I think photographers talk a lot about the physical ways to prepare for a session (what to bring, how to coordinate outfits, the perfect locations) and forget about the self-care part. So this post is me remembering that!

Self-care (and a little bit of treat yo'self) can go a long way in making you feel beautiful and confident in front of the camera. And when you feel great, you're able to connect with your family on a whole other level. 

So before your next maternity or family session, give some of these a try!​

1. Drink lots of water. This one is a biggie! Drinking plenty of water not only helps your skin look fresh and hydrated, but it also leads to a healthy, flake-free scalp, stronger hair and nails, and clear, bright eyes. 
2. Buy a new outfit. This one seems "physical," but when you look good, you feel good. Maybe you're like me and tend to spend more money on your kid than yourself, but a photo session is the perfect excuse to buy that dress/shirt/jacket you've been eyeing. When you see how amazing it/you look in photos, you won't regret it, either. 
3. Get a mani-pedi. Not only does it feel ah-mazing, but it's noticeable in photos. Locally, I love Polished by Claire V. They focus on creating a positive experience (did someone say free champagne?) and work only with your natural nails (so no harsh chemical smells or toxins — perfect for pregnant moms!). They also make their own exfoliants daily in-house. 
4. Go on a date with your spouse. This one is so important! Whether it's a night out or pizza and wine on the couch, take some time to rekindle the magic and reminisce about the adventures you've shared and what's to come. Feeling extra-connected during your session will make for some beautiful, tender moments you'll treasure forever. 
5. Get a massage. Whether you're pregnant, already have kids or both, you need a massage. That's just a fact. Take an hour (or an unheard of 90 minutes!) to yourself and clear your head. Your newly relaxed self will radiate in your photos.
6. Exfoliate with a DIY face & body scrub. Ok, so I've been watching a lot of "Queer Eye" lately, and Jonathan has me into do-it-yourself face masks and scrubs. I recently tried this coffee-coconut scrub and absolutely loved it (so did my husband!). It takes less than a minute to throw together, and it made my face super smooth. This is great to do 1-2 days before your session. 

Today marks such a huge milestone for my little business. I have two big announcements, so let's get started!

​First up...

I have a gorgeous new logo! 

I'm so proud of how this came together. I teamed up with local watercolor artist Caroline Webb to create a beautiful lilac, which takes me back to Sundays spent at my grandma's. Every spring, I would wait for her giant lilac tree to bloom. When it finally did, my grandpa would pick one every week and leave it on our windshield before we headed home.

My grandma passed away last year, so my logo is a way to not only remember my grandparents, but to remind everyone about the importance of preserving family memories. 

I then worked with my amazing husband Tyler to come up with the final logo design. He and Caroline did such a perfect job!

NEXT, something I've been putting together behind-the-scenes for months now...

Starting today, I AM A FULL-SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHER! (That's me shouting it from the rooftops.) 

This means that instead of sending digital galleries, I’m going to help you turn your images into heirloom albums, conversation-starting wall art, beautiful keepsake folios, prints and more (you know, all those things you mean to do, but never get around to).
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This is a change I truly believe in. Ever since I started my business, I encouraged my clients to see their photos as heirlooms. But delivering a digital gallery didn't fit that belief at all. Far too often, for so many reasons, these images didn't get printed  — and what's the point of that? And what happens when technology changes, and those images are lost forever?
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I have searched high and low to find heirloom-worthy pieces I stand behind. They’re created by some of the best, most trusted professional photo labs in the world, by hardworking people who are passionate about making something that truly matters.

In this new chapter of my business, we'll actually sit down together for a special Reveal Session (yummy snacks included!) and look at all your edited photos. Then we'll figure out which ones will look amazing in an album and on your walls.

​At the end of our time together, you and your family will have something tangible to hold onto forever, rather than a few fleeting Facebook likes.
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I am so excited to offer this much higher level of service, because I believe in your family's legacy. I believe in that day, decades from now, when your children will sit down with your album or hang up your framed photo and tell their children about the life and love they shared with you.

This was such a sweet, snuggly newborn session! When I was welcomed into Susan and Jenny's home, I remember it being so calm and quiet. Their curly-haired toddler Tavi was playing in the living room, and baby Desmond was getting changed upstairs. 

While Susan and Jenny finished getting ready, I got on the floor with Tavi, so he could warm up to this strange new person in his home.  

After a few shots with Susan and Desmond, it was time to nurse, so I sat in the dining room and chatted with Jenny, while Tavi tapped away on the piano.

Later, we headed upstairs to photograph in the nursery. Susan and Jenny snuggled with Desmond in their wooden rocking chair, while Tavi ran and rolled on the rug. 

I love when an at-home session feels like just a normal day at home. Because "normal" days — the ones filled with our little routines and simple moments between each other — are the ones that make life so special. 

Susan and Jenny — thank you so much for trusting me to capture this time in your life. You have such a beautiful family!

This was my second maternity session on Roanoke Mountain, and I'm convinced there's something magical about it. It's usually very quiet, and when you time it just right, the sunset light is unbelievably dreamy. 

Jessica and Josh are expecting their baby boy in just a few weeks, and I was so happy we were able to squeeze in a maternity session. I love when couples take time out and capture this precious time. Life will change so fast and furiously soon! 

These two got married on top of a mountain in Lexington, so they thought it would be fitting to do their maternity session on one, too. I loved getting to know them during our photos — they are so in love and can't wait for their little guy to join their team. 

My favorite part of their session was when I asked them if they liked to dance. They both seemed to light up as they clasped hands and started swaying. And the sunset dancing through the trees provided the perfect, magical backdrop.

Jessica and Josh — thank you for an amazing session. I can't wait to see you two as parents!

Jessica is such a stunning momma-to-be!

I love the photo on the left — Josh is telling her about the moment he fell in love with her!

A friend of theirs made this little fox — how adorable is he?!

Josh is a huge Top Gun and DC Shoes fan — so these were a must!

I think this might be my favorite first birthday session to date!  When I suggested to Emily that we kick things off with a stop at Blue Cow Ice Cream, she was totally on board. Like Tucker, their little boy is a big fan of eating everything in sight, so I had a feeling he would like the idea, too.

Turns out — he LOVED it, and he even showed me the proper way to eat ice cream (headfirst). 

After ice cream (and a much-needed outfit change), we walked down to the Greenway for more photos. The evening light was so pretty coming through the trees along the river — and you'd never know there were walkers and bicyclists right beside us, or a busy bridge above us. 

​I had the best time watching E play and read with his parents. I think it was the perfect way to celebrate his first year on the outside!