welcome to my journal

Choosing a DC newborn studio session to document these early days with your baby is a wonderful way to guarantee timeless, light-filled images of your little love. With no need to clean or straighten up your home, a studio session is truly a stress-free option for you!

Location:

My in-home studio is located in Vienna, Virginia, making it convenient to the entire DMV area. You’ll be able to park directly in the driveway, so there’s no need to fight for parking or figure out that stroller. You’ll have a changing table and bathroom just for you. And a couch (I can’t tell you how many dads grab a nap on that couch!)!

Wardrobe:

A studio session gives you very easy access to my client wardrobe. Most moms arrive in sweatpants and choose a dress on site. Just pack a few different skin-toned undergarments so you have options for different necklines. If you plan on bringing your own dress, I’d just suggest something light and neutral with a flowing skirt that lays nicely when you sit. For dads, I’d suggest putting together some options that are also light and neutral. Something like a grey fine knit and light chinos works perfectly every time. I’d just avoid patterned/heathered fabrics and Polo-style collars. I’ll have everything we need for baby. You’ll all be barefoot in the studio so no need to worry about shoes.

Though I have a gallery of dresses online (this is ever-changing as I constantly refresh the collection), I find it easiest to view options and see how different dresses photograph by browing images I’ve created. You can look through my journal entries or browse my Instagram feed if more visuals would be helpful.

Hair and Makeup:

If you’ve chosen to have hair and makeup on site, I’ll coordinate with your artist so that they can meet you at the studio. Just come with clean/dry hair and face and relax while someone helps you look and feel your best! Generally I’ll work a little bit with baby while you’re getting ready. If you need a referral, here are 3 talented women who I work with frequently:

Nancy Gaona Brie Renzi Ivett Bicsak

Session Length:

Once you’ve finished with hair and makeup and have chosen a dress, your session will generally take about 2 hours. Baby is in charge, so we stop to soothe and feed as we need to along the way.

Older Siblings:

If you have young children who will be joining you in the studio, I do ask that you have a grandparent/trusted caregiver on hand to help you. We’ll typically start our session with the whole family, and then siblings. Once that’s done, I find it works best to have your caregiver take your children home or out to play, or even just hang out in the studio. These early days with a new baby in the house can be a big transition for everyone, and we want your older children to feel important and have fun. We’ll also want some quiet, focused time for you to be with your new baby. Having someone who can be dedicated to older siblings can really help the day go smoothly for everyone. There’s a small playground and little walking path across the street that works well as an outlet if the weather is nice.

What to Pack:

If you add hair and makeup to your session, you’ll likely be spending 4 hours at the studio. I want you to feel like this is your home for the day! Bring along a stocked diaper bag for baby and some drinks and snacks for yourselves. Of course, I’ll have some on hand, but I know it’s nice to have your favorites. It will be warm in the studio to keep baby comfortable, so having a cold drink will be refreshing for Mom and Dad.

Pets:

If you’ve followed my work for any length, you know I am an animal lover. I am always thrilled when a family chooses to include their pets in their newborn session. I do allow dogs in the studio, but I am committed to ensuring the studio remains comfortable for all of my clients. There is a small fee to bring your pet to allow for extra deep cleaning. Please let me know if you would like more details about bringing your pet to your studio session.

I’m so excited to welcome you to the studio and give you a relaxing, easy morning with your fresh, new baby! Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Otherwise, I’ll see you soon with that baby in your arms!