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Hi there! I'm Melissa, a Northern Virginia Family & Newborn Photographer. Welcome to my journal, where you can find recent sessions, location ideas, tips for your best session, and more!
How to Prepare for a Family Photo Session
Christmas Studio Sessions in Northern Virginia are a beautiful way to update your family portraits before the holiday season gets busy.
This year, I’m creating something a little different for my Northern Virginia families. The past two years, I offered sessions at a Christmas tree farm. I opted to do something different this year so no one is worrying about weather or lighting.
These sessions will take place in my Alexandria studio on November 14 and 15. I’ve designed a warm and timeless Christmas setting for the occasion. You’ll find soft neutral tones, beautiful greenery, Christmas trees, and thoughtful details throughout the space.
The setting keeps the focus on your family. At the same time, it gives your portraits a beautiful sense of the season.
These sessions make it easy to update your family portraits without spending an entire afternoon at the studio. Each session lasts about 20 minutes. During that time, we’ll capture a mix of classic portraits and genuine moments together.

I’ll guide you throughout the session. You won’t need to worry about where to stand or what to do. Instead, you can focus on your family. I also want your children to have room to be themselves. So while I’ll guide you during the session, I’ll also look for the little moments that happen naturally and let your kids be themselves.
Christmas portraits do not require perfectly matching outfits.
Instead, choose clothing that feels like your family and complements the soft, neutral setting. Creams, warm browns, greens, denim, and soft reds all work beautifully.
Not sure what to wear? I’m happy to help you plan your family’s outfits before your session.
And yes, obviously, pets are welcome, too. Say hi to my Whippet, Banjo.

Each session includes 15+ professionally edited digital images. I will deliver all the images I edit, so there’s no need for you to pick and choose favorites – they’re all yours.
You can use them for Christmas cards, gifts, framed artwork, and sharing with family and friends. Most importantly, you’ll have photographs that capture this season of your family’s life. And with my one week turnaround time, that means you can have your Christmas portraits finished well before the holidays arrive.

November 14 & 15, 2026
Alexandria, Virginia
20-minute session
15+ edited digital images
Beautifully styled Christmas studio
Take-home surprise for the kids
$495
I’m offering a limited number of sessions across these two dates. So if you’ve been thinking about updating your family portraits this year, this is a wonderful time to do it. You’ll leave with beautiful photographs, a fun experience for your family, and one more thing checked off your holiday list.

Reserve your Christmas Studio Session Here
I can’t wait to welcome you into the studio and celebrate the season with your family.
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captures families, newborns, maternity, and military events in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. With over a decade of experience, Melissa is based in Alexandria, Virginia, creating timeless images that celebrate your family’s story.
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