What to Expect
The Collections
On location outdoor maternity photo sessions to fit your style, whether it's the beach, a field or downtown area
BEGIN AT $500
INCLUDING DIGITAL FILES
At-home lifestyle photo sessions so you can relax and not worry about leaving home with a newborn
BEGIN AT $600
INCLUDING DIGITAL FILES
On location outdoor maternity photo sessions to fit your style, whether it's the beach, a field or downtown area
BEGIN AT $500
INCLUDING DIGITAL FILES
Sessions are typically scheduled 4-6 weeks in advance. In order to create a more personalized experience for my client, I only accept 6-8 portrait bookings per month.
award winning photographer as seen on
The Experience
There are big moments in your life that deserve professional photography and having a baby is definitely one of them! I can't tell you how often I hear from clients that they are so glad they had a session because that tiny baby grew so quickly. In fact, they are shocked at how different their baby looks just 6 weeks after they are born. As a Northern Virginia newborn photographer it's my job to capture all those tiny features so you never forget how small they once were.
Experience
When you hire me as your newborn photographer you get someone who has been there done that three times now, lol!
I know how excited you are as you approach your due date and how overwhelmed yet completely blessed you will feel during those first weeks as a new parent.
So my job is to prepare you ahead of time as much as possible and reassure you on the day of our session that you guys are doing everything right.
Preparation
From the moment you hire me, we will start prepping for your session. This includes tips and advice on what to wear from me and access to my online stylist to help you coordinate the entire family.
I'll be sending you my Maternity and Newborn Tips so you know exactly what to expect on the day of your session. Once that day comes I'll walk you through our session and give you plenty of direction on what to do, it's easy I promise!
Reveal
After your session, I'll get to work editing your gorgeous photos and getting your gallery ready as soon as possible. I know how excited you will be to see your photos!
I know traveling and schedules can be tough so you get to see your photos from the comfort of your own couch. I'll send over the gallery link and you can download directly from it to your computer, phone or tablet. I love when couples make a date night of it and enjoy a glass of wine as they look through their photos!
Ordering
You can decide on your favorites together and order prints, wall art, and even a baby book right from your gallery. I love designing gallery walls for my clients that include photos from their session plus personal photos they might have. I can take all of the guesswork out of what size to order and how to arrange them!
As your Northern Virginia newborn photographer, I want you to have beautiful images to display in your home along with digital files to share with family and friends on social media. Don't forget to send out the link to your gallery to your family so they can see the portraits we captured of you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! I’m based out of the Stafford/Fredericksburg area but I travel anywhere from DC to Richmond locally. I’m frequently in Alexandria, VA for newborn photo sessions. I’m also happy to fly to other locations in the US. Travel fees do apply.
I’m a mom of three myself and I totally understand that babies need breaks.
I’m happy to take breaks as needed for top-offs to make baby happy.
A warm full belly is usually all we need to get those adorable sleepy photos!
My newborn pictures are natural and organic images of your baby.
I like to keep things very simple and clean so I don’t provide any sets or props.
I’m thrilled to include things like family heirlooms such as a baby blanket or special stuffed animal in the photos though.
Plus if you have a little girl I’m a total sucker for a beautiful headband!
I like to schedule our newborn session when your baby is around 10 days old.
Ideally anywhere from 7-14 is preferred. I definitely understand that some parents can’t schedule for that time frame especially if they have dealt with a NICU stay.
So please don’t worry and know no matter how old your baby is we can create some beautiful photos for you!
All of my collections include digital files and a print release.
This means that you can post them on Facebook or Instagram, share them through email to family and print them wherever you please in whatever size you please.
Keep in mind though that when ordering prints through me you will be getting quality prints that match your files exactly.
If you print elsewhere on your own I cannot guarantee they will be correct.
Your full gallery will be ready within 2 weeks!
With maternity sessions, we typically shoot weekdays in late afternoon/early evening so we get that beautiful glowy sunset light!
For newborn sessions, I find babies are better in the morning when everyone is fresh so those are scheduled around 10 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. (Please note that weekends are not available as I’m spending time with my family on our sailboat then)
Of course! My goal is to capture your new family not just your baby.
We will work together to get adorable sibling photos and know that yes it may take bribes but that is ok!
We stuffed Vanilla Wafers around my youngest to get my oldest to interact with him during our newborn session. You gotta do what you gotta do!
I'm a Virginia born and raised photographer, DIYer, and educator sharing life, love and all my latest projects with you!
xoxo, Melissa Arlena
diyer, sailor, mother, dog lover, military wife
based out of Fredericksburg, Virginia