Time has a way of moving differently when you’re expecting a baby. The days feel long, but the years… they pass in a heartbeat. When Danielle reached out in April of 2024, she was ready to slow down and preserve these fleeting moments with Leesburg, VA family photography before her family welcomed their newest little one. During our first conversation, we talked about her hopes, her daughter Emmy becoming a big sister, and the kind of images that would tell their story for years to come. That conversation was the start of something special – a First Year Collective that would document not just a baby’s growth but a family’s love through every season. After our chat, Danielle decided that the First Year Collective was the perfect fit for her family. The Collective includes three to four signature sessions that document your baby’s milestones from bump to first birthday – a year of love, laughter, and growth.
The Maternity Session – Oatlands, Leesburg, VA
We started with their maternity session at the beautiful Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg. It’s one of my favorite photo locations in Northern Virginia for maternity portraits because of its timeless scenery with open fields, historic architecture, and that golden light that makes everything feel magical. Before the session, Danielle came in for her wardrobe appointment, where we selected dresses for her and Emmy from my client closet. I also helped her plan coordinated outfits for her husband, so everything felt cohesive and comfortable. On the day of the session, she had her hair and makeup professionally done, something I always include to help moms feel their most confident. During the session, we focused on connection, like the way Danielle and her husband looked at each other, the joy in Emmy’s laugh as she twirled in her little dress, and the quiet moments where Danielle held her growing belly with anticipation. The evening light was perfect that day – soft, warm, and full of emotion. You could already feel the excitement and love surrounding this growing family. At their gallery reveal, Danielle chose her favorite images to begin designing their baby book. It’s always so special to see the story start to take shape with that very first session.
The Newborn Session – At Home in Leesburg
A few weeks later, I visited their home in Leesburg for baby Brody’s newborn session. There’s something uniquely comforting about photographing families in their own space. It allows everyone, especially older siblings, to relax and just be themselves. That morning, Danielle had her hair and makeup done at home while I brought the dress she had chosen from the client closet, along with swaddles and adorable, timeless outfits for Brody. We started in the nursery, which was filled with soft light and thoughtful details: a tiny crib, delicate artwork, and personal touches that reflected their growing family. We then moved into the master bedroom, capturing those natural, cozy moments of everyone snuggled together. Emmy proudly showed off her new role as big sister, giving gentle kisses to Brody’s tiny forehead. We ended the session with a few portraits in their backyard, surrounded by greenery and sunlight. A perfect way to blend lifestyle photography with genuine emotion. At their gallery reveal, Danielle selected her favorite images to add to Brody’s baby book. She also decided to create a custom three-frame gallery wall featuring moments from their newborn sessions. I later installed the frames in their hallway, creating a daily reminder of this special chapter. As a Leesburg, VA family photographer, I love helping families not just take photos, but bring them to life through tangible heirlooms – pieces that tell their story beautifully every day.
The One-Year Session – A Celebration at Home
Fast forward to a year later. It’s hard to believe how quickly the time passes. Brody’s one-year session took place in their backyard, where the light was soft and the atmosphere was full of laughter. As always, Danielle had her hair and makeup done, and she selected a dress from my client wardrobe that complemented the late-summer setting perfectly. I brought along a simple, elegant smash cake and my favorite wooden highchair for the occasion. The Leesburg, VA family photography session began as a relaxed family shoot, with everyone laughing, playing, and cuddling on the grass. Emmy joined in, giving Brody big smiles and helping him clap during “Happy Birthday.” Once we finished the family portraits, it was time for the smash cake, and Brody absolutely loved it! Frosting-covered smiles and tiny, messy hands made for some of my favorite images from the entire year.
What I loved most about this session was how natural and joyful it felt. There was no rush, no pressure, just a family enjoying their backyard, celebrating how far they’d come in one short year. These moments are the heart of what I want to capture with every family portrait in Leesburg, VA – the little in-between details that say everything about who they are together. At their final gallery reveal, Danielle completed Brody’s baby book, finalized her album cover and debossing, and added one more framed print for their entryway. I personally delivered and installed their finished pieces: a baby album filled with emotion, a gallery wall that told the story of their family’s growth, and prints that made their home feel even warmer. These tangible products are what make the First Year Collective experience so meaningful. They turn moments into heirlooms that can be passed down. They’re something real and lasting in a world where so much lives only on screens.
What They Said
“Working with Stephanie for our maternity and newborn photos absolutely exceeded our expectations, and we are so grateful for the memories she captured for us so beautifully. More than an amazing photographer, Stephanie is incredibly kind and makes you feel so comfortable and confident during your shoot. I loved the dresses I got to wear from her client wardrobe and felt so pampered from the additional services I received with my package (hair and makeup). I highly recommend Honikel Photography. We are so happy to have found Stephanie and plan to work with her for our family photos for years to come.” — Danielle, Leesburg, VA 
Reflections on a Beautiful First Year
Watching this family grow together, from anticipation to celebration, has been such a joy. Every session brought something different: quiet tenderness during the newborn stage, giggles and sunshine at the one-year mark, and so much love in between. This is what I love most about Leesburg, VA family photography. It is a chance to build relationships, to tell stories through images, and to create artwork that becomes part of a family’s legacy. Every album, frame, and wall gallery becomes more than just décor. It becomes a part of their home, a reflection of their journey. If you’re expecting or dreaming of capturing your baby’s first year in a meaningful way, the First Year Collective might be the perfect fit for you. It’s a seamless, full-service experience designed to document your family’s journey from bump to birthday, and every beautiful milestone in between.
Stephanie Honikel is a distinguished DC & Northern Virginia newborn photographer, specializing in maternity, baby, and family photography. With a keen eye for capturing timeless moments, she has been recognized as one of the Best Maternity Photographers in DC for 2024 and Best Newborn Photographers in Alexandria, VA in 2024. Stephanie’s work emphasizes safety and emotional connection, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed session experience. She offers a full-service approach, including professional hair and makeup, wardrobe options, and custom artwork. Reach out today to book your session!
