Welcome
Thank you so much for taking the time to contact me about your session. Having a baby is the most momentous life event, in the blink of an eye you are forever changed by one small human being. I believe that photographing this incredible time is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and our families. My goal is to create images and artwork for you that will live on in your family for generations to come. For every milestone - from their first day at school, to graduation day, and their wedding day - you will always remember how little they were.
About the Experience
At the time of booking, we will schedule the date and time for your session, or I will put your due date on my calendar. After baby arrives we will schedule your newborn session, but you can generally expect your session to be held in the morning on the first or second weekend after delivery. All outdoor sessions are held about an hour before sunset at one of my favorite locations in northern VA. Studio sessions are are held in the morning.
I know that life with a new baby is hectic, so I remove all the worry from your sessions. The studio wardrobe is available for you to borrow clothing from for all studio sessions. The wardrobe features beautiful pieces for mothers in neutral colors and flattering styles so you look and feel beautiful. I have a collection of neutral blankets and wraps for babies, so you don't have to bring a thing for baby for your session. I find that simple setups and neutral colors highlight babies and families best, so all of my sessions are designed to capture images in a timeless, natural way.
Within three weeks of your session, you will receive a link to a password protected online gallery with no less than 25 images. Galleries includes both color and black & white versions of every image. Online galleries are active for five days, during which time you can select your favorite artwork. Most artwork is delivered within 6-8 weeks of finalizing your order.
maternity sessions
Maternity sessions are best held when mom is between 30-36 weeks pregnant.
Sessions may be held either in the studio or at one of my favorite outdoor locations in Northern VA during the warmer months. All outdoor sessions take place the hour before sunset, when the sun is golden and the light is at its best.
Indoor sessions take place during the day at my studio in Fairfax, VA.
While mom is the focus during maternity sessions, partners and children are always welcome.
The studio wardrobe is available to clients for indoor studio sessions.
newborn session information
Newborn sessions feature naturally posed portraiture and are held when baby is 5-14 days old. Babies are on their own schedule and often need extra time to settle into a good sleep, so newborn sessions typically last between 2-4 hours. Babies are perfect as they are, so they are typically undressed or swaddled for sessions. Above all else, your baby’s safety and comfort are my top priorities. Every baby is different and may have particular likes or dislikes during their session, I will never put a baby in an unsafe situation or pose they are uncomfortable with.
I ask that parents notify me of baby’s birth within 48 hours of delivery so that newborn sessions can be scheduled as soon as possible. Newborn sessions are scheduled for the morning, a time when babies are their happiest and the light is best. I have an assortment of blankets and wraps in neutral colors to use during your session. If there are particular items you would like incorporated into your images please don’t hesitate to let me know. To capture the best images and help your baby sleep, please refrain from taking your own photos.
As the studio space is small, and newborn session require a calm environment, only immediate family members are permitted during newborn sessions. And finally, please don’t worry if there is an accident during the session. It happens all the time! All of my items and props are washed after every session.
If you have your baby boy circumcised please let me know. To keep him happy and comfortable for his session it’s important to allow at least 4-5 days to heal before being photographed. For your baby’s health and comfort, I do not photograph boys within 72 hours of circumcision.
siblings & newborn sessions
I welcome older siblings to participate in newborn sessions, with the understanding that a parent or other caregiver be available to take the older sibling(s) elsewhere (park, ice cream, playground) when they are not being photographed. If you have an older child who will be part of the session, we will take any images with them at the beginning of the session, then someone (usually dad) can can take them home or out for lunch while we capture baby-only images for the second half of the session. Newborn sessions are long, hot, and require a calm environment - a recipe that's sure to make even the most well behaved child frustrated and uncomfortable.
Please let older kiddos know this is fun! No threats, as it usually brings about tears and added stress. Instead, I’m a huge fan of bribery - everyone gets stickers and ice cream after! However, please don’t bring candy or treats for bribing during the session, they tend to just be a distraction (and I have plenty of stickers to share in the studio). If you feel it's necessary, you may bring a small “clean” snack with you for your toddler that won't make a mess on his/her face. Foods that are sticky, have dyes, or may otherwise damage or stain items in the studio, are not permitted.
Likewise, please do not bring additional toys or caregivers with you to "entertain" older kids during your session. I promise that the session will be entertainment enough! While they are in the studio, we want them to be having fun with you during the session, not playing with firetrucks or glow toys. Bringing toys and books (or Aunt Sarah) will at best distract them when we are trying to capture images of them, or at worst, make them upset when they can no longer play with their favorite things.