A Guide for Parents in Chantilly, VA and Northern Virginia
Booking a newborn photo session is a beautiful way to preserve your baby’s earliest days—those tiny fingers, soft eyelashes, and sleepy snuggles. If you’re a new or expecting parent, you might be wondering what actually happens during a baby photography session, how to prepare, and what to expect. You’re not alone!
As a professional newborn photographer serving Chantilly, Fairfax, Ashburn, and surrounding Northern Virginia areas, I’m here to walk you through the full experience—from timing to tips—so you feel confident and excited for your upcoming newborn photoshoot.
When to Schedule Your Newborn Photo Session
The ideal time for a newborn photography session is between 5 and 14 days after birth. During this window, your baby is typically sleepier and easier to pose in those adorable, curled-up positions you see in professional newborn portraits.
But don’t worry—if your baby is a little older, we can still create meaningful, beautiful images. I tailor every baby photography session to your child’s age and personality.
Where the Session Takes Place: Studio
I offer studio newborn sessions in Chantilly, in Northern Virginia. My studio is designed to feel cozy, warm, and peaceful—ideal for sleepy babies and relaxed parents.
What Happens During a Baby Photography Session
Here’s how a typical baby photography session flows:
1. Arrival and Settling In
When you arrive we’ll get you all settled. Making sure that there’s nothing in your pockets and you’ll time to check your hair and makeup. Hopefully baby will be fully fed and changed and we can get baby immediately swaddled. We’ll start with the family pictures first so our sibling can relax then we’ll be doing all the solo newborn wrapped pictures.
2. Posed Newborn Portraits
For studio or posed sessions, I’ll gently wrap and pose your baby using professional techniques that prioritize safety and comfort. Each pose is baby-led, meaning I follow your baby’s cues and never force any position.
3. Family & Sibling Photos
Parents and siblings are always welcome (and encouraged!) to participate. I’ll guide you through easy, natural posing so you feel confident in front of the camera, even if you’re sleep-deprived!
Sessions typically last about an hour since you’re sleep-deprived and we don’t you to be too over tired.
How I Work with Babies and Parents
Your baby’s comfort and safety are always my top priorities. I’m professionally trained in newborn posing and safety, and I work slowly and patiently to keep your little one content. If your baby is fussy or wide awake—that’s okay! Every newborn photo session is flexible and baby-led.
I also love helping new parents feel calm and cared for. You don’t need to stress about anything—I’ll walk you through what to wear, how to prepare, and what to expect so you can enjoy the moment.
Newborn Photoshoot Tips for Parents
Want a smooth session? Here are a few tried-and-true newborn photoshoot tips to help:
- Feed baby right before the session to help them stay sleepy and calm.
- Dress in neutral, soft tones if you’ll be in the photos—think creams, grays, or pastels.
- Keep the diaper loose beforehand to avoid red marks on baby’s skin.
- Relax and enjoy the experience. I’ll handle the details so you can focus on bonding with your little one.
Final Thoughts: A Newborn Session You’ll Treasure
A professional baby photography session is more than just taking photos—it’s about capturing the fleeting beauty of these early days so you can relive them for years to come. Whether you want posed portraits, lifestyle moments, or a mix of both, I’m here to make your experience stress-free, joyful, and deeply meaningful.
Ready to book your newborn photo session in Chantilly, VA or surrounding areas?
Let’s create something beautiful together. Reach out to reserve your session today!
