Those first weeks (maybe first months if you're like me) may feel like a daze. You may feel equally on top of the world and entirely too tired to think straight because you are both. But days, weeks, months, years later, these newborn days seem like a vivid, messy blur of days melding into one another and you won't be able to remember what it felt like to hold your tiny little baby who's all grown up now. These are days worth capturing.
Heidi and James opted to do a newborn session 2 months in. There is a growing comfort in the newness that each couple develops in their own ways over time once their baby is born and it is so beautiful to witness this change. From photographing their maternity session to seeing them in their role as new parents, it feels like coming full circle.
2 months happily in love
Baby W
When you walk into the nursery with the most colorful, geometric mural wall, you know you can't have anything but fun. This sweet family and I clicked so well. We laughed until we cried, regaled each other with our own newborn stories, and generally chatted away through my time spent with them. Time well spent.
it's a colorful world
Baby J
These two sweet boys are fraternal twins, which means, for mama here, it was actually not due to genetics but caused by hyperovulation. We spent the sweetest morning together, nestled in their DC home while it drizzled outside. And their adorable corgi, Bentley, joined us for parts of the session too and he was almost as cute as the twins...only almost!
when two becomes....FOUR
Baby O&J
It was a beautiful, sunny morning when I arrived to meet baby K and her rambunctious, giggly big brother. And their snow bengal named Jon Snow joined the party too. Take a peek through this darling gallery to see how our morning went together. This sweet family was just the best to hang out with on a fairly warm December morning.
when the kitty steals the show
Baby k
I walked in the door and was greeted by a rambunctious, energetic corgi. I went up the stairs and was greeted by this adorable smiley 2 month old and her parents. She was so easy-going and definitely awake and interested in everything going on, especially her fur doggie brother and two kitty sisters.
when the baby joins the animal house
Baby E
What a life to have, growing three beautiful little children under the ages of 4, 2, and now this wee newborn. I loved how calm and utterly unfazed these two parents were, just watching them juggle three tiny humans while staying so in sync with each other. A dance worthy of capturing, especially before they moved to the west coast!
when the parents become outnumbered
Baby D
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 to book 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 & house prep advice, checking in on your pregnancy along the way, drawing up backup plan(s), location scouting if we venture outside, all of it.
I approach my newborn sessions with a lot of joy, tenderness, and ease. I highly encourage cuddling and showing your new baby and each other just how much you love them. I take it very seriously that you trust me enough to welcome me into your home so we will find the most delightful pockets of light together and chat about anything and everything under the sun while we shoot. This time is about capturing your growing connection with the newest family member, the changes in your own relationship with each other as parents, and a new kind of joy in your life.
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. Tell me about the crazy or funny thing your child(ren) or dog/cat did. It'll brighten my day too.
1. Send me a note
Lifestyle newborn sessions are typically held within 4-8 weeks after birth, (up to 3 months after birth permitted) so plan accordingly when reaching out! The more time you give us to schedule the perfect date for your session, the better, as I am only able to take on 2-3 newborn sessions a month.
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 schedule your date. Once that's squared away, I will send you a Google calendar invite.
2. Schedule it
...as much as can be planned in any case. I have found (through my own experience birthing my son) that they take their own time to come into the world. :) Our initial date can be changed if needed, since there's always a chance baby comes early or late.
Time-wise, I generally find most babies to be in better moods in the morning timeframe so my tentative time to arrive is 9:30 am. This timing is flexible! I will be checking in with you a week or so before our session to confirm the date/time, hopefully after you've had some time to acclimate as a new family.
3. We Plan!
It's the big day! You've been acquainting yourself with your new baby and possibly starting to feel a bit more settled in your new life as a bigger family unit. You have your outfits, your rooms are a bit tidier (maybe ha!) and you're excited to introduce your little cutie to me! I've reached out to you in the week leading up and we've moved the time around if needed.
When I arrive, I'll take a little bit of time to say hi to baby so s/he can hear my voice. We'll let baby (and siblings if any) guide the flow of the session. We'll chat while we shoot and I'll make sure everyone gets their snuggle time with the baby. It'll feel like having a friend over to meet your new love.
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
Payment plans available upon request
collections begin at $600.
Clients' average investment is $800+
Sessions are roughly 1.5 hours long, typically within the first 4-8 weeks of birth (up to 3 months past birth allowed). These special moments are held in the comfort of your home.
* 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.
I’m lucky enough to have Denise as my SIL and truly appreciate her always taking time out of her busy schedule to photograph our family! Denise has been photographing us through all stages of life and I can honestly say that her photos bring me so much joy. She creates a comfortable atmosphere and guides you through the session to make sure she can capture all the precious moments. Denise photographed us for most of our important milestone events in life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s photographed our engagement announcement, bridal shower, fur baby additions, pregnancy announcement, baby shower, and now a newborn shoot! Her photos make me all warm and fuzzy inside and honestly that’s all anyone would want when looking back at pictures. You won’t regret having Denise as your photographer! We’re family but by the time you’re done with your shoot, she’ll feel like yours too! 10 out of 10 will recommend 😊
in-home newborn
The V Family
People with grown children tell me-don’t blink cause you’ll miss the special moments with your kids. I see it now and I wish I could somehow save it all. Denise worked magic in capturing our present through a lifestyle session.
We have a 4.5 and 2.5 filled with energy and the chillest 6 week old. Denise was able see my girls emotions and energy through a lens that celebrated them. Our session wasn’t tainted with the constant demand to look at the camera. It was raw and beautifully real. I will forever cherish these images and remember the importance of the present. Thank you Denise for that.
I worried about our space being picture perfect since it’s filled with baby items and toddler materials. I am amazed how Denise captured angles that made our home look so nice.
in-home newborn
The M Family
My family worked with Denise to capture our first family memories with our newborn daughter. She was flexible, kind, knowledgeable, and patient throughout the process. The pictures she takes are impeccable and really captured the joy and love at such a big milestone in our lives.
I would recommend her without reservation to anyone that wants any photography work done going forward. She is truly a unique photographer who brings her passion and personality to her work :)
Maternity/newborn Sessions
The A Family
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.
Maternity/newborn Sessions
The W Family
Denise made our newborn photo shoot feel easy! We absolutely love how she captured our whole family (including our pup!) during a really special time. She has a great eye for how to make even a basic space on a cloudy day look special and beautiful.
In-home newborn
The J Family
Denise has been photographing my family for years as we’ve changed and grown and I love getting to display her work! She connects so well with all of her clients, especially the kids, and my daughter loves looking at all of “Ms. Denise’s pictures.”
Our house is full of love and laughter and Denise has perfectly captured those memories in her photographs. These young years fly by too fast and I will forever be grateful to Denise for helping us freeze these little moments in time!
In-home Newborn
The W Family
I am so happy that we got newborn and breastfeeding photos with Denise. Denise has a knack for finding beauty in really normal and every day happenings and these photos document through this lens. It makes me remember the newborn stage and that transition very fondly. She was great at using our space on the fly to complement our family, and at conveying what she sees into a great story and work of art. She put all of our family members at ease and it was easy to just act normal and have her snap some photos while following us around the house. Denise is a professional with quick turn around time and great communication. Thank you Denise for documenting this time for us. We look forward to working with you again!
In-home Newborn
The S Family
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+.