Mama, you will encounter many ups and downs before, during, and after your pregnancy. Hopefully there are more ups than downs! That being said, documenting your pregnancy should definitely be in there with the ups, no matter how big, tired, or swollen you might feel. I vividly remember how pregnancy felt and that last trimester can hit real hard but honestly, I am always going to treasure all the bump photos we have of me (and Michael in them too). Get in that frame mama, I'll be right there cheering you on during your shoot.
Hey mama, how you feeling?
Real. Beautiful. Treasured.
This beautiful mama wanted outdoor photos and we originally scouted spots to go to within their quaint Alexandria neighborhood and trails. The rain in the forecast tangled our plan though, so we changed gears and landed at The Kennedy Center for our session. Which in all honesty was meant to be because these two went to their first play together here, Wicked.
Bumping at the Kennedy Center
hEIDI
I met this mama for the first time as she set foot out of her car, wearing this black velvet number. And then Devin stepped out and shrugged on his maroon floral dinner jacket and I was in literal heaven! They were the sweetest and kindest couple and I could just tell how much they loved baby R already.
a black velvet dress affair
Lauren
There is nothing in the world that can prepare you for the realities of conception when things take unexpected turns and lead to miscarriages. Nicole and I spent quite some time talking about our struggles conceiving and it made me so incredibly happy I could offer these beautiful, joyful captures of her inner and outer beauty carrying this sweet bump.
from miscarriages to full-term
Nicole
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There is nothing more fitting than when your maternity session winds up being held at the same place where you also hosted your wedding reception with close family and friends. Amelia and Dan both were all giggles and snuggles during their entire session. You could just feel the the depth of their joy and the endlessly steady love they have for each other and their baby.
from wedding reception to maternity
Amelia
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For an adventurous couple, who loves all things camping, hiking, dirt biking, and extreme sports, nothing would do but a session at Sky Meadows State Park! They wanted the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge and to be nestled among the great outdoors. I love that their maternity photos capture them in their happiest place.
Adventures outdoors and in life
SIDNEY
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joyful • authentic • 100% fun
Each session is tailor-made specifically for you. Therefore, I offer a limited number of sessions each year to ensure quality and attention to detail in my work and to my clients. When you contact me for a session, know that I am all in from the start and ready to serve you in the best ways I can. I love being as involved as you need to ensure you have the best time ever! This means as many consultations as needed, styling advice, weather stalking, drawing up backup plans, location scouting, all of it.
I approach all sessions with a lot of joy, laughter, and ease. I am quick to smile and I highly encourage giggling and showing each other just how much and how you love. I once had a client tell me they were not expecting to have as much fun as they did when they stepped in front of my camera. But they had laughed so much together and the best part was it was simply about making it fun for each other.
Did you fall in love with my work? Or maybe thought me as your kinda peoples? Well you're in the right place.
I truly love stories and I'd love to hear yours. Connecting with my clients I'm shooting is so very important to me. It's not just a one-time transaction. It's the beginning of a very lovely friendship. So please, write me a story, tell me how you met your partner, and what s/he/they did that made you smile so hard. It'll brighten my day too.
1. Send me a note
Maternity sessions are typically held during the 7th or 8th month, so plan accordingly when reaching out! The more time you give us to schedule the perfect date for your session, the better.
After we chat a bit more and determine the date, we will make it official with an invoice and contract. 50% of the invoice is due to book your date. Once that's squared away, I will send you a Google calendar invite.
2. Schedule it
We nail down location*, timing, wardrobe. We figure out how much you need me involved.
A small maternity client wardrobe is available upon request. I also offer a "Dress-4-Trade" program for specific maternity gown brands. Ask me for details!
* Changes to the location that require an update to the invoice (i.e. extra mileage, parking, photo permits, etc) will be reflected in the final due amount.
3. We Plan!
It's the big day! You have your outfits planned, your hair/make-up is done (no pressure to do this, above all, you do you!), and you're excited! You've checked traffic and know where you're going (who wants to be stressed about being late?).
When you arrive, I'll say hi (after I make sure I came up to the right couple) and we'll chat while we walk. And then we'll start making magic together.
4. we make magic!
I will geek over all the big and little moments while editing and share sneak peeks with you within a few short days.
Once I'm done editing (typically within 1-2 weeks), I upload and deliver your beautiful gallery into your email inbox! You'll select your favoritest images and when you're ready, I'll send those faves to you for safekeeping. You can purchase any additional wall art or digitals a la carte straight from your gallery. And if you'd like to chat heirloom albums, let me know!
5. Your Photographs
COLLECTIONS BEGIN AT $600.
CLIENTS' AVERAGE INVESTMENT IS $800+
Sessions are held during the last trimester (typically the 7th or 8th month), indoor or outdoor.
* Pricing assumes sessions occur in Northern Virginia and the surrounding area, within 70 miles roundtrip from 20152. Travel fees apply for locations outside this radius.
We loved our maternity photo experience with Denise Van Photography! Neither of us had been involved in a photo shoot before, and Denise did a great job making us feel comfortable and natural. We had a great time on the day of the shoot, and were excited to have access to the finished album within a few days! Looking forward to framing several of our favorite pictures 🙂. Would definitely recommend Denise Van Photography!
Maternity session
Sarah & Chris
I loved loved loved my photos from Denise! Such an easy experience from start to finish - Denise is so friendly and reassuring - I couldn't recommend more! I'm so happy to have these photos to cherish forever!
Maternity session
Kate & Jose
Denise has captured our precious moments from pregnancy, newborn, 100 day celebration, first birthday, and a spring family photoshoot. She genuinely cares for her clients and families. I love the candid shots she’s able to take. She’s also very thoughtful about the locations of the photoshoots. I wish we were still living in the area so she could continue to be our family photographer.
Bump-to-newborn
Heidi & James
I'm super happy you're here. In order to get more information about a session with me, please fill out this form and tell me more about yourself. I’ll be in touch!
Branding Session investment begins at $1,050.
Custom quotes available upon request for brands.
Portrait investments begins at $600.
CLIENTS' AVERAGE INVESTMENT IS $800+.