Virginia Photographer bio picture
  • welcome to the babysnap blog!

    welcome to the babysnap photography blog! check back here regularly for sneak peeks from my sessions as well as current news and specials. look below for recents posts and feel free to comment!

  • me

    I'm Stephanie, wife to my amazing hubby & mom to 5 kids (1 teen and 4 littles). I'm also a photographer of pregnant mamas, newly born babies, adorable kids, and fun families. I'm passionate about being behind my camera and my goal is to give my clients images that show that passion, as well as capture priceless moments for them, before they quickly pass.

    stephaniejnsn@msn.com

Adorable 9 day old Lleyton

Oh my, this little squishable sweet guy was a perfect angel for his session, sleeping through many different setups.  His mama was also so cute, had great ideas, and you would never know she just had a baby!

It was great seeing you guys again H family, congratulations!!!

by stephj

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Handsome 5 year old Christian

I realized on Sunday, as I was on an adventure with Christian and his mom, that it’s been a while since I photographed an “older” child alone.  I do family sessions and lots of babies, but it was so enjoyable to have all of my focus on this ADORABLE 5 year old boy.  A great little personality accompanies his sweet blond curls and gorgeous green eyes.

It was nice to meet you E family, thank you for driving from Alexandria for your session! Enjoy your sneak peek!

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Cecelia at 6 weeks

When I did Cece’s newborn session, we decided to do an additional outdoor session soon after.  As our crazy lives would have it, it took us WEEKS to do the 2nd session.  Here she is at 6 weeks old, adorable and chubby, but still smaller than my kids were when they were born! :)

(in case anyone is wondering, Cece’s mama was within arm’s reach at all times and didn’t let even a bug touch her! Safety first!)

And big sister of course

by stephj

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19 day old Connor

I’ve been waiting a while to meet this little guy.  He had a bit of a rough start but is home and doing great now!  At almost 3 weeks old and 5 lbs 11 oz, he slept soundly for his modeling debut. (yay!)  He looks like he fits just perfectly in at home with mom and dad and the two family dogs!

Congratulations F family, he’s just perfect!

by stephj

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Goodbye again

It’s time for me to be sappy, I’ve felt it coming on a lot lately and I’m sure this wont be the last of it with so many changes happening this Fall.  Today I’m talking about my oldest child though, my first, my daughter, my sidekick.  We definitely have lived up to the typical “love/hate” relationship that most mothers and daughters have, the “hate” coming from her all of the times she didn’t get her way or didn’t agree with our decisions.  It’s ok though, it’s part of parenting and I’d rather be hated at times and know that we’ve been consistent and responsible and have made the right decisions for our daughter- to give her the best start/foundation in this crazy world.

2 years ago, we were preparing to take our first born to college, 4 hours from home.  Today I sit here preparing to do this again, only so much has changed.  After her freshman year we just felt that she wasn’t ready to be away, so she spent her sophomore year at home going to community college.  I can’t even express how much I LOVED this past year.  After having your daughter gone for a year, you appreciate so many small things- knowing where she is again and who she’s with, knowing she’ll be home each night, watching movies together, stalking facebook together, talking about boys, shopping, Starbucks, Tropical Smoothie, and most of all that secure feeling that she’s safe in her room each night while you sleep.  Sure we still expected a lot from her, we still argued, she still pouted, I still lectured, but she learned how to manage her time, she learned from a few big mistakes in judgment, she learned that I’m always usually right because I’ve been there before.  She got a 3.8 GPA while also working as a gymnastics instructor and then worked full-time this summer as a camp counselor, saving most of her money.  I’m am proud.

I was thinking the other day, what’s different this time? Why am I so emotional about taking her back to school when we’ve done this before?  But I realized that this past year was the last time she’ll really live here “full-time”.  She’ll come on school breaks and I’m sure she’ll crash here while job-hunting after she graduates, but she wont be our “child” anymore, it wont be the same.  She’s almost 20 and everything we’ve been through has prepared her for this second flight from the nest, to be an adult and not need us as much.  Her siblings will miss her so very much.  Felicity was 9 months old the first time she left and is almost 3 now.  Losing Sissy will be like losing a parent to her, for sure.  Ally will lose seeing her big sis everyday, playing cards.  Kennedy and Reece adore her.  The bottom level of this house will feel empty, no music playing, TV on, laptop humming, friends visiting, etc.  Where did the time go?

So tomorrow we leave to drive 4 hours to her dorm, err I mean apartment.  She IS a Junior now you know…  A new major, new apartment, new friends (thank goodness lol), new start.  I’m excited and happy for her, also scared and sad.  Not to see your child everyday is HARD, very hard.  It aches.   I know she’ll continue to learn and grow, she’ll make mistakes but hopefully will be wiser, she’ll continue to make us proud and will do great things.  I have no doubt.

Heading to Kindergarten 15 years ago

Now:


My fav:And for fun, her running from the field when I finished because bugs were on her :)

by stephj

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One week old newborn Ariela [northern virginia newborn photographer]

Ariela’s mama contacted me after she was born and I was able to squeeze them in since they live very close to me.  She was the perfect model, settled easily and slept soundly. What a precious little girl!

It was so nice to meet you G family, congratulations and enjoy your sneak peek!

(headband from www.etsy.com/shop/paisleelane, love love love her stuff!)

by stephj

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7 month old Gavin [fredericksburg virginia baby photographer]

I photographed little Gavin at 5 weeks old and was so excited to see how he’s grown in the past 6 months.  He’s all “boy” and busy as can be, we had fun exploring together!

Great to see you guys again Z family!! Enjoy your sneak peek!

by stephj

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Expecting baby sister [northern virginia maternity photographer]

I had a nice time hanging out with this family of 3 yesterday, capturing images of mama’s adorable belly and enjoying the (slightly) cooler temps.  It was nice to meet you S family, looking forward to meeting your new addition in a few weeks!

by stephj

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15 day old newborn Alex [northern virginia newborn photographer]

Eyelashes.  I could just say that and nothing else for this sneak peek lol.  Sweet Alex was a dream for 15 days old (which is “old” by newborn session standards by the way hehe).  I spent this rainy morning with Alex and his lovely family and captured some sweet moments that I can’t wait to share with them.  For now, a few to hold them over…

Alex’s big brother & sister. I usually prefer my “siblings on the bed shot” in black & white, but loved this one in color!

by stephj

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Glowing maternity session [fredericksburg virginia maternity photographer]

It was so nice to meet this couple expecting their first baby, and so exciting that they don’t know the gender!! I can’t wait to find out! :)  I was always too impatient to wait so I live vicariously through my clients!  I even got to hang out with (and take a few pictures of) Mac the family dog!

It was great to meet you guys O family, looking forward to meeting your little one soon!

by stephj

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Handsomeness [northern virginia children photographer]

I spent this weekend with my best friend & roommate from college.  We haven’t seen each other in 6 years, as babies and life got in the way.   Despite the years apart, there was no awkwardness, just joy! It was so amazing to reconnect with someone who knows everything about you, your history, your mistakes, your triumphs and loves you because of it all and despite it all.  We poured over tons of photos and memories, laughed until it really hurt, and talked into the wee hours.  After our girl time (i.e. fancy hotel and spa), I got to spend some time with her family and even do a session with them.  I had a wonderful weekend and I love you La-u-ra!:)

Laura & Brad’s precious boys XOXO



by stephj

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Adorable belly [northern virginia maternity photographer]

I was so happy to be able to squeeze this expectant mama in at the last minute, what an adorable round belly she was sportin’!  Rain threatened all week but we were lucky to have a dry evening for our session.  It was great to meet you guys, not much longer before your little guy is here!!

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Gorgeous 4 day old Lily Elizabeth [northern virginia newborn photographer]

I’m a tad behind in blogging, only because I like to blog same/next day, but I’m catching up!  This little lady decided to delay her arrival by 11 days but she was oh-so worth the wait! Gorgeous hair and skin, a little chub, and content demeanor- what a sweetie!

It was great to meet you S family, congratulations!!

Big yawn, it’s tough being a model!:)

by stephj

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12 day old Cecelia Genevieve [newborn photographer]

I’m a little swamped right now, so I’ll forego my usual witty/interesting narrative (haha yeah right) and just say that I love this baby. She’s my bff Rebekah’s new baby girl and she came into the world a little early (at 4lbs 14 oz), but very perfect.  For those of you that have followed my blog for a while, this is Delilah’s sister and Delilah is taking it all very well I must add!

So no further words needed, welcome to the world Cecelia! (PS- NICU/coming home slideshow posted after the newborn session sneak peek)


Slideshow of her first days:

www.babysnapportraits.com/cece (music used with permission from http://reneeandjeremy.com/)

by stephj

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number four [northern virginia child photographer]

I promised myself that this summer I would take each of my five kids out for a session, ALONE.   Kennedy had her 4 year old pictures (that I LOVE) taken by my friend Rashmi Pappu, but I wanted to capture each of my kids in the setting summer sun and update my walls around my house.  Oh hmm, actually I can’t say “update” since many of my walls are still bare (have lived here almost 3 years) but I am slowly filling them with canvases, stand outs, floating wraps, and frames.  Vibrant colors and classic b&ws, of my children, my heart and soul.

So off Kennedy (aka Kiki) and I went last night, thankfully the temperatures had dropped from the weekend and it was pleasant out.  Kiki is so silly, she started off by immediately striking a pose, hands on hips and leg cocked. Haha, she’s hilarious.  We just ended up walking around and talking, enjoying some bunnies and running from some bees.

Man I love this kid, like seriously the heart-wrenching love that hurts when you look at her too long or hold her tight.  I feel that way about all of my kids, each for different reasons and in different ways.  With Kennedy, we have a special bond.  I wanted her soooo bad after a rough miscarriage years ago, prayed for her, imagined what she would be like.  When she came she was exactly what I had envisioned, a girly-girl with a million curls, so sweet and easy and lovable.  4 1/2 years later, she is still my quiet, easy one.  Her worst tantrum is laughable.  There’s nowhere on earth she’d rather be than her mama’s lap.  She boycotted preschool last year, and I let her.   She’s shy and guarded, but when you earn her laugh it will light your heart and you will know that you are special to her.

by stephj

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4 week old newborn Nate [northern virginia newborn photographer]

This handsome little guy had some trouble after he was born and it took him a few weeks to come home, but thankfully he’s now home relaxing and snuggling with his family.  Nate is such a gorgeous baby, I love his hair and eyebrows and lips, and his sweet demeanor as well!

Congratulations E family, I’m so thankful that Nate is healthy and home with you!


Proud big brother!

by stephj

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Sweet newborn Henry [newborn photographer]

I spent the morning with Henry and his mom, dad, & grandma.  He was very cooperative and such a handsome guy!  Henry is an extra special baby as his mom is a breast cancer survivor.  I was honored to capture this time for them!

It was so nice to meet you guys A family, enjoy your sneak peek!

Sleepy guy!
Henry’s grandmother made all of the nursery bedding and accessories, including this blanket- LOVE the pattern!

by stephj

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Stunning mama-to-be [northern virginia maternity photographer]

If you’re a photographer, and a client contacts you before her session and politely asks if she can bring a flowy skirt, hat, and fresh flowers to her maternity session, you get really happy.  This couple was FUN and up for anything, not only that but this mama-to-be had all kinds of ideas for cool shots, love it!  Maybe she should get a job styling and setting up shots for photographers, me me me, I’ll hire you! :)  Hard to pick a few for this sneak peek!

It was great to meet you guys tonight David & Stacy, I’m looking forward to meeting your son next month!

Hot hot hot
Love this idea Stacy had, blue ice cream for baby boy! (I can do selective color on the ice cream if you want David? haha just teasin’ ya!)

by stephj

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13 day old Kaylah [northern virginia newborn photographer]

I was honored today to photograph the new baby girl of a dear friend (and fellow photographer).  Stacy drove 2 hours today to visit me and another local photographer friend of ours.  Baby Kaylah was amazingly cooperative for both sessions!  What a sweet little peanut, and the best part was that I got to cuddle her as much as I wanted and visit with Stacy while our kids played.  I feel so blessed to have such wonderful photographer friends- we are all kindred spirits!:)

Congratulations Stacy, Tommy, & family!!!

by stephj

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1 year old Alexa [northern virginia baby photographer]

I spent this lovely morning with sweet Alexa, and had to do the sneak peek right away as I was excited to see the images.  I can usually tell before my sessions even end if it will be a killer gallery.  Not that I don’t love all of my sessions, but when things all fall in place- weather, light, curly hair, happy baby…  it’s even better!  This wonderful family drove an hour for their session and I’m thinking it was worth it!:)  It was great to meet you G family, Alexa was the perfect model!

by stephj

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