NORTHERN VIRGINIA
You finally saw that positive test—and everything shifted. This season is full of quiet moments, growing anticipation, and so much love already. Maternity photos are about slowing down and preserving what this time feels like, not just how it looks.
I’m here to gently guide you through your maternity session so it feels easy, comfortable, and true to you. With experience photographing many expecting moms, I’ll help you prepare in a way that lets you stay present and enjoy the moment—while I capture it naturally and beautifully.
There are so many beautiful places in and around the Washington DC area for maternity photos, and the best one is the one that feels most you. When choosing a location, we’ll think about the season, how far along you’ll be, and the overall mood you’re drawn to: soft and natural, open and airy, or something with a more urban feel.
I tend to gravitate toward outdoor locations because of the light, the movement, and the way they allow sessions to feel relaxed and organic. Whether it’s a quiet park, a tree-lined trail at golden hour, or a city backdrop, once we land on the right spot, everything else (e.g. outfits, colors, and details) falls into place more easily.
If you’re one of my mamas, you’ll be guided every step of the way. I share my favorite tried-and-true locations and even have resources dedicated to the best parks in the Washington DC area for maternity sessions—because nature-loving mamas deserve the dreamiest settings ✨
This season is about slowing down, so I always encourage moms-to-be to treat themselves before their session. A little pampering like fresh nails, professional hair and makeup can go such a long way in helping you feel like yourself again.
You deserve a few hours to relax and be taken care of. And if you need recommendations, I’m always happy to share trusted hair, makeup, and self-care spots whether you’re local to the Washington DC area or visiting.
Instead of matching, think complementing. Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully and allow the focus to stay on connection and emotion. If one of you is wearing a pattern, the other can pull a solid color from it for balance.
Comfort is key. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in the way you move, laugh, and settle into the moment together.
Props are never required, but they can add a personal, sentimental layer to your session. Many parents choose to bring sonogram photos, tiny baby shoes, or a favorite stuffed animal. Others bring something that represents their story together.
If you’re planning both maternity and newborn sessions, I love incorporating something from the nursery. Seeing the same piece appear again during your in-home newborn session creates a beautiful sense of continuity and tells your story in a meaningful way.
A few simple prop ideas:
Sonogram images
Baby shoes or clothing
A letterboard or chalkboard
Balloons or eco-friendly confetti
A stuffed animal or nursery décor
Come ready to enjoy yourself. Your session isn’t about posing perfectly, it’s about movement, connection, and capturing this season as it naturally unfolds. I’ll guide you gently, hype you up, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Trust the process. Sometimes I’ll ask you to try something that feels a little different, but it’s always in service of creating images that feel real and timeless. Lean into it, you’re doing beautifully.
If older siblings are joining, there’s no pressure for perfection. We let them be themselves and capture moments as they happen. The calmer and more relaxed you are, the smoother the session will feel for everyone.
I also recommend bringing a second outfit and comfortable shoes. If we’re shooting in a park or moving locations, it makes everything easier and I always come prepared with a pop-up changing tent if needed.
About a week after your session, you’ll get to sit back and relive it all. This part is one of my favorites: seeing moms experience their gallery for the first time and truly see themselves in this season.
You’ll get to take in the quiet moments, the connection, the glow, and the love that already surrounds your growing family.
Pregnancy has a way of flying by. One moment you’re seeing that positive test, and the next you’re counting down the weeks. Booking your maternity photographer early not only secures your ideal timing, but also gives you someone to lean on through planning, locations, and preparation.
If you’re in or around the Washington DC area and looking for a maternity and newborn photographer who values real moments and natural connection, I’d love to be that person for you. Head over to my contact page and let’s start planning something beautiful 🤍
Some things that will make your life easier
SPECIALIZING IN CANDID, JOY-FILLEd FAMILY + NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
