For this session, I had the joy of photographing my friend and talented artist, Jamie Hurst, in her beautifully curated home. As a Washington DC family photographer based in Vienna, Virginia, I’m always drawn to spaces that tell a story—and Jamie’s home is exactly that. Filled with her incredible artwork and thoughtful details, it’s a space full of warmth, creativity, and character.


Homes like hers are what I like to call “homes with soul.” From art supplies tucked into corners to the quiet presence of everyday moments—like muffins and butter waiting in the kitchen or an ironing board in the living room—every detail reflects real life, beautifully lived. As a Vienna, VA family photographer, these are the moments I love to preserve: authentic, unscripted, and deeply personal.


During our session, I met Jamie’s two energetic boys, who were ready to move, dance, and explore rather than pose. And that’s exactly how it should be. As a family photographer serving the Washington DC and Northern Virginia area, I understand that children don’t always want to be photographed—and I fully embrace that. Instead of forcing moments, I take time to connect with them. I ask about their favorite games, sports, and school subjects, giving them space to feel seen and comfortable.


When children are free to be themselves, that’s when their true personalities shine. That’s where the magic happens.


We spent the first part of our session moving through their home, documenting the beauty of their everyday life. Later, we stepped outside to explore “their woods,” a place that holds special meaning for their family and serves as inspiration for Jamie’s artwork. Surrounded by nature, the boys were completely in their element—running, playing with mud, and simply being kids.


As we talked more about Jamie’s creative process, I found myself inspired by her ability to capture landscapes and portraits with such depth and emotion. It felt like a true meeting of creative minds—two artists collaborating, observing, and celebrating the beauty of real life.


This session was a reminder of why I love what I do as a Washington DC photographer. It’s about connection, storytelling, and capturing families exactly as they are—perfectly imperfect, beautifully real.


I invite you to take a look at Jamie's art and learn more about her: https://jamiehurst.art/




I AM RITA AMBROSI - FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER SERVING WASHINGTON DC, MARYLAND, AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA.


A series of candid moments showing a child and adult in a yellow sweater sharing laughter and tender interactions.
A group stands by a bright window with a brown dog in a home setting with natural light streaming in.
A series of photos showing playful interaction between two people wearing a yellow sweater and gray shirt.
A person wearing a yellow sweater works on detailed artwork at a desk with art supplies.
A series of candid photos showing people relaxing together on a couch with a yellow cushion in the background.
A sequence of photos showing two people dancing together in a sunlit room with a large oriental rug.
A series of connected images showing someone in a yellow sweater holding and comforting a small child by a window.
Sequence of close-up shots showing someone lying down on a floral patterned surface in warm lighting.
A child in a blue shirt and yellow sweater leans against a window while playing with a toy.
A child in a light blue shirt lies sleepily on a yellow couch while receiving a gentle head massage.
Person in gray t-shirt carefully works on a detailed craft project in natural window lighting.
Someone wearing a mustard yellow sweater and brown skirt stands in a room with framed artwork on the wall.
People gathered in a kitchen having an animated conversation while standing near appliances and cabinets.
Family gathered around kitchen counter for homework and activities in bright modern kitchen space.
Multiple photos showing playful movement and interaction on an oriental rug in a bright interior space.
A group of people gather around wooden tables in a casual indoor setting with framed artwork on mint green walls.
A person rests peacefully in a dimly lit room with sunlight streaming through a window.
Someone works at a wooden desk with notebooks and papers spread out while wearing a mustard yellow sweater.
A sequence of joyful moments captured between two people in a bright domestic setting with blue walls.
A person in period dress walks with a dog along a fallen log in an autumn forest setting.
A hand in a yellow sweater writes in a notebook with watercolor artwork visible at the top of the page.
Three people gather by a sunny window, examining something together in a cozy interior room.
A person wearing a light turquoise t-shirt shown from shoulders down in a soft focus outdoor setting.
A sequence of five photos showing a dog jumping onto a yellow velvet couch in a living room with guitars on the wall.
Child in light blue shirt and yellow pants reaches for papers on dining table while adult in yellow sweater assists.
Sequence of people in casual clothing exploring and resting among fallen leaves in an autumn forest setting.
Three sequential photos through a window show a person smiling and laughing in warm natural light.
A person in a mustard yellow sweater gazes thoughtfully out of a sunlit window in a series of candid poses.
A person in a dark gray Camp t-shirt sits by a window in a contemplative sequence of four similar poses.
A sequence of photos shows a person climbing and swinging on a fallen tree trunk in a winter forest.
A series of photos showing a cozy bedroom interior with oriental rugs, musical instruments, and warm lighting.
Close-up side view of blonde hair and ear with soft natural lighting and gray fabric in frame.
Creative framing through a hollow tree trunk shows a person in a bright yellow sweater standing in a wooded area.
A sequence of people playing and dancing on a decorative rug in a sunlit hallway.
A series of photos showing someone in a yellow sweater sitting at a wooden table working on a puzzle.
A sequence of photos showing a person in a blue shirt reading with a small dog on their lap in a sunlit room.
A series of images showing someone resting their head and hand on a yellow cushion while wearing a teal shirt.
A series of four connected photos showing playful movement and interaction on a patterned rug in a bright interior space.
A sequence of five images showing hands performing a therapeutic massage technique on an arm against a carpeted floor.
A series of photos showing a cozy living room with a carved wooden coffee table and area rugs in different angles.
A series of five photos showing someone in a mustard yellow sweater and black skirt standing against a light colored wall.
A sequence of three photos shows a young child in blue crawling towards someone sitting on a mustard yellow couch.
A sequence of photos showing sunlight streaming through windows onto a hardwood floor with artwork on cream-colored walls.
A sequence of images showing someone wearing jeans being helped up onto furniture in a room with white walls.
A series of candid photos showing playful interaction between two people in a sunlit home interior.
Dog lounges on an ornate ottoman in a bright living room while people gather on nearby furniture.
People walking together on a leaf-covered trail through a peaceful autumn forest on a sunny day.
A series of four connected images showing someone lounging on a mustard yellow velvet couch with bookshelves in the background.