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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!

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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Family of five in open field during a session at one of the best photo locations in Fredericksburg Virginia

Looking for the best photo locations in Fredericksburg Virginia? A local family photographer shares six favorite spots, and what makes each one special.

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