More than a session — a carefully curated experience and imagery meant to last
Your family’s story deserves to be documented with care, intention, and artistry.
My pricing reflects not only the time spent photographing your session, but the full experience — thoughtful planning, guidance every step of the way, careful editing, and images that feel timeless and deeply personal. I work slowly and intentionally so that your session never feels rushed and your final gallery feels effortless.
All sessions include planning support, wardrobe guidance, professional retouching, and a private online gallery for viewing, downloading, and sharing.
You don’t need to have it all together. You just need to show up. Let your kids be themselves. Snuggle your people. Laugh a little (or a lot). I’ll take care of capturing the rest—so you can remember what love looked like in this season.
From location ideas to what-to-wear guidance, I’ve got you covered. This session is designed to flow naturally, so you can focus on being with each other—not worried about looking perfect. I’ll gently guide you through, always watching for those little in-between moments that matter most.
Every family has a rhythm—yours might be full of giggles, gentle hugs, or bursts of energy. Before our session, we’ll chat about what matters most to you right now—whether it’s a specific milestone or simply the way your kids still fit in your arms. No pressure, no performance. Just real-life beauty.
FROM CHAOS TO CONNECTION
Your gallery comes complete with easy-to-order, professional lab quality print product options so your images can live on your walls and not just your Instagram feed.
I offer a selection of dresses in various sizes for women for any type of full session. Come to my studio for a try-on and take the guess work out of what to wear.
- A fully guided family session, up to 90 minutes
- Custom location guide & session planning
- Location of your choice within DMV area
- Style guide for the whole family
- Access to my client closet for women
- All of the best images (50+, professionally retouched
- High-resolution files delivered in a private online gallery
- 3 fine art deckled edge prints ($75 value)
What's included:
Family sessions are relaxed, intentional, and gently guided so your images feel natural and connected—never stiff or rushed. With over ten years of experience photographing families, I know how to work with kids of all ages and create timeless images that feel elevated, honest, and true to your family.
Your investment: $800
- A fully guided session, up to 90 minutes
- Location of your choice within DMV area
- Custom location guide & session planning
- Access to my client closet for moms-to-be
- All of the best images (40+), professionally retouched
- High-resolution files delivered in a private online gallery
- Option to bundle with newborn session for 10% discount
What's included:
Maternity sessions are soft, calm, and deeply personal. My approach focuses on connection and beautiful light, creating images that feel empowering, timeless, and effortless while honoring this fleeting season of motherhood.
Your investment starting at: $700
- An in-home or studio baby-led session, up to 2 hours
- Plenty of time for feeding and soothing
- Simple, natural posing and detail shots
- Use of wraps, outfits, & headbands for baby
- Client closet dress choice for mom
- All the best images (50+), professionally retouched
- High-resolution files in a private online gallery
- Option to bundle with maternity session for 10% off
What's included:
Newborn sessions are intentionally unrushed and centered around your baby’s comfort. Typically photographed in your home, these sessions focus on real moments, tiny details, and the quiet beauty of early parenthood—handled with care and over a decade of newborn experience.
In-home or studio investment: $1100
- A guided 60 minute session in my studio
- Simple props and styling guidance
- Optional backdrop choice and cake add-ons
- Optional images with parents
- All of the best images (25+), professionally edited
- High-resolution files in a private online gallery
Milestone sessions capture your baby’s growing personality in a way that feels playful, clean, and timeless. Each session is thoughtfully styled and guided to keep the focus on your baby. Sessions available for babies who can sit up & older.
Your investment: $650
- Up to two hours of ceremony + portrait coverage
- Full digital gallery (60+ professionally edited images)
- Guidance for family groupings + portrait flow
- Coverage of arrivals, pinning, speeches & candid moments
- Portraits of honoree + immediate family
- Experience at Pentagon, DHS, local bases, National Mall, & more
- Travel within Northern VA + Washington, D.C. included
- Option to add additional hours ($175/hr)
What's included:
As a military spouse, I approach military events with care, respect, and deep understanding of this life. From ceremonies to homecomings, my focus is on documenting meaningful moments and details as they naturally unfold.
Your investment starting at: $725
- A fully guided senior portrait session
- Location and styling support
- Option for an outfit change
- All of the best images (30+), professionally retouched
- High-resolution files in a private online gallery
Senior sessions are modern, relaxed, and customized to reflect personality and style. With gentle direction and a refined approach, I create portraits that feel natural, confident, and authentic.
Your investment: $650
- A guided headshot or branding session
- Outdoors or in my studio
- Location and wardrobe recommendations
- A variety of natural poses and expressions
- All of the best images, professionally retouched
- High-resolution files in a private online gallery
What's included:
Headshot and branding sessions are designed to feel natural while still elevated. These sessions focus on creating images that communicate confidence, warmth, and professionalism - without feeling stiff or overly corporate.
Your investment starting at: $400 for individuals, $850 for teams. Please inquire for a custom quote.
- Kristen, mom of two
Our experience with Melissa was absolutely incredible! The photos we received exceeded all expectations—each one beautifully framed and overflowing with genuine emotion. She didn’t just take pictures; she captured precious memories that we’ll treasure forever. Her keen attention to detail, masterful use of light, and the way she so effortlessly captured the love and joy within our family left me in awe.
If you’re searching for a photographer who blends talent, creativity, and a personal touch, Melissa is the one. She’s truly exceptional!
from $15
$150
$500
$200
fine art prints
keepsake folio box of prints
linen heirloom album
extended family add-on
I offer a curated selection of heirloom-quality products - including fine art prints, albums, and keepsake boxes for prints - designed to preserve your family’s memories beautifully and tangibly. These pieces are meant to be enjoyed daily in your home and cherished for generations.
I recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance to ensure your preferred date. During busy seasons (spring and fall), I am often booked 2-3 months in advance. However, feel free to reach out even if it's last-minute, as I may have space!
1-3 months in advance
You’ll receive a sneak peek within a week of your session. Your full gallery of 40+ images will be ready within two to three weeks of your session.
3 weeks or less!
We’ll keep an eye on the weather and make a call 24–48 hours before your session. I always build in buffer dates for reschedules due to weather, so we’ll find a new time that works!
weather happens, but it always works out
Yes! Your gallery includes access to a professional print lab with beautiful, high-quality prints and products. I also offer custom-designed heirloom albums.
yes! Let's print your photos
Melissa Sheridan Photography offers a vibrant and joyful portrait experience for families, maternity, newborns, and military events in the greater Northern Virginia area. Melissa creates fun and colorful images that capture your family's authentic moments. Serving the greater NoVA region, including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Washington, D.C., Melissa is dedicated to providing a seamless experience from booking to final gallery delivery. Whether you’re looking for a lively family session or timeless newborn portraits, Melissa Sheridan Photography captures memories that last a lifetime. Contact her today for more information on capturing your dream family photos.