Northern Virginia Portrait Photographer
Photos of your favorite people should make you FEEL something.
The best portrait photography doesn’t just show what people look like–it shows who they ARE. Kids grow and change so quickly, and you may have already realized how easy it is to forget who they were and what they were like even a year ago! You don’t have to let these beautiful little memories slip away.
Instead, make them into the kind of pictures that you’re excited to look at over and over again–the kind that twenty years from now, when your kids are grown, will still tug at your heart a little every time you say,
“That photo is HIM.”
“That’s really HER.”
“That picture is how I always think of them.”
Meet the Photographer
Hi, I’m Danielle! All I ever wanted was to be a mom! After being disappointed years ago with underwhelming mall studio portrait sessions that were fun for no one, I knew there had to be a better way to record my kids’ real smiles and personalities.
That’s how I started learning all about how to get great pictures of kids! I have since spent over a decade mastering the art of photography while creating memorable experiences with my family here in Northern Virginia. (I’m a Quality Time kind of girl.)
These days I LOVE the photos I have of my children. Now I want to help you get art-worthy images of your beautiful family, too!
Meet the Photographer
Hi, I’m Danielle! All I ever wanted was to be a mom! After being disappointed years ago with underwhelming mall studio portrait sessions that were fun for no one, I knew there had to be a better way to record my kids’ real smiles and personalities.
That’s how I started learning all about how to get great pictures of kids! I have since spent over a decade mastering the art of photography while creating memorable experiences with my family here in Northern Virginia. (I’m a Quality Time kind of girl.)
These days I LOVE the photos I have of my children. Now I want to help you get art-worthy images of your beautiful family, too!
Professional family photography that works for you
Figuring out family photos doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Getting great photos of your kids all starts with knowing what end product you are hoping to end up with and what style of image really speaks to your heart, then choosing a photographer who can deliver that.
Here are some resources to get you on your way to your perfect photo session!
Your family, your session, your favorite photo
Your favorite photo is not going to be the same as anyone else’s, so don’t choose a photographer who shoots the same way for every client. I listen to YOU and create a session based on YOUR kids, YOUR preferences, and the end result that you really want.
A story about your characters
Real kids. Real moments. Real expressions.
Classic portraits are perfect for the graduating senior or anytime you want “looking-at-the-camera” photos to hang as wall art, give as gifts, or feature on a holiday card.
When you want to remember all the details of now
Lifestyle images are photos of relationships and the way your life feels at this moment. This type of shoot lends itself to creating an album to tell the whole story, though you certainly might have a favorite image you want to put on the wall! Perfect any time capturing the emotion of the moment is prioritized over having everyone looking at the camera.
Have an idea? Let me bring it to life!
Do you have a specific concept in mind to feature as wall art or for your next holiday card? I’d be delighted to work with you to make your vision come alive.
Not sure where to start? Here’s what you need to know!
1
What am I going to do with my images?
2
Who is being photographed and what type of session is best?
3
What do my favorite pictures have in common?
4
What is the feeling I want to have when I look at my photos?
Getting photos you love can be as easy as following these simple steps:
“I LOVE that picture!”
Why choose Beautiful Things?
Stress-free photoshoots
Parents often worry that their kids won’t cooperate, but as a parent and former teacher myself, I know all about how kids can be! That means if your toddler throws a tantrum in the middle of the session or your teen takes half the time to warm up, you can still feel confident I can get the shots you really want. I build in time to allow kids to be kids–diaper changes, emergency snacks, or taking a break to run around for a little while won’t affect your final result!
Your child, your session
Babies, toddlers, kids, and teens have different needs, and every child has a different personality. That’s why I’ll work closely with you to custom-design a relaxed, age-appropriate photo experience on location or in your home, based both on your vision for the kind of photos you would really love and on creating a session your real kid will actually enjoy participating in. People photograph best when they’re comfortable and having fun!
Expert guidance
From the moment you book, I’ve got you covered with expert advice on locations, outfits, and every detail about how to prep for your session so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Then when your photos are complete, I will hold your hand through the process of choosing the perfect way to display your new favorite pictures, right down to previewing how they will look in an album or on your very own wall and ordering your products for you from my pro lab.
Only buy what you actually want!
I truly want you to be thrilled with your photos. You can purchase anything from a single image to the entire gallery, and you don’t need to choose how many until you actually see the photos at your ordering session. I photograph with the intention of delivering a smaller number of great images that you will want to display, not dozens of “meh” photos that end up in a folder on your computer never to be seen again.
Your people are what matters
Our connections with our people are the most important thing in life. Let me help you honor yours. To invest in a portrait is to say, “This person matters to me.”
The Time Is Now
Quick, before they grow up any more!
I know how busy and hectic life in Northern Virginia can get, and how easy it can be to procrastinate on getting family photos done. But as a mom myself, I also know that these kids won’t stay the same for six months, let alone another year (or two…or three)! Don’t wait–now is the only chance you have to stop the clock on the child you have TODAY.
Let’s make this easy!
Ready to take the next steps? Here’s the plan from start to finish!