As a luxury photographer in Northern Virginia, I specialize in maternity, newborn, family, and military moments that matter. I love capturing your family’s story in a way that feels effortless, authentic, and timeless - images that become art in your home and memories you’ll return to again and again. This blog is a little corner where I can share glimpses of the families, milestones, and military events I’m honored to document as well as tips for your best photo session yet. 

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Northern Virginia Family & Newborn Photography

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session tips

As a mom with a growing belly, I know how hard it is to find something that not only fits but looks flattering for photos! That’s why I decided to start a client closet of dresses for my Northern Virginia Maternity Photography sessions. There’s no use in buying a special dress just for a photo […]

Northern Virginia Maternity Photography | Client Closet

Maternity

Welcome to my new favorite session – this sweet Northern Virginia Newborn Photography in-home session featuring sweet baby girl Ivy at only a few days old! There’s a certain magic that unfolds when you welcome a newborn into your home. The familiar space takes on a whole new meaning, filled with the soft coos, tiny […]

Northern Virginia Newborn Photography | Baby Ivy

Newborns

Hi friends! If you’ve been around a while, you are not at all surprised that our family is on the move – again! I will now be a Northern VA Family Photographer! This is our 7th PCS in 13 years so we have this moving thing down! Melissa Sheridan Photography | Northern VA Family Photographer […]

Northern VA Family Photographer | MSP is Moving!

Business & Tips

It was such an honor to do my friend’s photos for the arrival of their sweet baby girl, Georgia! Alexandria VA Newborn Photography is my passion. Getting to be a fly on the wall for sweet newborn kisses from big brother, and seeing little tiny baby fingers and toes just melts me. I know these […]

Alexandria VA Newborn Photography | In-Home Newborn Lifestyle Session

Newborns

What to wear for Family Photos! This has to be my most asked question and biggest client pain point, for sure! As someone with a family who also needs to be documented in photos yearly, I get it! Outfits can be so hard, especially if you are the mom who is planning them all. It’s […]

What to Wear for Family Photos | Northern Virginia Photographer

Business & Tips

I’m Melissa – a military spouse, mom of two, and am now officially a Northern Virginia Family Photographer. I relocated to the Alexandria, VA area in summer of 2024 and am loving what Virginia has to offer so far! Fun fact, we were stationed in Charlottesville from 2019-2021, so this is our second time around […]

Northern Virginia Family Photographer

Portraits

First of all, huge congratulations on your engagement!!! This is such an exciting time in your relationship. Now it’s time to plan your engagement session! Like many of my couples, you might be wondering what to wear for engagement photos. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!   What to Wear for Engagement Photos Montgomery Alabama […]

What to Wear for Engagement Photos

Uncategorized

Last Day of Kindergarten | Melissa Sheridan Photography

Today marks my baby’s Last Day of Kindergarten! Claire completed kindergarten in a completely virtual setting for the 2020-2021 school year. While it wasn’t ideal and not at all what we had expected prior to the pandemic, she did well and made the best of it. She did have to switch teachers once, which was […]

Last Day of Kindergarten

Personal

Today I thought I’d get personal and share 10 things you probably didn’t know about me! 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Melissa Dayton, Ohio Photographer   1 | I have a bachelor’s degree in English Writing. I actually started out thinking I wanted to pursue nursing, but turns out I can barely pass a […]

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Melissa

Personal

10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa Sheridan Photography