How to Plan a Motherhood Photo Session | Northern VA Photographer
Thinking about booking a mommy & me photo session, but not sure what to expect? No worries – I have you covered! These sessions are oh so sweet, and I’m here to guide you along the way.
Is a Mommy & Me Photo Session Right For You?
Think about what you want in these photos. Maybe you’ve been doing family photos, but you’re looking for something a little quieter. You want more photos of just you and your babies, soaking up all the love. Instead of that picture-perfect “everyone look at the camera and smile” photo for the Christmas card, you want more time for real, authentic moments of joy. You know – the ones that capture the sweet moments you know will be gone in the blink of an eye. If that sounds like what you want, keep reading!
What to Wear for Your Mommy & Me Photos
Like all my portrait sessions, I make this part easy! All of my clients enjoy access to my client closet of dresses. I have over 60+ dresses , all in a range of sizes, fits, and styles. Want to see what’s inside? Take a peek inside! They can all be found at my Northern Virginia photography studio, and I offer one-on-one styling appointments as part of your session. You can try on the dresses, bring outfits for your little ones, and get my expert advice on tying it all together.
My welcome guide also includes a ton of wardrobe tips to help you get started. Prefer to wear a dress of your own, or go shopping for something new? I can help with that too! I have a pinterest board with my latest favorite options, or I can pull a few ideas specific to your style.
Finally, I’ll give you ideas for outfits for your little ones, and help you finalize the details to ensure it coordinates with your dress. At the end of the day, I’ll take away the stress of what to wear so you can actually enjoy the process!
Where to Take Mommy & Me Photos in Northern Virginia
I’ve been a photographer here for nine years now. Which means I have a list of the BEST spots for outdoor photo locations in the DMV area! My location guide shares them all, along with photo examples, info on photography permits (required at some locations, but not all), and more. Not only do I look for beautiful locations, but I help you choose the one that makes the most sense for you. The location in this session was actually at the National Arboretum in DC in case you were wondering!
As I mentioned, I also have a beautiful natural light photography studio located in Sterling, Virginia! Sessions are available on weekdays Monday – Friday from 9:30 AM – 2 PM. This option is perfect if you don’t want to worry about weather (we can take photos rain or shine), humidity, etc. And we can easily work around nap times and bedtime so you don’t have to break your normal routine.
See a mommy & me photo session at the studio
Should You Add On Film Photography?
As a film photographer, I love when families add this option to their session. If you’ve never worked with a film photographer before, here’s what to expect. When you choose to add this on, I’ll shoot with both my medium format film camera AND my digital camera. My film camera only works with old-school rolls of film that get mailed to a film lab to be developed. Each roll has 16 frames, and then I have to change the roll. The film gets sent back to me as a film scan, which is what you will get in your final gallery.
This session here was taken mostly on film! Film has a soft, dreamy quality. Because you only get 16 frames per roll of film, it requires the photographer to be incredibly intentional with each and every shot. We slow things down and look for those perfect, adorable little moments. It’s also unique because each photo becomes it’s own work of art.
I also shoot with my digital camera at your session, both for backup, and because digital is a bit quicker at capturing little ones. For the looking at the camera shot, I like to have more options to work with.
Final Planning Details For Mommy & Me Photos
Once we have wardrobe and your location finalized, there are only a few little things to worry about! This includes prepping your kids for the session, and little details like taking tags off any new wardrobe pieces, painting your nails (or taking off chipped polish), ensuring all hair coloring appointmnets are done ahead of time, etc. Here are some blog posts to help with these final details:
How to Keep Toddlers Engaged During Photos | Planning Tips
Tips to Keep Kids Happy for Photos
Last-Minute Prep Tips for Your Photo Session – the little details that make ALL the difference!
Other than that, as we get closer to your session I’ll keep an eye on the weather! I allow reschedules in the event of rain or illness. If it looks like we might have rain on your date, I’ll be in touch with some options to reschedule.
When to Book a Mommy & Me Photo Shoot
For outdoor sessions, book between April through early November. Those are the months I’m available for outdoor sessions here in Northern Virginia. If you’re thinking of the studio, those sessions are available year-round!
My schedule often books in advance, so I recommend reaching out 1-4 months before your desired date. Since I also offer newborn photography sessions, I have to limit the number of outdoor sessions so I can easily get everyone scheduled.
Ready to book your own mommy & me photo session? I would love to hear from you! Reach out below to get started.