3 Things to Avoid in Your Photo Session (and what to do instead)
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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!
Best Photo Session Locations in Washington, D.C.

When you think of family photos, do you think of an experience or another thing on your to do list? When most families think about photos, they think checklist. Book the date. Pick the outfits. Convince everyone to smile. Then hope there’s at least one frame-worthy image at the end.
And truthfully, as a busy mom, I totally get it. I too have let my own photos become a to-do list item. You’d think as a photographer I’d have it down, but often, I’m left leaving my family images until last – oops!
But what if it didn’t have to feel that way? What if your session felt more like a breath of fresh air than a box to check?
That’s exactly what I want every family to experience.
From the moment you reach out, my goal is to take the weight off your shoulders. You won’t have to worry about what to wear, where to go, or how to pose. I’ll help with styling, location planning, and even offer beautiful options from my client closet so everything feels effortless.
All you have to do is show up and be together. I’ll do the rest.

Family Photo session in Old Town Alexandria
Because the truth is, family photos aren’t really about photos. They’re about…
And when you see your images printed in an album or framed on your wall, something changes. You don’t just scroll past them; you feel them. You relive the moment, the warmth, the joy.
That’s why I believe family photography should be an experience – one that feels relaxed, intentional, and meaningful from start to finish.
From the moment you book, I take care of every detail so you can simply show up and enjoy your family. I’ll guide you through what to wear, offer access to my curated client closet, and create an atmosphere that feels relaxed and effortless. Your session isn’t about posing perfectly — it’s about feeling connected and at ease. My goal is for you to leave saying, “That was actually fun… and I’d do it again.”

Because family photography shouldn’t feel like another thing on your to-do list — it should feel like a breath of fresh air, a pause long enough to see just how good this season really is. I love being able to give my amazing clients the family photos experience they’re dreaming of – relaxed, fun, and a tangible way to remember what their family felt like in this season.
So instead of squeezing photos into your to-do list this year, imagine slowing down for a few hours and letting someone else handle the details. You’ll walk away not just with images, but with memories that remind you what matters most.
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offer portrait photo sessions for families, newborns, maternity, and military events in the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. area. She has over 9 years of experience and is based in Alexandria, Virginia.
melissa sheridan photography