For this week’s Friday Fives, I want to tell you about this ice cream treasure in Northern Virginia.  A few weeks ago, I was in Fredericksburg, Virginia for an event.  While I was there, I walked past Goolrick’s – an old-timey ice cream parlor.  Yes, I said ice cream.  However, I didn’t have time at that moment to visit, so I decided I needed to come back.  I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed a few weeks ago, so eating ice cream would definitely be diet approved.   
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​This historic ice cream parlor is also a pharmacy and is tied in with the culture of this community.  The parlor has been serving handmade ice cream for nearly 150 years.  Goolrick’s is known to be the oldest continuously operated soda fountain in the entire United States.  Who knew we had an ice cream shop near us with so much history? ​
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Having your portrait taken can be overwhelming.  After considering what to wear this spring for your family portrait, the next thought is how will I look?  I’ve have had many clients express to tell me “I look fat” in pictures. 

Before, we get started, I must confess, I’m not always a huge fan of my pictures.  In addition, I’m always looking for ways to look best and hide the flaws I don’t like.  As a woman and professional photographer, I know many of us women are self-conscious about the way we look and want to look thinner and beautiful in our pictures especially the pictures with our family.  I thought it would be helpful for you ladies to share a few helpful tips for your next portrait.  
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1. THE RIGHT CLOTHES.
This isn’t a posing tip, but it’s so necessary to include in this post! The clothing you choose makes a huge difference. Avoid bulky or sheer fabrics and choose fitted items (not too tight or loose). Ladies please avoid strapless and sleeveless tops — although they might look great in real life, they probably won’t translate well to the camera.  
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Last month, I had the honor of photographing Colonel Veeder's promotion ceremony at the United States Capitol building on the Speaker of the House balcony.  It is a beautiful location as the balcony overlooks the National Mall in Washington D.C.  In addition, the Washington Monument is in the background.  That morning, there was an inch of snow on the ground, which provide a white ground surface.  
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The Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C. are so beautiful, and they bring lots of people to the area.  Yes, congestion of cars and people will be the norm in just a couple of weeks.  If you decide to travel down to the Tidal Basin to see these beautiful blossoms, pack your patience.  However, if you would like to the Cherry Blossoms, but avoid the Tidal Basin and crowds of people here are a few locations to visit.
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​As I write this post, I’m swelling with tears.  So many of you know, my time in Northern Virginia is ending.  We will be relocating to Los Angeles, California in May!  Yes, I soon will be a Los Angeles Family Photographer.  The city of stars…

Who's gets excited about the upcoming summer movie lineup?  There are so many great movies to be released this summer and I’m thrilled about so many of them.  For today’s Friday Fives, I’m sharing a list of the top five movies I will viewing at my local Northern Virginia movie theater with my family.  In addition how I will see them for $5 each (that's a $20 family date night).
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​As a professional photographer in Northern Virginia, “What to Wear” is a commonly asked questions when families are planning their family portrait session.  I totally understand receiving these questions, because everyone wants to look their best, and styles and color trends are consistently changing.  I share these posts as I want to make things easier for my clients.  In addition to sharing these helpful tips, I also let my clients know, I’m willing to come to their home to help create a style/wardrobe for their family pictures.  
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​We’re getting closer to the peak bloom of Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia.  Which means there will be an influx of visitors and an increase in traffic in the surrounding area for the Cherry Blossom festival.  Seeing photos online of the pictures of the Cherry Blossoms doesn’t give the beauty of these flowers’ true justice; they must be seen in person.  After several years of visiting the Cherry Blossoms in D.C., I want to share my experience with those traveling into the city.  Below you’ll see some helpful tips to see the D.C. Cherry Blossoms as well as how to schedule your 2019 Cherry Blossom family pictures.

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​Earlier this week the National Park Service and The Cherry Blossom Festival released the peak bloom date for the blossoms in Washington D.C.  April 3-6, 2019 are the projected peak bloom dates for this year.  I can see spring in our near future, can you?  During this week’s Friday Fives, I want to share with you the top five tips and most important things to do and visit during the festivals. 
 
1.  Plan
Plan as much of your visit as possible.   Although the blossoms are projected to peak April 3-6, 2019, the weather makes it difficult to plan the exact date until 10 days out.  The National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20 – April 14) is schedule from mid-March through mid-April every year with a full calendar of activities.  If you’re wanting to see the Cherry Blossoms with less crowds, I highly recommend visiting during the weekday.  The weekends are filled with locals as well as out of towners who have traveled to the area for a day trip.  The Tidal Basin has a lot more wiggle room during the weekday because many people are at work and children are at school. 

​If you decide to visit the Tidal Basin during the weekend, it’s better to plan visit early in the morning or later in the day.  No matter what day of the week you visit the earlier in the morning the better.  Wandering around the Tidal Basin at 7am can be delightful, even on the weekends.  However, as the morning progresses, the crowds will significantly increase; especially after 9 a.m.  If you’re wanting to take pictures of the monuments with the blossoms the light for pictures shortly after sunrise is stunning.

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