the SHP blog

Are you torn between studio or in-home newborn sessions? Hi there, mama! First of all, I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you stumbled across this space while searching for a photographer or you’re a longtime supporter of Stephanie Honikel Photography (SHP), welcome! I know how special these moments are for you and your growing family, […]

How much does newborn photography cost? Welcoming a newborn into your family is one of life’s most profound moments, and preserving those first cuddles, yawns, and sleepy gazes is priceless. If you’re in the DMV area looking into newborn photography, you might be wondering, how much does it cost? The short answer is—it depends. The […]

I absolutely loved this snowy pregnancy announcement session in Leesburg, Virginia! Northern Virginia doesn’t see much snow, but when it does arrive, it transforms the landscape into a magical wonderland. This rare snowfall became the perfect backdrop for Aparna’s pregnancy announcement session just a few days ago. It felt like nature collaborated with us to […]

Congratulations, mama-to-be! As the big day approaches, it’s time to pack your hospital bag. As your Northern Virginia newborn photographer, I have created an essential hospital bag checklist to help you prepare for your baby’s arrival in the DMV. Happy packing! When Should You Pack? Aim to have your hospital bag packed by week 36 of your […]

Are you looking for some family friendly activities for New Year’s Day 2025? The New Year is a magical time to reset, reflect, and celebrate with those you love most. Instead of sticking to the traditional TV countdown, why not make 2025 extra special with activities that the whole family can enjoy? As a mom […]

Are you looking for realistic New Year’s resolutions for busy moms? The new year often feels like a fresh start—a time to reflect, plan, and dream. But for busy moms, setting resolutions can feel overwhelming, especially when your life is focused on taking care of everyone else. This year, it’s time to flip the script. […]

Trying to survive and enjoy the holidays as a new mom can seem challenging, but it’s 100% possible. As a mom myself and a Northern Virginia newborn photographer, it’s safe to say that I know a thing or two about juggling the craziness of new motherhood and the holiday season. To help you prepare for […]

Can you still enjoy Christmas when you’re pregnant? Of course, you can! Pregnancy is a special time, and there’s no reason why you can’t celebrate the holidays just like everyone else. In fact, being pregnant during Christmas can add an extra layer of joy to this festive season. As a mom myself and a maternity […]

Looking to take some DIY newborn photos this year? Even if you decide to hire a Northern Virginia newborn photographer, you’ll definitely still end up taking tons of pictures of your little one. And while professional photographers are trained to capture those perfect moments, with a little bit of guidance and practice, you can also […]

Are you wondering how to take better photos of your kids? As parents, we’re constantly looking for that perfect shot of our kids to capture their youthful energy and innocence. But getting a great photo of your little ones can feel like a tough challenge. As a Northern Virginia family photographer, I am here to […]