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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maternity

newborn

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baby & child

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 […]

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 […]

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