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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Advice, Maternity

5 Best Doulas in Northern Virginia In 2023

Are you looking for the best doulas in Northern Virginia? My name is Stephanie, your professional newborn photographer in Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC Metro area, and I am grateful that you are here. Congratulations on your pregnancy! If being a newborn photographer has taught me anything, it’s that all mamas like to be […]

Newborn

Ashburn Virginia Newborn Photography Session: Love Is In The Hair

Guys, I absolutely LOVED this Ashburn Virginia newborn photography session! Hello and welcome to my blog. While I offer both on-location and studio newborn photography services in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metro area, I believe that you and your newborn baby will be most relaxed at home. While being able to relax in […]

Advice, Newborn

How to Get Your Newborn to Sleep: Advice From A Newborn Photographer

Welcome to the world of parenthood, a beautiful journey filled with countless precious moments and, of course, some sleepless nights. If you’re finding it challenging to get your newborn to sleep, you’re not alone. As a newborn photographer in Northern Virginia, I’ve had my share of newborns who just wouldn’t snooze for their session. I […]

Advice, Newborn

5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Newborn Photographer

As a Northern Virginia newborn photographer, I get asked a lot of questions regarding photoshoots. Completely understandable, especially if you’ve never had this incredible experience before! It can feel a little overwhelming, but I don’t want you to worry. It’s not only my job to take photos of your adorable little munchkin but to also […]

Newborn

3 Benefits Of An Outdoor Newborn Photoshoot In Northern Virginia

Hey there, mamas! If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve mentioned before the benefits of having a Northern Virginia newborn photography session in the comfort of your own home. With the added bonus of having all your baby’s necessities at hand, such as their toys or blankets, extra clothes, milk, and bottles for feeding, […]

Maternity

Gorgeous Leesburg Virginia Boudoir Maternity Photography

This gorgeous Virginia boudoir maternity photography session is one for the books. Today, I am thrilled to take you through an extraordinarily beautiful boudoir maternity photography session that unfolded in the charming town of Leesburg, Virginia. This particular session is not just another one to add to my portfolio, but it’s one that I hold […]

Advice, Newborn

Why You Should Schedule Your Northern Virginia Newborn Photoshoot Before Baby is Born

Alright, mamas, let’s talk about when you should schedule your Northern Virginia newborn photoshoot session! I know this may seem like a self-explanatory topic, but you’d be surprised how common it is for new moms to try and book a session with me a few days after they’ve already had the baby. Now, I understand […]

Newborn

4 Best Newborn Photo Poses To Capture: Newborn Photographer In D.C.

As one of the top newborn photographers in D.C., I would love to chat about the best newborn photo poses that I like to use during my in-home newborn photography sessions. Not only does this help you know what to expect on the day of your photoshoot, but it helps you to feel comfortable with […]

Advice, Maternity

Do I Need A Maternity Shoot In Northern Virginia?

Planning a maternity shoot in Northern Virginia is an amazing way to document the exciting journey of motherhood. Pregnancy is such a special and amazing time in a woman’s life. There are so many changes happening, both physically and emotionally. While it may feel like pregnancy goes on forever, it’s really such a brief period of […]

Advice

5 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms in 2023

Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience for both mother and baby. It’s a natural way to provide your newborn with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. While nursing is a natural process, it can also be difficult for new moms. As a mama myself, I wanted to make this week’s post a bit more […]

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