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, Newborn

4 Tips For Traveling With A Newborn In 2023

Traveling with a newborn is something that every mom tends to fear. Long car rides (or plane rides) with a newborn that isn’t used to such travel? The crying, discomfort, potty breaks, etc. It can feel like a lot. To make it even better (insert eye roll here), people tend not to be all too […]

Advice, Maternity

Top 3 Morning Sickness Tips You Need to Know: Northern Virginia Maternity Photographer

Morning sickness…the first, and often the least favored, sign that you are pregnant! I know. I’ve been there with my own kiddo. Morning sickness is not only unpleasant, but it’s also uncomfortable, and it can drastically impact your day. Nobody wants to wake up, get sick, and then go to work. It’s awful. That doesn’t […]

Advice, Newborn

4 Easy Ways To Baby-Proof Your House

Wondering how to baby-proof your house? Baby-proofing is about more than just locking your doors and windows. It is also about making sure that your home is safe for your little one. It includes keeping your baby away from sharp objects, harmful chemicals and poisons, sharp corners, and other potential dangers. However, for a first-time […]

Advice

5 Vital Tips For Decorating Your Nursery In Northern Virginia

Want to learn the best tips for decorating your nursery? Nursery décor is an art form, so you can’t just slap some paint on your walls and call it a day. It takes patience, creativity, and love to create a nursery that’s truly yours. When you’re decorating your nursery, it’s important to make sure that […]

Newborn

Adorable Washington D.C. Newborn Photographer: 2022 In-Home Session

I can’t get over how beautiful this family is! My name is Stephanie, YOUR professional Washington D.C. newborn photographer. Hello and welcome to my blog! For more information about a photoshoot with me, please inquire here! Veronica reached out to me in May of this year, wondering if I’d be around to photograph her baby […]

Advice, Newborn

Hospital Bag Checklist: 16 Must-Have Best Items For Delivery

As a newborn photographer in Leesburg, VA, I get the opportunity to talk to mamas about their baby’s journey into the world. Preparing for the delivery day is a common topic. Being uncertain of what to actually pack in your hospital delivery bag can be stressful. With that said, I put together a quick hospital […]

Maternity, Advice

Top 5 Best Prenatal Massage In Northern Virginia

If you’re expecting a baby in Northern Virginia in 2023 and looking for ways to alleviate discomfort, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being, a prenatal massage might be just the solution. As a northern Virginia newborn photographer and mama myself, I can tell you how incredible it is to treat your body to this type […]

Advice, Newborn

20 Must-Haves For Your Baby Registry

Something I love about being a Northern VA newborn photographer is that I get to share advice, tips, and tricks with new moms based on many conversations with my sweet clients over the years and my very own experiences as a mom. Did you know that nobody has any actual idea of what should be […]

Newborn

The Big Difference Between In Home vs In Studio Newborn Photography

A popular question I’m asked as a Northern VA newborn photographer is whether my clients should do an in-home or an in-studio session. Since I offer both, I have a unique perspective. It’s really a matter of preference, so let’s chat about it. What are the differences between in home vs in studio newborn photography […]

Advice

What Are Onboarding Sessions? A Top Northern VA Newborn Photographer Answers

As a Northern VA newborn photographer, I get a lot of questions regarding my onboarding sessions. I’ve noticed that a lot of people have it in their heads that onboarding meetings are essentially a sales pitch. Whereas that may be true for some photographers, it is definitely not the case for me. Onboarding meetings with […]

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