dc area family photographer

Northern VA Baby Photographer | How to Create Your Dream Photo Wall

Photo walls are one of my favorite things. They are beautiful home decor and remind us of the moments in our lives that we love most. They are also wonderful for children, as a physical reminder of special times and how much they mean to us (I’ve never met a child that didn’t love to look at photos of him or herself - they think it’s the coolest thing). Like so many projects though it can feel overwhelming to get started. Here are some of my best tips for creating the photo wall you’ve always dreamed of:

1 - Find a photographer you love, and make photos a regular event.

Work with someone who will invest in the relationship with your family and give you images you’ll cherish. Make sure to set up sessions regularly with your photographer, especially while your kids are young. Over the time you’ll find you have a beautiful mix of images showing how your family has grown.

2 - Decide if you want to use the same size and type of frame for every image, or if you’ll mix it up.

You can’t go wrong either way, but make a decision early so you have a plan. Use frames of the same size and shape for a more traditional and classic look, while mixing it up is more eclectic. Generally though bigger is better. A few larger images will make a bigger impact than a bunch of smaller ones (and you’re more likely to actually see them everyday).

3 - Select one (or a couple) images from each session to feature.

People often ask me how to choose the images for their wall. I believe that albums are meant for telling your story (showing many images in one place), and wall art is meant for those singularly special moments that make you feel each time you look at them. Hang the images that speak to you the most.

4 - Mix it up with both color and black & white images.

Add interest by displaying both color and black & white images. Sticking with just one or the other can be a great option, especially if you prefer a monochromatic look, but don’t be scared to mix it up with the images that you love most.

5 - Select an area that will grow with your family.

Be sure to think about where you want to hang your gallery wall. You may not hang all of your images at once (unless you’re years behind on getting them hung - happens to us all!), so leave room for additional images in the future. Remember that if you’re limited on space, you don’t have to stick with just one wall. It’s okay to show your images in different spaces throughout your home.


Most of all, my biggest tip is to just get started. Choose even just one image that you love and hang it on your wall so you can enjoy it everyday. Once the first one is done you’ll likely feel invigorated to keep going and hang all of your most loved images. And remember, portraits can be switched out and moved, images can be swapped. If you want to change things or move them around you’ll always have that option. Over time you’ll create a photo wall filled with memories and events that you can look back on for decades to come.

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Kate Juliet Photography specializes in natural maternitynewbornbaby, and family portraiture in the Washington DC and Northern VA area.
All studio sessions include access to the studio wardrobe for mothers and babies to borrow clothing for your session. 
Contact me to begin planning your custom portrait experience.


Northern VA Baby Photographer | See Your Images Everyday

We live in a digital age, but for me artwork is it. I understand the easy appeal of digital files - they're convenient and instant. You don't have to wait around and you can share them in a single click. We are busy and have to focus on what's coming up next, it's hard to slow down and consider what images we want to have and where.

But ultimately, what good is a photograph if you never see it? Share away on facebook and instagram (I love them both!), but eventually your images will fall below the scroll where you can't see them anymore. Computers crash. Websites fail. Technology is upgraded and the old things are lost. Think of how many computers and phones you’ve owned and how much was lost each time you got something new.

You worked so hard for these images. You searched for the best photographer. You planned outfits and looks. You wrangled children (and perhaps even your spouse) and made sure everyone looked their best. You spent so much time and effort on your images… make sure they end up somewhere that you'll see them everyday.

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Kate Juliet Photography specializes in natural maternitynewbornbaby, and family portraiture in the Washington DC and Northern VA area.
All studio sessions include access to the studio wardrobe for mothers and babies to borrow clothing for your session. 
Contact me to begin planning your custom portrait experience.


Six Things I've Learned About Parenting Since Becoming a Newborn Photographer | Washington DC Baby Photography

I have specialized in newborn photography since day one of opening my business. That means I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of families during that time. Families of all shapes and sizes, of different backgrounds and cultures, with new life circumstances and events. Every family is different and unique and my philosophy has always been one of openness and understanding. Every family is doing the best they can, figuring out their own routines and habits. What works perfectly for one family, may not work for another.

But within all those differences are some universal truths to parenthood. Things that we all experience and learn. Here are the top six things I've learning about parenting since becoming a newborn photographer:

1. Anything can be a game.

I get to see a lot of toddlers in the studio for newborn sessions. Whether they’re 12 months old or three years old, they are always fun and up to new things. Since toddlers have shorter attention spans (and having photos taken isn't something they always understand), making the experience fun for them is key to a successful session. And that means anything can become a game. No matter what you're trying to achieve, playing peek-a-boo, handing out stickers, singing songs, and being silly always go a long way.

2. All the moments matter, no matter how small they are.

Remembering that we show our love when we do even the tiniest things for our kids: whether it's wiping their noses or feeding them cheerios one by one. Not every moment has to be a big one, in those slow quiet moments we can cherish everything that we have too.

3. No matter how many children you already have, your new baby will throw you for a loop.

Whether you're having your first child, or second or third (or fourth or fifth), your new baby will be a brand new experience. Sure, there are always similarities between siblings, but ultimately every kid has their own personality and desires. Getting to know your new baby while navigating parenting your other children always takes getting used to.

4. Moms should have three arms.

I say this all the time! You need one hand to hold the baby, one hand to feed the baby, and one hand to hold your phone/eat/drink/wrangle your older child. We need one more!

5. These years are short.

When you're in the thick of it, it can feel like this time will last forever - but kids grow quickly. Soon enough you'll wonder how your sweet little baby grew into such a tall, talkative kid. Take all the photos you can, and make sure you get into some of them too moms.

6. We're all doing the best we can.

There's no road map or handbook for being a parent, we're all just making it up as we go along. Enjoy the ride and let your children teach you as much as you're teaching them. After all, we could all use a little less structure and feel a little more care free each day.

washington-dc-baby-photographer

Kate Juliet Photography specializes in natural maternitynewbornbaby, and family portraiture in the Washington DC and Northern VA area.

All studio sessions include access to the studio wardrobe for mothers and babies to borrow clothing for your session. 

Contact me to begin planning your custom portrait experience.


Baby Boy Andrew's Session | DC Newborn Photographer

One of the highest honors is to see families again and again. Getting to watch families grow from one baby to two babies and beyond - there’s nothing better. I love getting to know you and your children. Watching them grow, witnessing all of their milestones.

I first met this beautiful family when mama was pregnant with baby number one, and then again for their first newborn session with their baby girl. Seeing them again when Melissa was pregnant with their baby boy was such a joy, it’s amazing how different each pregnancy is. And now seeing their family of four with little Andrew’s newborn session. Well, it just doesn’t get any better.

Here are some of my favorite images from our session together - enjoy!

mama’s dress borrowed from the studio wardrobe, available to all clients for studio sessions


Kate Juliet Photography specializes in natural maternitynewbornbaby, and family portraiture in the Washington DC and Northern VA area.
All studio sessions include access to the studio wardrobe for mothers and babies to borrow clothing for your session. 
Contact me to begin planning your custom portrait experience.


Baby Boy Hayes Makes Family of Four | Loudoun County Newborn Photographer

When I get to know families something special happens: all the worry and concern about the time we have together fades away. All the unknowns become known and we focus on enjoying the time together. Because perfect images don’t come from perfect sessions or perfect weather or perfect behavior. They come from moments. Simple pure moments of togetherness. Wherever we may be or wherever we may go, these are the moments that stay with us.

I’ve worked with so many people beautiful families over the years, and this beautiful family has been with me almost since the very beginning. I’ve seen their family blossom with these two amazing children, the perfect combination of their parents.

They’ve since set off on a wonderful adventure on the west coast. I’m going to miss seeing them so, but I hope it’s the biggest adventure - full of memories and excitement - for all of them.

Here are some of my favorite images from baby boy Hayes newborn session - enjoy!


Kate Juliet Photography specializes in natural maternity, newborn, baby, and family portraiture in the Washington DC and Northern VA area.
All studio sessions include access to the studio wardrobe for mothers and babies to borrow clothing for your session.
Contact me to begin planning your custom portrait experience.