Thoughtfully Styled Milestone Photography
Northern Virginia Child Photographer
Preserving the Joyful Stages of Your Child’s Early Years.
Northern Virginia Childrens Photographer
Baby & Child Milestone Photography
Newborns grow so quickly, and those fleeting firsts, the tiny fingers wrapping around yours, the sleepy smiles, the first wobbly steps, are precious moments that we never get back.
In what feels like the blink of an eye, they transition from sleepy newborns to curious toddlers and independent kids, each stage bringing its own magic but also fading too soon.
As your Northern Virginia children's photographer, let me help you preserve these cherished moments in time, allowing you to relive and share them as they grow.
"You don't realize how fast time goes by until you watch your baby grow."
Tailored to fit your family's needs
CHOOSE YOUR Northern Virginia Child PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
ON LOCATION OR IN STUDIO MILESTONE PHOTO SESSIONS
Signature Session
Signature sessions with SHP take place either in-studio, in the comfort of your home, or at a scenic outdoor location in the Northern Virginia area.
These sessions are designed to preserve your baby’s biggest little milestones, from 3 month milestone photos and 6 month milestone sessions to first birthday portraits and cake smash photography, and beyond!
Every session offers a relaxed, full-service experience, including professional hair and makeup for mom, so you can feel pampered, confident, and fully present while these fleeting stages are thoughtfully documented.
$350 CREATIVE FEE
*Creative fee does not include artwork or digital images
In STUDIO photography session
Simplicity Sessions
Simplicity sessions with SHP are shorter in length (approximately 30 minutes) and take place in-studio.
These sessions are perfect for milestone photography, including 3 month milestone photos, 6 month milestone sessions, first birthday portraits, or cake smash photos.
Ideal for families who want to document a special stage or seasonal moment with just a few beautiful images, this session includes access to the studio’s curated client wardrobe for both babies and children.
$200 CREATIVE FEE
*Creative fee does not include artwork or digital images
MATERNITY | NEWBORN | 6 MONTH | 1 YEAR
The First Year Collective
SHP's First Year Collective is the most popular option for parents wanting to document their baby's first year of milestones. Choose between 3 or 4 signature sessions, all scheduled within a 12-month period, with professional hair and makeup included.
Additionally, clients appreciate priority booking, a savings on their creative fees, a $200 album incentive at each ordering appointment, and a complimentary smash cake to celebrate baby's first birthday.
3 SESSIONS I $900 CREATIVE FEE
4 SESSIONS I $1200 CREATIVE FE
*Creative fee does not include artwork or digital images
FULL-SERVICE NORTHERN VA BABY & CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE, FROM START TO FINISH
THE PROCESS FOR NORTHERN VA MILESTONE PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS
01
Pre-Consultation
Getting to know each other is a huge part of what makes a great maternity session. It puts everyone at ease and sets us up for success! We will go over your goals for your session, wardrobe and location ideas to help design the perfect session for you. It’s also a great time for you to get all of your questions answered.
02
Styling Consultation
Once you're booked, we'll set up a styling consultation (in-studio or virtual). Choose from flattering options in your own closet or from my client wardrobe for an effortless, stress-free experience. Then, I'll help coordinate looks for you and your partner (and kids too) to ensure a beautiful and cohesive gallery.
03
Hair & Makeup Services
Getting your hair and makeup done will make you feel beautiful and more confident on your session day. I will make the scheduling arrangements for you, so you can enjoy being pampered on the day of your photography session.
04
The Session
All of the planning is done, and it’s time for a joy-filled and relaxed session with me! The time is yours to love on your family, snuggle up, play, and laugh…but most of all, be yourselves!
05
The Big Reveal
Approximately 1-2 weeks after your photography session, join me in-studio or on Zoom for your gallery reveal. You’ll enjoy seeing your gorgeous photos for the first time, and I'll assist with artwork design and answer any questions you may have.
06
Delivery
Your custom portrait heirlooms are ready for you! Approximately 2-4 weeks after your gallery reveal appointment, I will arrange pick up or delivery for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
northern virginia child photographer
How do we get on your calendar?
The first step is to reach out using the Contact form. After determining my availability, I’ll invite you to a virtual chat to get all of your questions answered. It's a great way to see if we're the right fit for each other!
Can parents or siblings be included in milestone photos?
Absolutely. While milestone sessions often focus on your baby, many families love including parents or siblings for a few portraits to capture the connection and love within the family.
Can our fur baby participate?
Yes! To me, pets are family, but please know that not every outdoor location allows pets. In addition, I recommend bringing along a friend on the day of your session to help care for your pet in between photos.
How far in advance should I book a milestone photography session?
Most families book their milestone sessions one to two months in advance to ensure availability, especially for popular ages like the 6-month and 1-year milestones.
What is milestone photography?
Milestone photography captures the special stages of your baby’s growth during the first year and early childhood. These sessions are designed to document the moments that change quickly like sitting up for the first time, those big gummy smiles, and the joyful personality that begins to emerge as your baby grows.
When should milestone photos be taken?
- 3 months – when babies begin lifting their heads and making eye contact
- 6 months – when babies are sitting up and full of personality
- 9 months – when crawling and curiosity begin
- 1 year – a joyful celebration often paired with first birthday portraits or cake smash photos
What age is best for milestone photography?
While the first year is the most common time for milestone photos, milestone photography can be done at any age. Many families return each year to capture their child’s growth, personality, and changing interests.
Do milestone sessions include cake smash photos?
Yes! Many families choose to celebrate their baby’s first birthday with cake smash photography. These sessions are a fun and playful way to document your baby turning one and often include both classic portraits and cake smash photos.
What should my baby wear for milestone photos?
The studio provides access to a curated client wardrobe with timeless pieces designed specifically for babies and young children. These outfits photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your child’s expressions and personality.
Where do milestone photography sessions take place?
Milestone sessions can take place in the studio, in your home, or at an outdoor location in Northern Virginia or the Washington DC area. Each setting offers a different feel, and we’ll work together to choose the one that best fits your vision.
From First Smiles to First Birthdays
CELEBRATE THEIR NEXT MILESTONE
Let’s Document the Milestones that Shape their Early Years.
