Whether you're pregnant or postpartum, its never too early to be prepared!
When this family reached out about newborn photos, Mom had one request. She wanted them at Maymont RVA.
I was a little nervous!
She had given birth just 4 days before our session, and if you've ever been to Maymont, you know there's quite a lot of walking. I wanted to make sure she felt comfortable and wasn't pushing herself too hard. I mentioned my concerns, but she was completely set on having her session there, so we came up with a plan to take it slow and only do what felt comfortable!
Most of our session took place near the top of Maymont, and honestly, we could have stayed there the entire time and still ended up with a beautiful gallery!
The Italian Gardens are one of my favorite spots for family and newborn photos. They're easy to get to, the open lawns are gorgeous, and you have beautiful architecture, greenery, and so much space without having to walk very far.
Toward the end of the session, we decided to make our way down to the Japanese Garden.
Getting down there is actually the easy part. Coming back up is what gets you. Thankfully, we weren't in a rush. Instead of trying to fit everything into an hour, we ended up spending about 90 minutes together. That extra time made such a difference because Mom could stop whenever she needed to, catch her breath, and take the stairs at her own pace. There was never any pressure to hurry and the views were worth it.
The Japanese Garden feels completely different from the rest of the park. Between the bridges, the trees, the water, and all of the foliage, it almost feels like you've stepped into another world. It's one of those places that photographs beautifully no matter where you turn.
One thing I always tell parents is that newborn sessions don't have to be rushed. Babies need to eat. They need diaper changes. Sometimes they just want to be held for a few extra minutes, and that's okay!! Some of my favorite images happen during those little pauses.
If you're planning an outdoor newborn session, I also recommend dressing baby in something simple and comfortable. Neutral colors photograph beautifully, and bringing an extra swaddle or blanket is always a good idea. Even if we don't end up using it in photos, it can help keep baby warm and cozy between locations.
If you're worried about walking after giving birth, don't let that stop you from considering Maymont. You do not have to hike all over the park to get beautiful photos! The Italian Gardens and the open lawn areas are absolutely stunning on their own. If that's all you're comfortable with, you'll still leave with a gorgeous gallery. And if you're feeling up for the walk to the Japanese Garden, we'll take our time getting there and back. There's no rush!
At the end of the day, my job isn't just to take beautiful photos. It's to make sure you actually enjoy the experience.
Those first few days with your baby are something you'll never get back. You deserve a session where you can slow down, soak it all in, and let me handle the rest.
