A soulful, relaxed session that sees your family in all its beautiful chaos. The kind of images that take you back, every time.
The Beauty of Family, Forever Remembered
Your Northern Virginia Family Photography Experience
- Lilly, mom of four
"We had such a great experience working with Melissa! Booking, payment, and communication was so easy! She found us a wonderful location and time of day for our shoot. She put us and the kids at ease and was so personable. She did some extra pictures of our Senior and they turned out so well! The lighting... editing.. everything was amazing! She got the gallery to us so quickly. She MORE than met our expectations! I highly recommend!"
Client love
You don’t have to perform or pretend here. These sessions are about more than just smiles—they’re about connection. The way your kids lean into you without realizing it. The way you laugh when no one’s watching. We’ll keep it simple, honest, and true to your family—so you walk away with more than photos. You walk away with a reminder: this is what love looks like.
Where Your Family’s Story Becomes Art
I'm Melissa, your
northern virginia family photographer
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Northern Virginia Family Photographer
the Family portfolio
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.
JUST BE TOGETHER—I’LL TAKE CARE OF THE REST
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 DETAIL DESIGNED FOR A STRESS-FREE EXPERIENCE
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.
WE START WITH WHAT MAKES YOUR FAMILY, YOURS
FROM CHAOS TO CONNECTION
This will be your family session
The Complete Experience
From what to wear to how it lives in your home - I've thought of every detail
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.
The Art Collection with beautiful ways to display your portraits.
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.
The client Wardrobe with A curated collection, ready for your session
- 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!
"If you’re searching for a photographer who blends talent, creativity, and a personal touch, Melissa is the one. She’s truly exceptional!"
- One Hour Session at your preferred location
- Custom Wardrobe Guide with styling tips for the whole family
- Complimentary dress rental from my exclusive client closet
- All your best images (50+), beautifully hand-edited
- Access to heirloom print and album options
What's included:
From quiet moments at home to the iconic D.C. landmarks, the Signature Session is designed to unfold at a slower pace—so your family's story has room to breathe. With up to 60 minutes of relaxed time together, we’ll capture the meaningful, in-between moments as well as the beautifully composed ones. These sessions are built around the best light of the day.
Northern Virginia Family Sessions
signature session
Your investment: $725
from $15
$99
$300
$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.
From Digital to Tangible: Heirloom Pieces to Treasure
Products & upgrades
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.
