A Family Session at Longwood Gardens Under the New Photography Policy
Dan and Deb contacted me to book a session after searching for photographers in the area. They specifically found my website through a blog post I wrote ages ago called “The Truth About Longwood | The good, the bad and the ugly about holding your shoot at Longwood Gardens.” That blog post has been read thousands of times, far and wide. Unfortunately, it’s now somewhat outdated since Longwood updated its photography policy in March 2025. This was my first shoot back at the iconic location since the change, and I’m happy to say it’s a positive update. Yes, it’s expensive—$250 plus the clients’ admission costs and my $750 session fee. But being the only photoshoot was a game-changer.
Although it rained intermittently for the first 45 minutes, we had 90 minutes to work with, which was more than enough to deliver what they wanted. Fortunately, I know Longwood Gardens inside and out. With the weather forecast in mind, I arrived with a plan and executed it perfectly despite the rain. Usually, if it’s drizzly, the sky remains overcast during the shoot. Not this day! It shifted from rain to full sun in an instant. I was prepared for this, though, and smoothly switched to plan B.
After reading my session guide, Dan told me they are more of the “jeans and polo shirt kinda family.” And that’s okay! While most of my clients go all out with their wardrobe, it’s not necessary. It’s your photoshoot that will ultimately produce photos on the walls of your home. So, if you want to wear jeans and a polo, you do you!
The kids: William and Alanna are twins with playful personalities like most eleven-year-olds, but they have a love of reading (just like their parents) that goes well beyond their peers. They are already reading adult-level fiction and are very into their fantasy books! It was really fun getting to know them. I hope I get to photograph them again in the future. They are so special. Check out a few highlights from their Longwood Gardens family session below.
Grier-Roddy Family,
I absolutely love your personalities and how you’re true to yourselves, no matter what. We could all use a bit more of that in our lives. Thank you for the reminder. I must admit, I was excited you chose Longwood Gardens. I’ve missed it there over the past year. I appreciate you going the extra mile to make your photoshoot special in a place that means a lot to all of you—and to me! I hope you love your photos. I know waiting can be tough, so there will be a surprise in your inbox later today. Don’t forget to check it!
Hugs,
Megan
