Vienna, Va newborn photography session

A sweet baby photography session in Vienna, Virginia

There is something truly magical about photographing first-time parents, and this newborn session with baby August and his parents in Vienna, VA was no exception. From the moment I stepped into their home early that morning, I was met with such warmth and kindness. Mornings are often the best time for newborn sessions, as babies tend to be more content and relaxed after hopefully having some sleep. August was no different—his calm, sweet presence filled the room, and I couldn’t help but feel the deep bond already growing between him and his parents.

After a few introductions, we took a little tour of their beautiful home. I always love hearing about the special corners of a family's space—where they like to sit and cuddle, where they've spent those quiet, sleepy hours just soaking in every new moment. These spaces hold stories already, and they make for the most intimate and meaningful photos. We chose a few cozy spots that felt authentic to their routine, the places where they already found comfort and connection with their new baby.

What struck me most about this session was how calm and loving August’s parents were. Their energy was so grounded, so present, and I truly believe that babies feel that. August mirrored that calmness throughout our time together. I often tell the families I work with that one of the most important things they can do is to be fully present. Newborns are incredibly intuitive—they can sense when stress or tension is in the air, and it affects them deeply. But when parents are relaxed and open to whatever the moment brings, it creates a peaceful environment where the sweetest memories can unfold naturally.

Photographing newborns requires flexibility and patience. Things don’t always go as planned—a baby might get fussy, hungry, or just need a little extra snuggling. That’s okay. In fact, those unexpected moments often lead to the most beautiful, heartfelt images. When this happens, I gently encourage mom or dad to comfort their baby however they usually would. There is no pressure to perform or be perfect. There is no right or wrong way to parent, especially in those early days when everything is new.

I don’t look for perfection in my sessions—I look for presence. I look for love. And that’s exactly what I saw with this family. As they held August close, whispered to him, and rocked him gently in their arms, I captured those tiny gestures that tell a much bigger story. These honest, raw moments are the ones I want you to remember. Not just how your baby looked, but how it felt to hold them, love them, and be completely in that moment.

This session with baby August reminded me once again why I do what I do. There’s nothing more beautiful than witnessing the beginning of a family’s journey—full of tenderness, awe, and so much love.