Lifestyle Child Portraits in Alexandria, VA
If you're officially done with "say cheese" and stiff, awkward poses, you’re in the right place. At our Alexandria, VA studio, we keep things simple so your child can just be themselves. Whether they show up with high-energy giggles or they’re in a quiet, soulful mood, we meet them exactly where they are. We’re all about capturing that unapologetic spirit and turning it into museum-grade art for your walls, so this special time never fades into your camera roll.
Where Every Child is the Main Character
The main Character Experience
The Planning Session (After Booking)
Once you’ve officially joined the calendar, the real fun begins. We’ll host a Zoom Planning Appointment to handle all the details—curating your child’s wardrobe, selecting the perfect backdrop color, and chatting about their unique personality. By the time your session date arrives, every detail is handled so we can just focus on the magic.
The Portrait Session
This is designed to be the easiest hour of your week. There is no "sit still and smile" pressure here; we move at your child’s pace and let their authentic spirit lead the way. In the comfort of our Alexandria, VA studio, we’ll focus on documenting their unique essence while you sit back and experience our museum-grade artwork samples in person. It’s a stress-free hour where your child’s personality is the only thing that matters.
The Big Reveal
About two weeks after your session, we’ll sit down together (in person or via Zoom) to see your portraits for the first time. I’ll guide you through selecting your favorites and designing the museum-grade artwork and heirloom albums that will tell your child’s story for a lifetime.
Sessions focus on clean styling, simple compositions, and a relaxed approach that allows genuine expression to unfold naturally.
Your experience includes:
- The Signature Two-Look Experience: Every session is designed with two distinct aesthetics—our Iconic White and a Curated Color backdrop.
- Wardrobe Versatility: You are welcome to include one outfit change to perfectly complement both backdrop styles.
- Custom Session Planning: A face-to-face Zoom meeting to meet "in person", finalize styling, colors, and plan a session that puts the spotlight on your child's personality.
- The Studio Experience: A fully guided, prop-free session in our Alexandria, VA studio.
- The Reveal & Design: An appointment to view your images, design your custom, museum-grade artwork and order digital collections.
your investment
We are an artwork-first studio because we believe your legacy belongs on your walls or in print to be seen everyday. For every piece of physical artwork you purchase, we include the matching digital companion. However, if your heart is set on a digital-only collection, we do offer a premium digital-only option for families who prefer to manage their own printing.
Do you offer digital files?
This is the best part! About 1–2 weeks after your session, we’ll reach out to officially schedule your Reveal & Design appointment. The appointment itself typically takes place 2–3 weeks after your session, giving me the time to edit your gallery to perfection. We’ll sit down together (in-person or via Zoom) to view the portraits for the first time and curate the heirlooms that fit your home perfectly.
When do we get to see the images?
The retainer secures your date on our studio calendar and covers the custom planning of your session, our time together in the studio, and your Reveal & Design appointment. Please note that the retainer does not include any digital images or physical artwork. Because every family’s needs are different, all heirloom products and digital images are purchased separately, a-la-carte, during your Reveal & Design appointment.
What does the $395 Creative Retainer cover?
Absolutely! We love documenting that special sibling bond during our DMV portrait sessions. To make sure everyone gets their "main character" moment and plenty of dedicated time in front of the lens, we add a sibling fee of $195. This ensures we never have to rush and can truly focus on each child’s individual spirit as well as their connection with each other.
Do you photograph siblings?
We’ll handle the styling together during our Session Planning Zoom Meeting. Generally, I recommend timeless, simple pieces that keep the focus on your child's personality rather than their clothes. Whether we are shooting against our Iconic White or a Curated Color backdrop, we’ll choose a palette that makes their spirit pop and ensures the final artwork feels cohesive.
What should my child wear?
This is easily the #1 concern we hear from parents, so let me put your mind at ease: our entire process is built specifically for children. We don’t expect them to sit still or “perform” for the camera—in fact, we prefer that they don’t!
We use guided movement to keep the session productive and fun. We’ll provide the direction, but we always move at your child's pace. If they are on the quieter side, we’ll take our time to let them get comfortable; if they have a ton of energy, we’ll give them the space to get the wiggles out and turn that motion into art. By removing the pressure of "perfect behavior," we create the room needed to capture who they actually are.
What if my child can’t sit still or "behave" for a session?
Frequently Asked Questions
Our signature lifestyle child portraits take place in our studio in Alexandria, VA. For those looking to document their 'First Chapter' (in-home newborn portraits) or their 'Full Story' (lifestyle family portraits), we also travel for in-home sessions across the DMV—from Southern Maryland to Northern Virginia. Whether we are in the studio or in your home, our focus remains on the authentic connection and unscripted magic that makes your family unique.
where do sessions take place?
secure their spotlight
If you’re ready for a stress-free experience that actually captures your child’s true spirit, you’re in the right place. Our Alexandria, VA studio calendar fills up quickly, so reach out today to get the ball rolling. We will be in touch soon to set up a time for us to chat!
Family and in-home newborn sessions are also available.
Let's get them in the spotlight!
