One of the most beautiful parts of my job is getting to witness and document the incredible journey a family takes as they grow and change together. I had the absolute joy of working with the Sana family, capturing their most precious milestones over the past few years. From maternity to newborn, a first birthday, and even a pregnancy announcement, I’ve had the privilege of creating a visual time capsule of their family’s love and joy.
I’m excited to share highlights from each of their milestone sessions. It’s a wonderful reminder of how special it is to preserve these moments, and why I encourage every family to consider booking a bundled Milestone Session package.
We started the Sana family’s journey with a gorgeous maternity session. For maternity session, I like to meet-up around 32 weeks at one of your favorite outdoor spots. For this soon-to-be family of three we met up at the Washington Mall where the late afternoon light added a warm, golden glow to every image.
There’s something magical about capturing a mother’s anticipation as she awaits the arrival of her little one. The photos beautifully reflect the love and excitement that these two shared as they prepared to welcome their baby. It’s a moment frozen in time, forever remembering the final chapter of their journey to becoming parents.
Next came the newborn session, where I got to meet the star of the show—Baby Nina! Held in the comfort of their home, this session was calm, intimate, and full of love. Nina was just a few days old, and those sleepy snuggles and tiny details were absolutely heart-melting.
Newborn sessions are all about capturing those fleeting moments—the way your baby fits perfectly in your arms, the softness of their skin, and the peaceful expression on their face when they sleep. For the Sana family, these images serve as a reminder of the incredible early days of parenthood, when life shifted into a whole new chapter.
Fast forward to Nina’s first birthday, and it was time to celebrate another big milestone! We decided on a playful outdoor session to capture her growing curiosity and emerging personality. Watching her explore, laugh, and interact with her parents was pure joy.
These sessions are so much fun because they mark how far a baby has come in just one year. From that newborn stage to a walking, babbling one-year-old, these photos highlight the monumental growth that happens in such a short time.
As if these milestones weren’t enough, the Sana family had one more special surprise to share—a new baby was on the way! For this session, we combined the excitement of a family session with the joy of a pregnancy announcement. Big sister Nina proudly showed off a tee-shirt that read “In My Big Sister Era,” marking the beginning of yet another chapter in their family’s story.
This pregnancy announcement was a full-circle moment, reminding me of how special it is to follow a family’s journey over time. These sessions don’t just capture moments—they document the growth, love, and legacy that families create together.
If you’re considering how best to capture your family’s journey, the Sana family’s story is a perfect example of why milestone sessions are so special. From pregnancy to that first birthday (and beyond!), these sessions offer a chance to document the fleeting, unforgettable moments of your baby’s early years.
By booking a Milestone Session package, you ensure that every precious stage of your little one’s life is beautifully documented. You’ll receive timeless photos that you can treasure for years to come—a visual time capsule that tells the story of your family’s growth, love, and joy.
If you’d love to create lasting memories of your family’s unique journey, don’t hesitate to reach out and learn more about my milestone packages. I can’t wait to help you capture your story!
Sarah Schmidt is a family photographer with a passion for helping families preserve their legacy through honest storytelling. She serves families living in the Northern Virginia and greater Washington, D.C. areas.