Celebrate your journey into motherhood and warmly welcome your newest and tiniest family member with beautiful, raw photos documenting moments from bump to baby. Soak up each little meaningful memory—feeling your baby kick and grow or snuggling together on the couch for the first time—and I’ll capture it all.
“I have never been a huge fan of getting my picture taken, but Sarah did an amazing job making us all feel very comfortable and natural. The newborn and family photos she has done for us over the years are my favorite photos to date—I can’t imagine anyone else we would trust to capture these special memories.”
Slow down, and let’s capture those intense emotions from the very first time you feel flutters in your belly, to your early days and weeks together. You know the ones … those indescribable butterflies you feel knowing that you get to spend your days loving your little one from now until forever.
"Her photos are crisp, natural yet bright, and she’s super helpful to guide you along on how to stand, where to look, what to do with your hands, etc. This makes for a relaxing, enjoyable photo session. I never know how she manages to get such great shots of my toddlers, but she always does! Her photos are among my most treasured family possessions, and I can’t recommend her highly enough."
There are a million little changes that happen as your baby grows from a tiny newborn into an adorable one-year-old. One day you’re both laying on the play mat during tummy time, and the next your baby is crawling curiously around the house. Each moment is different and worthy of being documented.
When you choose the milestone package, you’ll have the opportunity to artfully capture every stage of your baby’s first year. The photos you’ll receive will be a constant reminder of how precious family is, and will bring you back to those early days together.
Share your news with friends and family while creating a keepsake from the very beginning stages of your pregnancy with an announcement photo session. Choose any props that you’d like, include your partner, and capture the excitement of your next adventure.
The first hours of your sweet baby’s life feel like a dream. Capture each irreplaceable moment with a documentary-style photo session designed to immortalize the emotions you feel welcoming your little one into the world. These sessions take place within 48 hours of your baby’s birth at the hospital, birth center, or your home.
As a mom myself, I know that planning outfits for family photos can feel stressful and overwhelming. As a courtesy to all of my amazing clients, I’ve carefully curated a client closet to help you find a photo-worthy outfit without any added pressure. I’ve included pieces that suit all stages of motherhood, as well as pieces that are in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. There’s something for every mama to feel beautiful in, and I can’t wait to help you find your perfect fit.
Created to serve as a photo location for families and a hosting space for events, my new studio is the perfect backdrop for every occasion. With natural lighting, neutral decor, and beautiful simplicity, it was designed to highlight you and your family rather than become the main focus of your photos.
To nail those classic poses, I’ll provide gentle guidance throughout your photo session. You won’t have to worry about where to place your hands or if you’re standing at a flattering angle—I’m on it. Through careful direction and an eye for detail, we’ll capture beautiful photos you can’t wait to share.
These are your photos, not mine. We’ll work together to ensure that your photos are everything you wanted—and more. I’m happy to discuss your vision, help you find poses that feel right, and communicate clearly so you feel heard every step of the way.
I offer a high level of care and attention throughout each session, but especially with newborns. To ensure that they’re happy and comfortable throughout our time together, I always allow plenty of time for feeding, changing, and snuggling. I also come to you and conduct these session in your home, where everyone is the most comfrtaoble and we can document your memories within your space.
Rather than enforcing a rigid session timeline, I have a more ‘go with the flow’ attitude so everyone can relax and stay present in the moment. I’m here to provide support, capture real moments, and facilitate a fun atmosphere.
After submitting your inquiry, I’ll reach out to schedule a brief consultation to learn more about your family and discuss my package options. I’ll walk you through the entire experience, and we can determine if I’m the right photographer for you. If we’re a good fit, I’ll send you a contract and invoice, and we will select your session date!
I’m here to support you so you feel prepared on the day of your session. During this time, you’ll learn exactly what to expect when we meet for your photos. We’ll also discuss location options, wardrobe styling, and I’ll give you my best tips and tricks for photo success.
It’s time to make some photo magic! I understand that you may feel overwhelmed on the day of your session, but don’t worry, I’ve got you. I’m dedicated to providing a comfortable and fun experience, allowing you to relax in the moment.
Within 2 weeks of your session date, you’ll receive your curated online gallery full of carefully edited images. You’ll be able to download as many photos as you’d like, and to share them with your loved ones. If you’d like to order prints, artwork, or albums, I’ll be available to answer any questions or to provide additional support.
Sarah Schmidt Photography serves the greater Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, with the availability to travel upon request. Additional travel fees apply for both family sessions outside of a 25-mile radius from Fairfax Station, VA., and out-of-town weddings.
I schedule both morning and evening photo sessions when the sun is lower in the sky, creating a soft glow for your images. This will be in the first hours after the sunrise or just before the sunset.
The sooner the better! For maternity and newborn sessions, Most expectant parents reach out once they’ve entered the second trimester.
I recommend scheduling your session sometime between the 28th and 35th week of pregnancy. This timing ensures your belly is prominent, but you are still comfortable and not too close to delivery!
For this type of session, it’s best to wear clothing that accentuates your bump while also ensuring comfort and confidence. Flowy dresses, form-fitting tops, and neutral colors tend to photograph well and create a timeless look. Browse through my Client Closet as well for a curated selection of options!
Once you book your session, I’ll work with you to plan all of the little details. I’ll send you my style guide, as well as links to other outfit inspirations that I’ve compiled. To know more, take a look at this blog post.
Newborns are most sleepy and calm during the first two weeks of life. This timing allows for capturing those early, sweet days. We will tentatively schedule your session based on your due date, but can change if needed! The timing is also flexible based on your comfort level and recovery, and if you’re interested in booking your session a little later on, just let me know and we can chat!
Yes! I always bring a basket and a few swaddles to use if we need them. However, you’re more than welcome to brig many special items you’d like to incorporate into your session.
It’s helpful to feed your baby right before the session to make sure they’re sleepy and content throughout the shoot. It’s also best to swaddle your baby to keep them warm and comfortable.
I love incorporating the whole family in photo sessions, and I often recommend starting with the pictures of the siblings and your new baby. That are often the most attentive right as I’m arriving. If you have additional extended family members or grandparents, I’d also be happy to include them—just let me know before our session so I can plan accordingly!
As a natural light photographer, I will be checking the weather leading up to your session and communicating accordingly. If needed, we can reschedule your session for a better day. If your session is during my busy season, we will choose a rain date upon booking to ensure that your family is taken care of.
Your final images will be delivered via a private online gallery. For maternity and newborn sessions, you can expect to receive your gallery within 2 weeks.
Explained in detail in this blog post.