Tulip Portraits
Terrific in Tulips
Tulip Field
Tulips with Barn
Running through the Tulips
Surrounded by Tulips

Senior Portraits with your Bestie

Are you someone who loves to do everything with your best friend? If so, why not set up a senior portrait session with them?  It can be just a couple of photos added to your individual session or you can have a session dedicated to your friend.  Let’s go to your favorite spot and capture images that will build memories to last a lifetime.  Are you on a sports team together? We can utilize those uniforms and/or the sport itself.  Do you have a favorite hike? We can go there.  Or hit me up for the perfect suggestion on how to make the images reflect your relationship.

Through the years I have captured friends in Shenandoah, Waterford and on the soccer field.  Each time, the friends have laughed, hugged, and had a wonderful time just being together.  If you are interested, just reach out to me!  I can walk you through each step on how to have a session that will provide images that you will love.