Chesapeake, Virginia Family Photos at Historic Greenbrier Farms
Daija, abby & murphy at greenbrier farms on a cozy fall morning
Chesapeake, Virginia
We scheduled this Chesapeake family photo session for mid-morning! Not your standard golden hour, but a time of day I’m never afraid of. Sometimes colors pop and a blue sky really shows off for midday sessions the way it would never at sunset.
Daija & Abby wanted a setting that felt natural and beautiful, but not like an overdone “photo spot". They wanted a space for their little girl Murphy to run and explore, where we could get photos that felt like a real outing for them. Daija and Abby were also recently ENGAGED!! So we of course had to show off the two of them and their love!
What I love about Daija & Abby is that they dressed for a fall day they might actually have together at Greenbrier - jeans and cozy sweaters.
on dressing for the day, not for a “photoshoot”
There is this expectation out there that you need to dress up for photos, and I get where this came from! You want to look your best. I just know I work with a lot of families who feel their best when they feel like themselves. They want the photos to remind them of a real day they might have shared together, one that probably wouldn’t involve a dress and heels.
This is how I honestly feel - what even is the point of paying for a photoshoot if we don’t look or feel like ourselves and the photos don’t remind us of anything real? What are the actual memories I’ll want to remember one day with my loved ones? If I’m honest, I’ll want to remember walks on the beach with my husband and our dogs, wearing my favorite pair of jean shorts and an oversized sweater I’ve had for years.
I will always encourage you to go for that item in your closet you constantly reach for, instead of shopping for something new for your photos. Unless we’re going for something really editorial on purpose, your outfits should never distract from the love you guys all share and the connection in your photos.
LOOK at how cute Daija, Abby & Murphy look in jeans and sweaters. It fits the location, it looks comfy, and it feels like them. I love it so much.
The takeaway: when dressing for your photoshoot, think to yourselves, what would I actually wear today if a photographer wasn’t going to be there? Then, maybe elevate it *just a little bit*
For example, jeans instead of yoga pants. A linen set at the beach instead of gym shorts.
Historic Greenbrier Farms
Daija, Abby & little Murphy and I started out at Greenbrier’s tree farm, which was photo-ready by November! Murphy had so much fun roaming through the trees, trying to find the tallest one. Greenbrier Farms has self-pick wildflowers right next to the Christmas trees, so we moved over there next to frolic in the flower fields. So funny that Chesapeake in the fall can have both fully grown fir trees and blooming wildflowers side by side, but I’ll definitely take it :)
The thing to know about Greenbrier is that you can have so many different types of scenery here year-round, and it’s all beautiful if you’re looking for a natural, outdoor photo location in Virginia. From wildflowers, to Christmas trees, to orchards, to the pumpkin patch, it has something for every season and it is GREAT for little kids who love to explore. The farm is easy to find, parking is convenient, and it won’t feel crowded and overwhelming.
Greenbrier hosts weddings, events and seasonal festivals, but is also over 500 acres, so you’ll always have space available! To find more information on scheduling photo sessions and what is available, check out their photography page here.
If you loved reading this, and you want a similar whimsical, outdoor vibe for your family photos, I’d love to chat more with you! Inquire through the button below, and we’ll get started.
Hi, I’m Molly! I’m a Virginia Family Photographer serving families who value an experience that is authentic to you, low-stress, FUN, and feels like a real memory. If that speaks to you and you’re planning family photos, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d love to document your memories!
xo, M
