Are you a mom to be who is looking for a Chesapeake newborn photographer but have some questions?

Don’t worry, I’m here to help!

As a newborn photographer and also a former occupational therapist, I understand the value and importance of capturing these early moments of your baby’s life because they truly change so quickly!

If you’re a mama to be, you’re probably overwhelmed with all the decisions you need to make, but newborn photography doesn’t have to be one of them!

So many of my clients reserve their sessions months before their due dates so that they aren’t scrambling at the last minute. The reality is that you never know how you’ll feel or how quickly you’ll recover after birth, so being able to check as many things off your list as possible is a way to make things a little easier, in case you do need some extra rest and recovery time post-birth!

Let’s dive into some of the most common questions about newborn photography.

“What should I look for when hiring a newborn photographer?”

It’s important to choose a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has experience working with infants. Personally, I had years of experience working with newborns prior to my photography business as both a nanny and an occupational therapist with NICU experience! I also have additional safety training so that I can provide a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience for you and your baby. I understand the importance of capturing these early moments, and I take pride in creating beautiful, timeless memories that will bring joy for years to come.

“What can I expect during a newborn photography session?”

During a newborn photography session, I’ll create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby, and guide you through natural poses. You can include your family members in the photos, and I encourage parents and siblings to participate in this special moment.

To capture the best sleepy moments, it’s important to schedule your newborn photography session fairly early, ideally within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. Of course, if there are circumstances that prevent this, there is never a wrong time to document your baby! I’ve worked with twins who spent 3 months in the NICU, and a 4 week old who slept like a champ and was perfectly chunky and precious! My approach is baby led and natural, so I won’t be forcing them into any poses or positions, so although the first 2 weeks tend to be sleepier, I love photographing babies of all ages! I do recommend booking your session as soon as possible during your pregnancy to ensure availability.

“Do I need to bring anything?”

One of the perks of an in studio session is that you just have to show up! You’ll have access to my beautiful Client Closet, wraps, bonnets, bows, snuggly knit outfits, and diaper covers. Optionally, some clients choose to bring a special heirloom outfit or toy to incorporate.

“When will I get my photos?”

After the session, you can expect to have your Gallery Reveal and Ordering appointment within a week or two! I offer a range of options that include both digital files and prints. I’m happy to work with you to create a customized package that meets your specific needs.

“How much does newborn photography cost?”

My Studio Menu is designed so that you can select exactly what you love. Pricing depends on what you choose, and can range from $500 to $3,000. I know this might seem like a significant investment, but keep in mind that newborn photography is a specialized service that requires a lot of time, education, and equipment, and I specialize in creating heirloom artwork. My goal is for you to have tangible memories of your baby’s first days, instead of just files on your hard drive or phone! I’m dedicated to providing high-quality images & products that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!

Since your baby changes SO much in the first year, many mamas go with my First Year Membership so they can document every sweet stage! There are lots of perks and exclusive benefits, and it’s a wonderful option if you don’t want to miss any little detail!

So, there you have it! Newborn photography is a wonderful way to capture the early moments of your baby’s life and I do my best to take care of all the details, so all you have to do is show up!

If you have any questions about newborn photography or would like to learn more about booking a session at my studio, click here to fill out my contact form.

I’m here to help you create beautiful, timeless memories of this special time in

your family’s life!

Click here to see more of my newborn images

Click here to see an example of a newborn session in my lifestyle studio!

This lighthouse family maternity session in Virginia Beach is extra special, since I’ve photographed this family since their first baby was in the belly! It’s such a privilege to document such important milestones for a growing family.

Since big brother is a very active toddler boy, Mom and Dad were worried about how our session would go- would he smile and cooperate? It’s totally normal for littles to be a bit wild and crazy and not want to just sit and smile at the camera!

Not to worry- as a mom of 2 and former pediatric occupational therapist, active toddlers are totally within my comfort zone, and I have lots of tricks up my sleeve!

Most of all, we move! Tickles, snuggles, shoulder rides, ring around the rosie, and airplane rides are all great ways to keep them engaged. I also bring a variety of classic wooden toys that add texture and interest while keeping tiny hands busy!

I also often bring my teen daughter, Addie, as my assistant. It’s so helpful to have another set of hands, and she is amazing at getting some sweet and genuine toddler smiles! Usually, it involves a feather duster or a squeaky pirate chicken, and trust me, it works!

If you are hesitant to take photos with your kiddo because you’re afraid of how it’ll go, trust me when I say, you won’t regret it. Even if it feels a little chaotic, I promise you won’t regret it! Chances are, we will still get the classic “looking and smiling” photo, while also preserving some sweet moments candid images and all precious details you don’t want to forget!

Jessica Jeremiah Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, motherhood, and family sessions in Hampton Roads, VA. Jessica creates dreamy, joyful images outdoors and in her all white lifestyle studio located in Chesapeake.

I am so passionate about serving my clients and making it so easy to preserve precious memories, every step of the way. If you’d like to know more about the JJP experience, schedule a custom portrait session, or reserve your date, please visit my website or email me directly at jessica.jeremiah@gmail.com. 

There’s something so special about photographing friends who feel like family, and the Enriquez family is just that for me. Living right across the street, we’ve shared countless moments together over the last 4 years, and it was an absolute honor to document their newest little blessing—a sweet baby girl who has completed their beautiful family.

This Hampton Roads newborn photography session was a blend of cozy studio magic and golden-hour spring garden. If you’re planning your family, I highly recommend timing your due date to peony season! Kidding of course, but it was so fun to incorporate this incredible bouquet of peonies from my garden into Baby A’s photos! 

After the studio portion, we planned to head to the Botanical Gardens for a dreamy outdoor family session, but life had other plans! While I made it to the gardens smoothly, the Enriquez family got caught in unexpected interstate traffic due to an accident. Despite leaving only five minutes after me, they were stuck for a frustrating 45 minutes, and the setting sun was slipping away fast.

In true Enriquez fashion, they took it all in stride, and we quickly pivoted to a new, closer location that turned out to be perfect. This spot mimicked the lush, garden-like feel we’d envisioned perfectly. As the golden light filtered through the trees, we captured some of the sweetest moments—big brother’s playful giggles, tender family snuggles, and the look of pure joy on my dear friend’s face as she held her precious baby girl.

This session filled my heart to the brim. Seeing my sweet friend with her now-complete family was such a gift, especially since the military moved them across the country just a few short weeks later. Being able to preserve these fleeting, magical days for families is the best part of my job.

Wardrobe provided by the JJP Client Closet. Matching dresses are from Nothing Fits But.

Jessica Jeremiah Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, motherhood, and family sessions in Hampton Roads, VA. Jessica creates dreamy, joyful images outdoors and in her all white lifestyle studio located in Chesapeake.

I am so passionate about serving my clients and making it so easy to preserve precious memories, every step of the way. If you’d like to know more about the JJP experience, schedule a custom portrait session, or reserve your date, please visit my website or email me directly at jessica.jeremiah@gmail.com. 

 

I don’t even know where to start! This Norfolk cherry blossom photography session is so special. I learned how to be a photographer by practicing on this family for the last 10 years! Sweet Adelynn has been my Adelyn’s best friend since they were in the womb!

My Very First Clients!

Some of my favorite memories are dressing the girls up in matching Gymboree outfits + plopping them on a blanket so I could take photos. They were too little to crawl away, and looked so adorable/slightly ridiculous in their giant bow headbands! Then, we graduated to tea parties in wildflowers + cowgirl boots at the pumpkin patch. Their friendship + childhood is well documented, and I’m so grateful for those priceless memories!

Then this little blonde bundle of personality came along, and I’ve been photographing him since he was just a few weeks old!

It’s such a joy to document families as they grow over the years, and to preserve their memories and legacy.  I’m so thankful to get to do this job that is so much more than just creating pretty pictures.

Jessica + Grady are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year, and somehow I think they’ve just gotten better with time!

As a girl mom, this photo speaks to my heart. Jessica was my first mom friend when were both pregnant (how funny is it that halfway through our pregnancies, we realized we had chosen the same name for our girls!), and a decade later, is still one of my favorite people.  She has a gift for making people feel special + celebrated, and is such a good mom.

Palmer Family, I’m so grateful to that you’ve trusted me with so many of your priceless memories! It’s been such a privilege to watch your family grow over the last decade!

White dress by Show Me Your Mumu + is included in the JJP Client Closet.

Jessica Jeremiah Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, motherhood, and family sessions in Hampton Roads, VA. Jessica creates dreamy, joyful images outdoors + in her all white lifestyle studio located in Chesapeake.

I am so passionate about serving my clients + making it so easy to preserve precious memories, every step of the way. If you’d like to know more about the JJP experience, schedule a custom portrait session, or reserve your date, please visit my website.

 

 

Myers Family

Spring is my absolutely most favorite time of year as a photographer. Fall is considered busy season because everyone is scrambling for Christmas card photos, but spring blooms + colors have my heart! This Virginia Beach cherry blossom photography session was extra special! I loved documenting this beautiful growing family for our 4th session together!

Photo Sessions with Kids Often Have Unexpected Challenges!

We had originally attempted first birthday photos earlier this year, but you’ll never believe what happened! Our originally session was a perfect, unseasonably warm day in January. All the details, from the dresses, hair and makeup, and the perfect location were planned. Then, as they were pulling into the parking lot, Abigail got carsick and tossed her cookies all over her perfect dress.

Y’all. We all just stared at each other in shock trying to figure out what to do! I’ve been a photographer for 7+ years, but it was a first! Sarah took Abigail to the bathroom to clean up, and put on the only change of clothes available- a black and neon pink track suit that didn’t quite fit our vision! In the mean time, I documented the birthday girl and her daddy, and then Mama jumped in too.  You know I had to photograph the whole family together, crazy outfit and all. While it’s not an image that would end up above the mantle, it’s still a memory, and kind of works in B&W!

Staying Calm and Rolling with the Punches is Key!

It was a crazy situation that no amount of planning could have prepared for, and I was so impressed with how gracefully Josh and Sarah handled it.  I know they were both worried about Abigail, and disappointed to have gone through all the effort to get ready for family photos, to not have them turn out as expected. Through it all, they had such perspective, and continued to be kind and gracious in the midst of the stress.

I share this as a reminder to myself and to my clients: sometimes things happen no matter how carefully we plan. The important thing is how we respond.  Take a breath, relax, and try to find some humor. I promise, even if your kids are crazy or your toddler throws up, we will get you beautiful photos, one way or another! I also learned a valuable lesson: bring backup outfits!

Of course, we did a reshoot when Abigail was feeling better, and I LOVE that the timing lined up with the Virginia Beach cherry blossoms! In the end, this sweet family has beautiful photos and a memory that they will hopefully laugh about one day!

Myers Family, you know I love you! You were such troopers to make it through two photo sessions with two toddlers! I hope these images make you smile for years to come. I am so excited to see them on your walls!

Jessica Jeremiah Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, motherhood, and family sessions in Hampton Roads, VA. Jessica creates dreamy, joyful images outdoors + in her all white lifestyle studio located in Chesapeake. All dresses provided by the JJP Client Closet.

I am so passionate about serving my clients + making it so easy to preserve precious memories, every step of the way. If you’d like to know more about the JJP experience, schedule a custom portrait session, or reserve your date, please visit my website or email me directly at jessica.jeremiah@gmail.com. 

Bogulski Family

I love this dreamy beach newborn session so much! This gorgeous mama gave birth during the pandemic + opted to wait a little while to document her sweet baby just to be safe. While he was passed the sleepy baby swaddle stage, I’m so glad we were able to document his babyhood! We had the most perfect beach day, and these images just make me happy!

 

Kayla changed into this stunning dress from my Client Closet half way through, and I love both her casual + dressy looks! It’s fun to see how clothing choice can totally change the feel of an image! Also, is there anything sweeter than a tiny baby in Daddy’s arms?

You can tell that Kayla + Nic adore their sweet boy + each other. They were just so joyful + loving!

Total photo overload, but I honestly couldn’t narrow it down any more! I left this photo session feeling so grateful that I get to document families’ most special moments!

Bogulski Family, I hope these moments continue to bring you joy for years to come! It was such an honor to document your sweet boy + I can’t believe how much he’s grown already!

 

    

Enriquez Family

We were thrilled when this sweet family moved in across the street last year! I loved their fall photo session + we had so much fun! I adore photographing in the Freemason District because it has so much character + so many fun options!

These kiddos were rockstars + had the sweetest smiles!

Everly thinks that Lucas + Olivia are just the coolest, and she talks about them constantly!

This moment with Nico + his daddy just melts my heart! 

Some of my favorite images are ones like this- real, sweet moments that are full of love!

Sarah is a former teacher/creative mama + Addie loves going over to their house to do crafts! She is such a kind + graceful mama. 

Family sessions with littles can be a bit wild, but I always sneak in a moment with just Mom + Dad! I can’t tell you how many clients have told me the last professional photo they have together was at their wedding! 

Thank you, Enriquez family, for trusting me with your sweet memories! I love your family + these images!

Coulard Family

This multigenerational motherhood photo session is so special! I first met Nichole 7 years ago when we both moved into our sweet little neighborhood! Kennedy was an itty bitty baby in the Baby Bjorn, but it seems like just yesterday!

We had originally planned a fall family session, but in true military fashion, it didn’t quite work out with the schedule. Nichole opted for a motherhood session + include her mother-in-law, and I know that these images will be so special for years to come! If you’re wondering if you should include grandparents in family photos, the answer is YES!

We had the most gorgeous balmy fall day with my favorite dreamy light, and it was perfect to document these motherhood moments! There is just so much joy + life in these images that make my heart happy! Give me a beautiful family in a field and I’m in heaven!

I will say it again + again: Mamas, get in the photo with your kids! You deserve beautiful images with your family instead of always being behind the iPhone. Get your hair + makeup done. I’ll help you style your session + choose outfits that photograph beautifully. 

Images like these are for them as much as they are for you. I’m always surprised by how much my own kids love having our family photos displayed in our home. Adelyn often tells me how much she loves them + how special they make her feel. 

Nichole + Kennedy’s dresses are from Joyfolie, and Cici is wearing a Client Closet selection from Show Me Your Mumu. I love pairing neutrals with a pattern + complementing color. Accessories like the hat + belt finish the look so everything feels cohesive without matching being too matchy.

They will only be this little today. Tomorrow, their faces will be a little less round, all the gaps in their teeth will be filled in, and they might be too big to sit on your lap.

But today, soak in all the snuggles, twirls + magic.

Thank you, Coulard family, for trusting me with these priceless memories! I hope that these images bring you joy for years to come. I loved every moment of our time together!

Hair by: Katie Parr

Johnston Family

Can you believe that Karen + I were sorority sisters at UNC Chapel Hill? It seems like just a few years ago, but it’s been just a liiiiitle longer than that! It’s been so fun to reconnect!  I love spending time together now that we have families-  it’s so wild to see how our lives have turned out!

Karen brought her adorable family up to Norfolk for fall family photos! They made the trek from North Carolina, and we loved showing them our favorite spots in Hampton Roads!

When you’re taking family photos, it’s important to have realistic expectations! Especially when toddlers are involved, the “say cheese” everyone looking at the camera images may not be perfect. I like to add  in tickles, games, and snuggles for some joy + life! Movement can do wonders to make an image feel natural!

I’ve got lots of tricks up my sleeve to engage little ones who don’t want to sit still! Ethan is a wild child + made me work for these smiles!

This beautiful girl is an old soul. She is just so precious + mature for her 4 years on earth! She’s one of my most favorite little girls to photograph!

Karen has the best style + put together the most beautiful outfits. I adore these sweet details! Outfits that coordinate but aren’t too “matchy matchy” and have some texture/pattern are perfect!

It’s so important for mom to be IN the photos sometimes! Karen’s dress is by Baltic Born, and her hair + makeup by Basil and Peach Beauty here in Chesapeake, VA! I highly recommend mamas get their hair + makeup done for their family photos. It’s the perfect time for self care + to help you look extra gorgeous in your photos!

Ethan has a rare condition called Tuberous Sclerosis. He was born with tumors on his vital organs, including his heart + brain. Karen + David are his tireless advocates. Karen organizes events as the Community Alliance Chair for the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, they organize fund raisers, take him to his many specialists appointments, and make sure he’s getting the best care possible. I know having a child with a rare disease is not easy, but they are such a loving + strong family through it all. #tscstrong

I’m always sure to photograph mom + dad together! David is such a patient + loving husband/dad, and I’m so glad Karen found her perfect match! I know our college selves would be so happy to know that life turned out pretty well on the other side!

Johnston family, thank you SO much for making the drive to Virginia! It makes my heart so happy to document your beautiful family every year!

 

 

This beautiful Norfolk beach session is one of my all time favorites! Dreamy light + soft colors make it beautiful, but it’s extra special because I’ve known this mama for almost 10 years! I’ve been documenting her family since the little blondie was a newborn, and I photographed the littlest dude’s birth!

Tai is one of the most amazing moms I know, and she is in the midst of a challenging season. A motherhood photo session is such a special reminder of how strong + blessed she is.

Session styled using http://www.styleandselect.com

Jessica Jeremiah Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, motherhood, and family sessions in Hampton Roads, VA. Jessica creates dreamy, joyful images outdoors + in her all white lifestyle studio located in Chesapeake. 

I am so passionate about serving my clients + making it so easy to preserve precious memories, every step of the way. If you’d like to know more about the JJP newborn experience, schedule a custom portrait session, or reserve your date, please visit my website or email me directly at jessica.jeremiah@gmail.com.