Transitioning into a new career is both exhilarating and daunting. Moving from my established role as a psychologist to the uncharted territory of photography has brought back memories of grad school—the uncertainty, the stress, and the fear of the unknown. 

First of all, congrats, mama! You’re in that beautiful, whirlwind phase of life with a newborn, and now you’re trying to decide how to capture these precious early moments. You’ve probably heard about Fresh 48 sessions and lifestyle newborn sessions, and you might be wondering, “What’s the difference? And which one is right for me?” 

Are you ready to turn your family photo session into an unforgettable adventure? As your friendly neighborhood natural-light photographer, I’m here to make sure your shoot is filled with laughter, joy, and those precious candid moments that make your heart sing. 

I know how hectic life can get when you’re balancing a full-time job, managing a household, and caring for young children. In the whirlwind of everyday life, it’s easy to let certain things fall by the wayside. But there’s something incredibly important that I want to talk to you about today: family photos. 

Let’s talk about something that’s so much more than just standing in front of a camera: it’s about embracing who you are, and seeing the beauty that everyone else sees in you. 

I get it—you’ve got a million things on your plate. Between managing your career, juggling the kids, and somehow finding time to, you know, breathe, the last thing you need is another stressor. But here we are: the family photo session. 

It’s supposed to be fun, but now you’re staring at the closets and wondering how on earth you’re going to get everyone looking decent, let alone picture-perfect. Well, deep breath, mama. We’re going to get through this together. 

I remember all the times I tried to get M ready for pictures. Let me just say it was anyone’s guess on how she would do. Would she cooperate? Will I get a decent picture with her? How do I manage her tantrums when I am paying for a photographer and have a small window of time to complete this session? Trust me. I have been there and I get it. 

There are a number of variables that go into choosing a location for your photo shoot. Most photographers will have a handful of locations they prefer to use for sessions, depending on their style. These are frequently chosen due to familiarity, beauty of the scene, and ease of access. 

So what should you choose? 

So as things begin to pick up, I wanted to touch base and see if I can help you feel more comfortable going into photo session. I will try to keep it to only 3 but we will see how it goes. So here are a few ideas.

First things first—congratulations, mama! You’re in the whirlwind phase of life with a newborn, balancing the exhaustion, the joy, and, let’s be real, a touch of chaos. And now, in the midst of it all, you’re getting ready for a photo session. It might feel like one more thing to juggle, but I’m here to make it as stress-free as possible. Promise.

As you prepare to welcome your little one into the world, you might be thinking about how to capture these precious moments. Let me introduce you to something special: lifestyle photography. Imagine photos of your family just being ourselves, in your own cozy home or a favorite outdoor spot, with all the love and laughter naturally shining through.

If you are preparing for a newborn session, chances are you are also navigating healing, sleepless nights, and the quiet awe of meeting your baby.

This season is tender.

Your newborn session should feel the same.

As a newborn photographer serving Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia, my approach is intentionally calm, guided, and deeply connected — designed for families who value presence over perfection.

Here is exactly what you can expect.