As an Alexandria VA newborn photographer, I’m no stranger to capturing the beauty and wonder of a brand new life. Welcoming a new baby into a family is an unforgettable milestone, filled with joy, love, and countless precious moments. For Jocelyn and Kelton, the arrival of their firstborn, Amelia, brought a new sense of wonder into their lives. As they adjusted to life as a family of three (plus their beloved mini doodle, Arnie), they decided to preserve these early days through a newborn session in their cozy Alexandria, VA home.
This blog takes you through the process of documenting Amelia’s first portrait session with me as their Alexandria VA newborn photographer, from the initial consultation to the creation of meaningful artwork that will live in their home for years to come.
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When you choose me as your Alexandria VA newborn photographer, your experience starts with understanding your family’s unique story and vision. Jocelyn and I connected over Zoom for an in-depth consultation to map out her dreams for Amelia’s newborn session. During our conversation, Jocelyn shared her desire to reflect the love and warmth of their family. She envisioned capturing Amelia in the familiar comfort of their Alexandria home, with their dog Arnie also making a special appearance in the photos.
This meeting wasn’t just about planning logistics; it was a chance to get to know Jocelyn’s hopes and expectations. It also allowed us to build trust and ensure that each detail would be thoughtfully handled. By the end of our consultation, Jocelyn felt confident in her decision to move forward with the full-service photography experience, trusting that her family’s memories were in good hands.
During this discussion, Jocelyn also decided to join The First Year Collective, which means Amelia’s milestones will be captured throughout her first year in three beautifully planned sessions. While this blog focuses on Amelia’s newborn session, Jocelyn’s choice to preserve these early memories is sure to become even more meaningful as the year unfolds.
Creating timeless, cohesive portraits begins with thoughtfully planned wardrobe styling. Jocelyn and Kelton joined me for a wardrobe and styling appointment at my studio in Leesburg in preparation for their newborn session. This step is an integral part of my process as an Alexandria VA newborn photographer, as it removes the stress of outfit planning for new parents while ensuring that every look complements the overall aesthetic of the portraits.
As a full-service photographer, I offer a complimentary client wardrobe designed to flatter and fit moms of all shapes and sizes. Jocelyn selected a stunning dress for herself and a coordinating outfit for Amelia, thoughtfully focusing on soft tones and delicate textures that would photograph beautifully in the natural light of their home.
Amelia arrived in April, and just a couple of weeks later, we met for her newborn session. I recommend photographing newborns between 5-18 days old, an age when they are still wonderfully sleepy and content, which makes for snuggly, heartwarming images.
On the day of the session, a professional hair and makeup artist arrived at Jocelyn’s Alexandria home to help her feel her absolute best. This small touch was about more than beauty; it gave Jocelyn the freedom to fully enjoy the moment without any added stress.
Their beautiful home in Alexandria provided the perfect backdrop for the session. Filled with soft, natural light and a sense of intimate familiarity, the setting offered a warm and authentic atmosphere that allowed every emotion to shine.
Amelia slept peacefully through much of the session. And Arnie? He was the sweetest pup, curious about his new baby sister and happy to take part in the portraits.
Two weeks later, we scheduled the reveal and ordering appointment. This is the moment where the magic truly comes to life, and families get to experience their portraits as more than just photographs.
During the appointment, Jocelyn and Kelton saw their love and joy reflected in every image. Together, we began designing meaningful keepsakes, including their first official pieces of artwork featuring Amelia. They chose to create a stunning custom baby book that will document Amelia’s growth throughout her first year.
We also planned the start of a staircase wall gallery that will evolve over time, with portraits from each of Amelia’s photography sessions. This gallery will serve as a daily reminder of the love and connection their family shares, growing alongside Amelia as she reaches each of her milestones.
The ordering session isn’t just about selecting images; it’s about transforming memories into tangible treasures that will be cherished for generations. For Jocelyn and Kelton, seeing these portraits as artwork that will grace their home brought a special kind of joy and fulfillment.
Jocelyn and Kelton’s newborn session with Amelia was filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments. From the warmth of their Alexandria, VA home to the cuddly presence of Arnie, every detail came together to create portraits that celebrate the beauty of their growing family.
And this is only the beginning. Jocelyn’s decision to join The First Year Collective means that Amelia’s milestones will continue to be documented as she grows, creating a timeless legacy of memories that their family will cherish forever.
To Jocelyn, Kelton, Amelia, and Arnie, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful story. Capturing your joy has been an honor, and I can’t wait to watch your family’s love continue to unfold in the coming months.
For families in and around Alexandria, VA, considering newborn photography, there’s no better time to preserve these tender moments than now. When you choose me as your Alexandria VA newborn photographer, we can create a collection of memories that will bring joy to your home for years to come.
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Stephanie Honikel is a distinguished DC & Northern Virginia newborn photographer, specializing in maternity, baby, and family photography. With a keen eye for capturing timeless moments, she has been recognized as one of the Best Maternity Photographers in DC for 2024 and Best Newborn Photographers in Alexandria, VA in 2024. Stephanie’s work emphasizes safety and emotional connection, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed session experience. She offers a full-service approach, including professional hair and makeup, wardrobe options, and custom artwork. Reach out today to book your session!
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