Family Portraits

Charlottesville, Virginia Family Portrait Photographer

Welcome to Aaron Watson Photography, your premier family portrait photographers in Charlottesville, Virginia. With over two decades of experience, Aaron Watson and his talented team have mastered the art of family storytelling through the lens, capturing moments that echo the essence of family bonds and the beauty of Charlottesville.

Charlottesville: A Picture-Perfect Backdrop

Nestled in the serenity of Virginia, Charlottesville offers a myriad of stunning locales for family portraits, weaving the natural beauty and architectural elegance of the area into each photograph.

Season by Season in Charlottesville:

• Spring: The University of Virginia blooms into a magnificent display of spring colors, providing a historic and elegant backdrop with its storied architecture and lush gardens. Ideal for capturing the new beginnings that spring brings.
• Summer: Family Portraits at Chiles Peach Orchard become not just a photo session but an experience. Summertime captures at this beloved location mean basking in the golden sunlight with a backdrop of vibrant peach trees, all while enjoying the sweetest fruit picks of the season.
• Fall: King Family Vineyards offers a breathtaking autumnal scene, with the Blue Ridge Mountains painted in red and gold. The vineyard offers a picturesque setting, perfect for capturing the warmth and richness of family connections.
• Winter: Hazy Mountain Vineyards transforms into a winter wonderland, with crisp mountain views and stunning sunsets that make for a serene and beautiful portrait backdrop. The tranquil beauty of the vineyard in winter adds a timeless elegance to family photos.

Additional Cherished Settings:

For those seeking the unique and serene, Carter Mountain Orchard provides a lively yet intimate setting, especially appealing to families with children. The joy and laughter amidst apple pickings and the panoramic views of Charlottesville offer a candid and vibrant portrait scene.

Preparing for Your Family Portrait with Aaron Watson:

• Consultation: Every session begins with a personal consultation to understand your family’s vision and preferences. This ensures a session that reflects your family’s essence and the unique charm of Charlottesville.
• What to Wear: Choose outfits that complement the natural settings of Charlottesville and reflect your family’s style. Soft, coordinating colors work well, avoiding overly bold patterns that might detract from the natural beauty of the surroundings. But don't worry, we will send you an exact style guide that details all our getting ready recommendations for your family portrait session.
• Making the Most of Your Session: Your session with Aaron Watson will be enjoyable and relaxed, ensuring everyone from the littlest members to the oldest feel comfortable and engaged.

For Visitors to Charlottesville:

Commemorate your family vacation to Charlottesville, VA with a memorable family portrait session. Your trip to Charlottesville is a valuable opportunity to create memories in both experiences and preserved in fine art portraits. Here’s how you can blend an unforgettable family visit with family portraits:

Plan Your Family Portraits Around Charlottesville’s Gems:

• Historical Sites: Immerse your family in American history by visiting landmarks like Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, or the University of Virginia, an architectural marvel founded by Jefferson himself. Not only do these sites offer a beautiful backdrop for portraits, but they also enrich your visit with educational value.
• Scenic Beauty: Consider a session at one of Charlottesville’s many scenic locations such as Carter Mountain Orchard or the picturesque trails of Shenandoah National Park. The natural beauty will add a serene, lush backdrop to your portraits and provide a relaxing day of exploration.
• Local Eateries: Charlottesville is renowned for its dining scene which includes farm-to-table restaurants, charming cafes, and local wineries. Scheduling a session in the early evening? Plan a post-shoot dinner at a nearby restaurant to toast to the memories you’ve just created.

Timing Your Visit:

• Seasons to Consider: Each season in Charlottesville offers unique scenic beauty. Spring showcases blooming flowers, while fall offers a dramatic backdrop of fiery leaves. Consider what type of natural aesthetic you would prefer in your photos and plan your visit accordingly.
• Events and Festivals: Check the local calendar for festivals and events that could add fun and flair to your visit. The Dogwood Festival in spring or the Virginia Film Festival in fall could provide unique opportunities for fun before or after your portrait session.

By thoughtfully planning your visit and portrait session, you can maximize your time in Charlottesville, turning a simple photo shoot into a cherished family getaway filled with joy and discovery. Aaron Watson Photography is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your family portraits are as unforgettable as your stay in our beautiful city.

Bringing the Capital to Life: Family Portraits in Washington, DC

While Aaron Watson Photography is rooted in the charm of Charlottesville, we also extend our artistry to the grandeur of the nation's capital. Twice a year, Aaron Watson journeys to Washington, DC to craft family portraits set against the city’s iconic tapestry.

DC Landscapes as Your Canvas:

The capital city, a symbol of history and beauty, serves as a majestic canvas for family portraits. From the sprawling greens of the National Mall to the intimate nooks of your favorite local park, every frame is infused with the gravity and splendor of DC's landmarks. Whether it's the Lincoln Memorial standing tall in the background or the cherry blossoms of the Tidal Basin that frame your family's smiles, each photograph tells a story of heritage and unity.

DC Portrait Session Highlights:

• Exclusive Sessions: These limited engagements offer families a unique opportunity to capture their moments within the heart of American history and culture.
• Personalized Landscapes: Together, we'll select the most fitting backgrounds within DC that resonate with your family's story or simply captivate with their aesthetic.
• Elegance and Reverence: Rest assured, your DC portrait will be captured with the same level of elegance and attention to detail that Aaron Watson Photography is celebrated for. We respect and highlight the reverence that national monuments command while keeping the focus on the personal narratives of your family.

Join us at Aaron Watson Photography, where we create more than just photographs; we craft legacies wrapped in the beauty of Charlottesville. Whether you're capturing a family milestone or simply the joy of being together, let us frame your memories against the most stunning backdrops Northern Virginia has to offer.

Connect with us today to plan your unforgettable Charlottesville family portrait experience.