welcome to

the SHP blog

Hi! I’m Stephanie, a mama, a born and raised German girl, and a sentimental, full-service photographer who captures timeless images for families looking to remember the little moments. I am so grateful that you are here!

Take a look at my latest blog posts to see recent work from beautiful studio & lifestyle newborn sessions and maternity portraits, along with helpful tips for families in the DC and Northern VA areas.
From session planning to making the most of your time in front of the camera, I share advice designed to make your experience enjoyable and stress-free.

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baby & child

Advice, Maternity

What to Expect During a Boudoir Maternity Session In Northern Virginia

Maternity photoshoots are some of my favorites to shoot. They’re a phenomenal way to capture the bond between you and your unborn little one. They also provide both mom and dad with a chance to reconnect and get a little scandalous! A boudoir maternity session in Northern Virginia, in particular, can help you feel sexy […]

Advice, Maternity

When Is The Best Time To Schedule Your Maternity Photo Session?

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of waiting for your baby to arrive. With so many things to do to prepare, scheduling your maternity photo session may seem like just another item on your to-do list. But trust me, maternity sessions are such a special way to document this precious time in your life. As […]

Advice, Newborn

5 Tips For Raising Newborn Twins In 2023

Anyone with a newborn will tell you that raising them is a challenge. Two newborns at once? That’s a completely different ballgame. We’re talking about double the mouths to feed, diapers to change, laundry to do, crying to calm… you get the picture. Ready for the good news? People raise newborn twins every day. Other people […]

Advice, Newborn

3 Tips For The First Week With A Newborn

If you are researching tips for the first week with a newborn, chances are you are expecting or have recently brought a baby into this world. Welcome to parenthood, mama! You have officially entered an amazing yet completely overwhelming process of raising a child. As a Washington D.C. newborn photographer and mother, I’m so excited […]

Maternity

48 Fields Maternity Photography: Maternity Photo Ideas

I am so excited to feature this gorgeous 48 Fields maternity photography session that I captured in Leesburg, Virginia. Maternity photography is a beautiful way to commemorate the exciting period of anticipation and joy that marks the journey towards parenthood. These photos capture the radiance and love of expecting mothers, creating a timeless memento of […]

Newborn, Advice

Cloth Diapers Versus Disposable Diapers: Which Is Better?

Babies have been wearing diapers since the beginning of time. The cool thing about today’s day and age is that there are many kinds of diapers for babies! It’s no surprise that many parents choose to use cloth diapers, but is your choice really the right one? Now, cloth diapers versus disposable diapers may not […]

Newborn, Advice

Lifestyle Versus Posed Newborn Photography: What’s The Difference?

Lifestyle versus posed newborn photography: Which is better? Welcoming a newborn into your family is such a special time in your life. You’ll want to remember these fleeting moments for a lifetime to come. As a Northern Virginia newborn photographer specializing in posed newborn photography, many of my clients don’t know what style of newborn […]

Family

2022 Holiday Mini Sessions: Northern Virginia Family Photographer

The 2022 Holiday Mini Sessions are here! As a top-rated Northern Virginia family photographer, I love to focus on providing excellent service and building lasting client relationships. For that reason, these sessions are only available to those who have previously booked a full session with me. My holiday mini-sessions are a great opportunity for me […]

Advice, Maternity

Top 5 C-Section Care Tips For Your Birth In Northern Virginia

Having a C-section, or cesarean delivery, can be an overwhelming experience for many mothers. It is a significant surgical procedure that requires careful post-operative care to ensure a smooth and healthy recovery. There’s truly no “fast” way to heal from a C-section. However, there are some essential lifestyle and C-section care tips that can help you! […]

Newborn

Newborn Photography Session In Northern Virginia: 5 Best Benefits Of Outdoor Photoshoots

If this cozy front porch newborn photography session in Northern Virginia has caught your attention, chances are that you might be in the market for a Northern Virginia newborn photographer. In-home newborn sessions are still my favorites, and these two ladies were worth the drive. As a professional photographer, I know that the lighting in your […]

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Serving families in Northern Virginia, Maryland, & Washington, D.C.