Sleepy Creek, WV—On a rare bright day during the dreary holiday weather, I seized the opportunity for an impromptu portrait session with my nephew, Wyatt, a budding guitarist.  Wyatt, my sister and I escaped the winter blues with a dose of sunshine and charm in Sleepy Creek, West Virginia! 

Drawn to the scenic Potomac riverbanks, we ventured to Sleepy Creek Campground (details and permission HERE), a favorite spot amongst my family and friends. This hidden gem offered picturesque backdrops like an iconic stone railroad bridge, bathed in perfect winter light. The train whistle echoing in the distance added a touch of magic to the moment, and allowed us to capture some memorable shots on both sides of the tracks.

The winter landscape provided a serene contrast to the vibrant summer scenes of families playing by the water. With just a few members taking advantage of the 52 degree weather to work on their lots, we had the river nearly to ourselves. Wyatt, with his easy-going nature and versatile expressions, was a dream to photograph, even when his shoes got a little muddy. Sorry buddy! His passion for music, and the tunes he strummed on his Martin guitar, added another layer of inspiration to the session.

This impromptu photography adventure at Sleepy Creek proved to be my most rewarding yet. Not only did we capture beautiful portraits, but we also soaked in the beauty of a fair winter day and shared some special moments together.

Thanks so much Mary and Wyatt. This was so much fun!