the SHP blog

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 […]

Capturing those sweet, fleeting moments with your new baby is priceless. But if you’re looking around your home and wondering how to get ready, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. With a little preparation, you can create the perfect environment for swoon-worthy photos you’ll treasure forever. The following 9 essential tips will make your cozy in-home […]

Wondering how to foster a good relationship between your baby and your dog? Welcoming a baby into your home is one of life’s greatest joys—but what does your dog think about this new family member? Dogs are family, too, and it’s natural to want your furry friend and your baby to have a great bond. […]

Are you worried about bathing your newborn after their first bath? As a D.C. newborn photographer and a mother myself, I know how often the question is asked, “How do I bathe my baby after that first sponge bath experience?” Babies are tiny, delicate, and adjusting to the world outside the womb, so bath time […]

Looking for Mother’s Day ideas you can experience in 2025? Mother’s Day will be here before we know it, and we deserve to celebrate ourselves. Motherhood is beautiful, chaotic, overwhelming, joyful, and every emotion in between. It’s also fleeting. The days may feel long, but those years? They’re way too short. That’s why Mother’s Day […]

Looking for the top lactation consultants in Northern Virginia? One of the biggest hurdles I experienced as a new mom was figuring out breastfeeding. I remember holding my daughter and thinking, “How do people make this look so easy in all those videos?” Spoiler alert: It wasn’t easy. Despite all the books, blogs, and advice […]

Are you curious about the must-know benefits of an in-studio maternity photoshoot in D.C.? Hi there, mama! I know firsthand how beautiful (and exhausting!) pregnancy can be. Having been in your shoes, I also know how much you’ll want to remember this special time once your little one is here. That’s why I’m so passionate […]

Your baby’s first year is a beautiful whirlwind of precious moments and a First Year Collective ensures you can cherish and relive every milestone through timeless photography. I still remember holding my baby girl in my arms, feeling the incredible mix of awe, love, and exhaustion. Time felt like it stood still, yet it passed […]

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 […]