Guys, I absolutely LOVED this Ashburn Virginia newborn photography session!
I have said it before and I will say it again: in-home Ashburn Virginia newborn photography sessions are some of my absolute favorites. There is something about photographing a family in the space where they actually live, where the light falls through familiar windows and the dog is wandering in and out of frame, that produces images with a warmth and authenticity you simply cannot replicate anywhere else.
Avo’s session was all of that and more. From the moment I walked through the door, I knew this was going to be a gallery full of images that this family would pull out for decades. Baby Avo, big brother Alex, a very handsome dog named Ori, and two parents who were so clearly in love with their people, it was a joy from start to finish.
While I offer both on-location and studio newborn photography services in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metro area, I believe that you and your newborn baby will be most relaxed at home. While being able to relax in a setting that is uniquely yours, in-home newborn sessions help keep older siblings entertained and allow me to include family pets as well. My number one goal is to offer an experience that’s enjoyable and relaxed for everyone involved. Say hello to sweet Avo and his family, who were an absolute pleasure to work with.


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ToggleInvesting in an Ashburn Virginia newborn photography session is not just about getting professional photos of your child; it’s about capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some key reasons why you should consider this investment.
Newborns grow rapidly, with the first few weeks of a baby’s life being particularly fleeting. During this time, they change at an astonishing rate, and it’s these tiny, quickly evolving details that professional newborn photography aims to capture, providing a lasting memory of these incredibly precious moments. In addition to their rapid physical growth, newborns display a variety of unique expressions, even in their sleep. These fleeting expressions, full of innocence and wonder, can be expertly captured during an Ashburn Virginia newborn photography session, offering you a tangible memory to cherish and revisit as your child grows older.
As a professional photographer, I possess the expertise and experience to create beautiful, high-quality images. My proficiency extends to safely posing the baby, effectively using natural light, and editing the photos to perfection. My high-quality equipment and designer eye give them the capability to capture sharper, more detailed images than most consumer cameras or smartphones, thereby ensuring that the precious moments of your newborn’s life are captured with the highest clarity and detail.
The convenience of an Ashburn Virginia newborn photography session is unparalleled as many I’ll come directly to your home, armed with all the necessary props and equipment. This allows you to relax in the comfort of your own space while the photos are being taken. In addition to this convenience, I’m trained in safe handling and posing techniques for newborns. Throughout the session, I prioritize the baby’s safety and comfort, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for both the baby and the parents.



Two things stopped me in my tracks the moment I first laid eyes on Avo. First: that hair. Thick, dark, perfectly wild hair that had clearly never met a styling gel and did not need one. I was obsessed. Second: those eyes. Even in his sleepiest moments, Avo had these gorgeous, watchful eyes that made you feel like he already knew something the rest of us did not.
I loved starting the session with a few shots of Avo in his crib, eyes just barely open, that gorgeous baby hair going in every direction. Watching him slowly drift off while I photographed him was one of those quiet, peaceful moments that reminds me exactly why I do this work.
Once he was in a deep sleep, we moved into the posed setups. The side pose is one of my all-time favorites, and Avo was a natural. He settled into it like he had been doing it his whole life — which, to be fair, is about ten days at this point. The images we got were stunning: that cheek, those lashes, those tiny curled fingers. Perfect.
ABOUT THE SIDE NEWBORN POSE

The side pose is one of the most beautiful newborn poses because it highlights details you do not usually see: the curve of the cheek, the roundness of the belly, the perfection of tiny hands and feet all in one frame. It works beautifully with natural window light, which is one of the reasons in-home sessions are so well suited to it. Learn more about the newborn poses I use in sessions.

If you have followed my work for any length of time, you already know I have a deep and completely unashamed soft spot for dogs in newborn sessions. Including the family pet in a newborn session is something I actively encourage, and Ori is exactly the reason why.
Ori was curious, gentle, and completely at ease, which is exactly what you want from a dog in a newborn session. The images of him with baby Avo are some of my favorites from the entire gallery. There is something about a dog and a newborn in the same frame that captures the full reality of what a family actually looks like, and I think those images are going to mean an enormous amount to this family as the years go by.
If you have a dog and are wondering whether to include them in your session, my answer is almost always yes. I am experienced working with animals in newborn sessions and I know how to get the best out of those moments safely and naturally.


I always say that sibling images are the ones parents end up treasuring most, and Alex proved that point beautifully. Watching a big brother meet his new baby sibling, reach out to touch him, and share that first moment of real connection, there is nothing like it.
Alex was wonderful. Patient, curious, sweet. The image of him sharing some love with Avo is one of my favorites from the entire session. It is the kind of image that will sit on this family’s wall for years, and someday Avo will look at it and understand something about who his brother has always been to him.
I always build sibling time into my Northern Virginia newborn sessions early, while older kids still have energy and enthusiasm. The trick is keeping it relaxed and fun rather than forced. Alex did not need any help with that.

If you are reading this and wondering whether a professional newborn session is worth it, here is my honest answer: the first two weeks of your baby’s life will go faster than you can imagine. You will blink and your newborn will be a smiling, rolling, opinionated four-month-old who looks nothing like the tiny creature you brought home from the hospital. Professional newborn photography is how you hold onto that first version of them.
An in-home session in Ashburn specifically gives you something extra: the context of your real life. Your home, your light, your dog, your older child in his natural habitat. These images will not just show you what your baby looked like. They will show you who your family was in this exact moment, in this exact place. That is irreplaceable.
A few things that make my Northern Virginia newborn sessions different:
Ashburn is one of my favorite communities to photograph in. The homes in this area tend to have beautiful natural light, the neighborhoods are warm and family-oriented, and there is a real sense of community here that comes through when you photograph families in their own spaces.
I serve families throughout Loudoun County and across Northern Virginia, including Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Brambleton, Broadlands, One Loudoun, and the surrounding communities. For families closer to Leesburg or who prefer a studio environment, my studio is fully equipped and available for newborn sessions as well.
If you are expecting a baby in the Ashburn area and are thinking about a newborn session, I would love to connect. The best time to reach out is during your pregnancy (ideally by the end of your second trimester) to make sure I have availability in your window.
Emily and Zaven, thank you from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me into your home and trusting me with these images of your sweet family. Watching Alex meet his brother, seeing Ori settle in beside the baby, and capturing those first perfect days of Avo’s life — it was a privilege.
These images belong to your family now. I hope you pull them out often!
If you are interested in a studio or in-home maternity or newborn photography session, I’d love to hear from you!
I recommend reaching out during your pregnancy, ideally by 24 to 28 weeks. Ashburn and Loudoun County sessions book up quickly, especially in fall and spring. Getting on the calendar early guarantees your spot in that ideal 5-to-14-day newborn window.
Not much, honestly. I ask that you keep the house reasonably warm, around 75 to 78 degrees. Beyond that, you do not need to deep-clean or rearrange anything. I work with your natural light and your existing space. The lived-in quality of a real home is part of what makes these images beautiful.
Yes, and I love when families do. I am experienced working with dogs during newborn sessions and I know how to capture those moments safely and naturally. Just plan for your dog to be present and relatively settled — a pre-session walk is always a good idea.
Yes. My studio is in Leesburg and available for families who prefer a controlled studio environment. Some families choose studio for the variety of backdrops and setups, and others choose in-home for the warmth and authenticity. I am happy to help you decide which is the better fit. [LINK: studio vs. in-home blog]
The sweet spot is 5 to 14 days old. In that window, babies sleep deeply enough to be gently posed and are still flexible enough for the curled, classic newborn setups. After two weeks, babies become more alert and harder to pose, though sessions are still beautiful. The earlier in that window, the more options we have.
My sessions are full-service, covering the session, editing, gallery reveal, and wall art design. For full pricing details, visit my newborn photography page or reach out directly and I will send you my pricing guide.
Want even more resources? Check out some of my other posts below:
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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Omg these images are to die for! He’s so precious, so jealous of his hair! Well done as always!
Oh my goodness what an amazing head of hair and the funniest faces too!!
Is this baby even real?! You do such a great job making your sessions line effortless and relaxed! Love!!
So cute! OMG the funniest hair ever
So much hair! I love these photos, such a cute capture.