A Passion, A Calling, and A Healing From the Past

This blog post is a little bit different than what you are used to. Working so closely with you and your loved ones and capturing your family heirlooms, I’d love for you to get to know me as your newborn photographer and your friend. We all have our stories to tell, some of which tend to define our direction in life. While it may not always make sense right away, it proves to work wonders in the end. That’s most certainly been the case with me. I’d like to share with you how newborn photography has become so much more than a passion and touch on why my family and I will be moving back to Northern Virginia within the next few months! I’m sure some of you are a little bit confused!

Germany: How it sparked my interest in providing newborn photography in Northern Virginia

To my new readers and clients, I’m Stephanie. I’m a newborn photographer currently based in Phoenix, AZ. Come June, I’ll be serving clients in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C metro area. What most of you don’t know is that I’m originally from Germany! Well, okay, if you’ve already worked with me then you probably do know that given my accent! My journey actually starts way back when I was a little girl. Spending my adolescent years in a children’s home, it gave me a childhood unlike mosts. That picture-perfect family life is something I didn’t have. This isn’t meant to sound depressing or pitiful, but rather, eye opening for me.

I’m a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason” and for me, I believe that growing up without that ideal family life is what truly sparked my passion for newborn and family photography. As a momma myself, I now get to capture those picturesque moments for my clients. In doing so I have found a passion, but most importantly, a way to heal from my past. Being able to document precious moments filled with love and laughter, I pour my heart and soul into each and every single photo shoot to exceed your vision.

Fun fact, that little girl holding the lolly in the cover photo is me. It’s the only photo I have from my childhood. Displayed in a silver frame on a shelf in our living room, it’s a personal treasure I get to enjoy every single day.

Virginia to Arizona and Back to Virginia!

As you can imagine, having that picturesque family is something that has always been in the back of my mind. I always felt like something was missing. When my husband was given a job opportunity in Arizona at the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic, we were overjoyed. This is where his family is located. Our hope was that we’d be able to see his family more, develop that idealistic family life, and finally have what we’ve both been envisioning especially for our daughter. Sadly, we ended up rarely seeing them for a variety of reasons. To make matters worst, I barely ever saw my husband due to long and irregular hours at work. While still working through the events that unfolded over the past year, I can honestly say that I learned from them.

I learned that it’s ok to be different and that not everyone wants the same things in life. I also learned that it’s important to have a strong support system and that your family doesn’t always have to be that for you. For me, that support system is my husband, my friends and my clients, most of whom are back in Virginia! A few months ago, my husband was offered an opportunity that allows for a more balanced work-life schedule with all weekends and holidays off. We jumped at it! So, I’m coming back to provide newborn photography in Northern Virginia.

To Sum Everything Up…

Even though I didn’t have a traditional childhood, it’s this childhood that led to my successful career as a newborn photographer. My inspiration for my business are the priceless moments that I get to capture for your family.

As I said, I’m a firm believer in “everything happening for a reason.” Although we didn’t get the outcome we were hoping for in Arizona, we learned a lot. Our home is in Northern Virginia and it’s where we both will continue to grow and thrive!

I’m excited about providing newborn photography in Northern Virginia once again! I would love to be a part of your family’s heirlooms and capture memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re interested in booking a session, please don’t hesitate to reach out!