The family of deer stood on the hill above us and were unimpressed by the nine of us oohing and ahhing while they ate dinner. It was only after the kids began to play at the bottom of the rock that the three of them decided we were disturbing their meal, and scattered farther up the hill at Pump House Park.

We had an hour to wander through the park, which was the perfect amount of time to walk around the stone pump house, the bridge and the trail leading to the far end of the park, taking family photos along the way.

We gabbed about Olympics coverage, marveled at the nice weather we had (70’s in August in RVA?!), and laughed a lot as we walked. I was constantly on the lookout for spots big enough for large groups, and Pump House Park didn’t disappoint. It wasn’t my first time shooting in this particular park, and I think it’s particularly nice for larger groups where the kids are old enough to know not to walk too close to the edge of the trail.

I’ve been photographing these cousins for years, and they’re really more like siblings than cousins. They’ve been able to grow up in the same city, which makes me a little jealous for my own kids, whose cousins are hours or thousands of miles away.

We were nearing the end of the session when we chose our last spot, with the stone pump house and the water in the background. “Let’s do one serious one and then one silly one,” suggested one of the kids.

“Okay, but is this the serious one, or the silly one?” I answered.

The response from the family’s matriarch was perfect, and really loosened up the group for our last photo (if they actually needed any loosening).

Dear Zielazny clan, I’m always so glad to see you, and I love how open and welcoming you all are to an evening with me. Thank you for a wonderful family photo session!

If you’re interested in spending a mild afternoon or evening with me as the weather starts to change, schedule a call to chat with me today! My fall calendar is filling up and “leaf season” will be on us before you know it.