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

Maternity, Advice

5 Tips To Prepare For Your Maternity Photo Session In D.C.

Are you ready for your maternity photo session in D.C.? Pregnancy is an exciting time for parents-to-be, and capturing the moment with maternity photos is a great way to remember this special time. Whether you’re looking for a traditional photo session or something more unique, there are several things you can do to ensure your […]

Newborn

Cozy D.C. Christmas Newborn Session At Home: D.C. Newborn Photographer

This cozy D.C. Christmas newborn session at home is most definitely an awesome one to share as we approach the holidays. My name is Stephanie, your professional newborn photographer in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. I love in-home sessions because they allow you to have a bit of home in all of your newborn photos. […]

Newborn, Advice

Newborn Photos With Parents: Should You Be In The Photos?

As a Washington D.C. newborn photographer, I want to emphasize the importance of newborn photos with parents. It’s been 11 years since our daughter was born. Though we hired the best newborn photographer in town, my number one regret is not being in the newborn photo session. In this article, I’ll cover why you should […]

Advice, Newborn

What Props Should I Bring For A Newborn Photography Session?

“What Props Should I Bring For A Newborn Photography Session?” Welcoming a new addition to your family is a momentous occasion, and capturing those first precious moments with a newborn photography session is a beautiful way to celebrate. You might be wondering, “What props should I bring for a newborn photography session?” As a Washington, […]

Newborn, Advice

How to Prepare Your Pets for A New Baby In The House

Wondering how to prepare your pets for a new baby in the house? Welcoming a new baby to the family is a big adjustment for everyone, including the family pet. If you’re getting ready to welcome a little one into your home, you’ll want to take steps to help your pet prepare for the newest […]

Advice, Newborn

When Should You Schedule Your Newborn Photo Session?

When should you schedule your newborn photo session? If you’re pregnant and expecting a new little one sometime soon, congratulations! One of the most exciting things about welcoming a new baby is getting newborn photos done. It’s a great way to capture those early weeks and months when your baby is so small and sweet. […]

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 […]

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@honikelphotography

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