Welcoming a new baby is one of the most meaningful seasons of your life—and capturing those early days is something you’ll never regret. As a Virginia Beach newborn photographer, I get so many thoughtful questions from new parents who want to make sure they’re fully prepared for their session. I’ve gathered some of the most common ones here to help guide you.

1. When should I book my newborn session?

The best time to reserve your newborn session is during your second trimester. Babies love to make their own arrival plans, so instead of booking a specific date, I reserve your due date on my calendar and adjust once baby arrives.

Booking ahead means you’re guaranteed a spot (as I only take a limited number of babies each month) and one less thing to think about during those final weeks of pregnancy. Then once your little one is here, all you have to focus on is soaking in those sweet newborn snuggles.

If your baby has already arrived – don’t worry! Reach out and inquire anyway as I try my best to accommodate last minute bookings when I can.

2. When will we take the photos?

For the actual newborn session itself, I most often photograph babies around 2-3 weeks old. We aim to do them on the earlier side if you prefer the sleepy, curled up stage. If you need more time to recover/rest after birth, we tend to wait until 3+ weeks. Since my style of photography is connection-focused (snuggles, parents holding baby, genuine moments, etc), there is no rush on the baby’s age as we can get beautiful photos at any time!

If you have a preference, here’s a breakdown of the first few weeks (typically):

• 0–2 weeks: Sleepy, curled-up newborn look
• 2–6 weeks: More stretches, eye contact, and little expressions begin to show
• 6+ weeks: More awake moments and personality starting to peek through

To give you an idea of what this looks like, the first set of photos on this post are a baby 4 weeks old and the last set are a baby 2 weeks old – both are beautiful and lovely!

3. Where does the session take place?

I offer both in-home lifestyle sessions all over Hampton Roads and studio sessions here in Virginia Beach. In-home sessions are perfect if you love a more personalized, relaxed feel, while studio sessions provide a clean, timeless aesthetic with beautiful lighting and minimal distractions. You can see some examples of an in-home session here and a newborn studio session here.

4. Are parents and siblings included in the photos?

Absolutely! My style is very family-focused and my favorite thing is to capture the connection between all the family members. While we’ll capture your baby on their own, some of the most meaningful images come from those quiet, connected moments with parents and siblings.

5. What should we wear?

I typically keep wardrobe simple, soft, and neutral. Think creams, whites, pastels, and earthy tones. When you book with me, I send over a detailed style guide with lots of tips and suggestions for the whole family. I also offer access to a large curated Client Closet for moms (sizes S-3XL), filled with flattering, flowy dresses that photograph beautifully—because you deserve to feel just as taken care of as your baby.

6. How long does a newborn session last?

Sessions typically last 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how many siblings there are and the baby’s needs. We allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and cuddling—no rush, no stress. If you have toddlers or older siblings, I have a suggested workflow system in place so that the kiddos don’t need to be there for the full session. It’s really all about creating a laid back experience so we will chat individually about what will work best for your family.

7. What if my baby is fussy?

That’s ok! Babies run the show—always. I follow your baby’s lead and create a calm, patient environment. Whether that means extra snuggles, feeding breaks, or simply slowing things down, we’ll work through it together.

8. Do I need to bring anything?

For studio sessions, I provide everything needed for your baby—diaper covers, wraps, blankets, and bows for baby girls. I also have a large collection of flattering dresses (sizes S-3XL) all ready for mamas to borrow for the session. You can see the full list of dresses here. For in-home sessions, I bring all these things to you! If there is a special outfit you have in mind for your little one, we can absolutely use it – but otherwise, you really don’t need anything!

9. How soon will we receive our photos?

You can expect your fully edited gallery within 3 weeks. From there, you’ll be able to select your favorite images and order prints, albums, or wall art.

10. Why should I invest in newborn photography?

Honestly? I hear it all the time – regret from parents that didn’t do newborn photos when their kids were babies. In the thick of the newborn phase, it sometimes gets overlooked as you’re adjusting to a new baby. These early days pass in a blur, especially with interrupted sleep! But one day, you’ll look back and ache to remember the tiny details—the way they curled into you, the softness of their skin, the way your whole world shifted overnight. Newborn photography isn’t just about taking pretty images—it’s about preserving a feeling and a season you’ll never get back.

11: How much experience do you have with babies?

I have been photographing babies since 2012 – so quite some time now! I have techniques to calm baby (as well as fun ways to help with toddler cooperation), and make this experience as laid back and stress free as possible. My priority is keeping babies (and siblings) happy and safe, so we take our time and pivot as needed. I truly love babies and toddlers, and I’m thankful to be considered to photograph your growing family!

12: Do you offer more than just digitals?

Yes! While you can purchase just the digitals from your session, you also are able to order custom albums, museum grade framing, prints, and a variety of other beautiful products! I’d love to walk you though what you want to do with your photos after the session!

13: Will you travel for newborn photos?

Yes! While I am based in Virginia Beach, I often photograph in surrounding areas like Chesapeake, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Cape Charles, and Williamsburg. There is a travel fee for locations outside of Hampton Roads, but I would love to come to you to document this special season!

Looking for a Virginia Beach Newborn Photographer?

If you’re expecting and searching for a newborn photographer in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas, I’d love to connect with you. My goal is to create a relaxed, meaningful experience while capturing your family exactly as you are in this beautiful season.

Reach out to here reserve your session—I can’t wait to document this chapter for you!