In the past I’ve gotten local folks together for family photos right here on the trail in my backyard – talk about a great commute to work for me!  But last year our creek was still under an environmental restoration project, odd as that might sound, restricting usage.  And while a neighboring trail has pretty creek side photo ops, the grassy area where kids could run was smattered with white plastic posts supporting baby trees.  I decided it was time to let the familiar places go so that our immediate environment could rejuvenate for a few seasons.

The search for a suitable replacement was a welcome adventure for Arbus, our dog and my walking partner, last fall.  She would jump into the car each fall morning after we dropped the boy off at school and away we went to visit a new park or trail around Fairfax.  As it turns out, I’m rather picky.  I need trees but a path.  I want water but not too much water and definitely not fast moving water.  I need shade but not all shade and certainly not full sun.  I don’t want it to be creepy desolate nor overcrowded.  And parking has to be easy and accessible so families can easily come in and out.

As it turned out I was looking too far away and the best option was really just an extension of the same trail running along Turkey Creek towards Long Branch.  It was quiet, pretty, and creek-y… just what I was looking for!  A new spot for Family Picture Day location was born and I was very pleased with last year’s results.

So much so that I decided to do it again this year.  While it doesn’t offer much by way of seated pics (its only real limitation) its a short and pretty walk for the outdoorsy family of littles who can easily pop up on parent shoulders.

If you would like to hop onto this year’s Long Branch Family Picture Day, its going to be Saturday October 27th with a scheduled rain date of Sunday, November 4th.  I’ve got one morning hole and a lot of room in the afternoon!  Join us for a little pretty creek-y fall goodness and schedule your 30 minute mini session soon… while the leaves are still on the trees!