Chiming in a little late, but Kate Hollings Photography (www.katehollingsphotography.com) is another natural light, on-location photographer in DC.

Alex is great, especially for outdoor pics.

http://alexchristina.com/

We love our photographer, Maisi Julian Photography, also in Alexandria. She is very patient and fun, and gets amazing, natural shots.

Kat Eli photograpy, in Alexandria. We have used her several times. Kateliphoto.com. We received many compliments. Plus she has reasonable prices.

Anonymous wrote:http://www.angieklausphotography.com

Love Angie. I think her style is what you're looking for.

+1. Worth every penny and worth booking months and months in advance!

We loved our pictures from Ruth B. Photography: http://ruthbphotography.com/

Emily Clack is fantastic

Anonymous wrote:juliekubal.com is a family photographer and has a very documentary/lifestyle focus.

BTW, OP, I'm so curious about your statement "weird golden light." That sunrise/sunset light is a photographer's dream!!

I second Julie! She's awesome.

Jessica Torch Photography

Expensive but there is nobody better then yellow hale photography.

We loved Blaire Ring with Second Ave Photography: http://www.secondavephotography.com/

We loved working with Jonna Michelle. She does a lot of the bright light & bright colors you like.

http://www.jonnamichellephotography.com/

Bridget Eldridge! She's so lovely to work with and super talented!

http://www.bridgeteldridgephotography.com/

Anonymous wrote:^op here. With "weird golden light" I mean those ethereal photos in a field, with an added filter to showcase the light. We'd prefer bright colors in a garden.

Over photo-shopping and metallic paper - both gimmicky stuff in my opinion - are common among many photogs. I agree that it's weird and I don't like it either. My mom had ones taken of my son like this and it doesn't even look like him.