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THE SMP BLOG

I'm Shelby! A Southern Maryland & Northern Virginia maternity newborn and family photographer, coffee addict, lover of old farmhouses, and obsessed with Post Malone. I'm so glad you've found me!

If you’re preparing for a Southern Maryland birth, chances are you’ve already fallen down the rabbit hole of advice. From well. meaning friends to late night Google searches, it can feel like everyone has something to say. The most powerful births happen when a mother feels informed, supported, and confident in her choices. So let’s […]

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A mom in black dress holding her newborn with her two older children during Virginia family photo session.

Choosing a family photographer can feel overwhelming. There are so many talented family photographers in Virginia, and at first glance, a lot of work can start to blur together. But family photos are personal. They’re not just about how things look. They’re about how they feel. The photographer you choose plays a bigger role in […]

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Mom and dad cuddling while holding little girl in red dress during family photos.

2025 Tree Farm Photos in Southern Maryland Whether you’ve done a tree farm session before or this will be your first time, 2025 is the perfect year to start (or continue) the tradition. These sessions aren’t just about getting a good photo—they’re about carving out a small piece of the season to be together, away […]

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A relaxed, playful session for Sebastian’s first birthday in Fredericksburg, VA Milestone sessions always have a special place in my heart, but this one was extra sweet. Sebastian just turned one, and I had the joy of photographing him again, this time at John Lee Pratt Park in Fredericksburg, VA. It was a hot June […]

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