Amanda Kahnell Amanda Kahnell

Newborn Photographer Near Me | Authentic Newborn Stories

A documentary-style session allows you to embrace the reality of newborn life—the snuggles, the sleepy stretches, the tiny fingers grasping yours, and the real reactions of siblings adjusting to their new baby brother or sister.

Northern Virginia - Newborn Photographer

Welcoming a new baby is an incredibly special time, but let’s be honest—it can also be overwhelming. Between sleepless nights, diaper changes, and adjusting to your new routine, the idea of getting everyone camera-ready for a traditional newborn photoshoot might feel impossible. That’s where a documentary-style newborn session comes in.

When you search newborn photographer near me, you’ll find plenty of options—but if you’re looking for a style that captures the raw, beautiful moments of your baby’s first days without the pressure of perfect poses, a documentary-style session might be just what you need.

Instead of worrying about staging every detail, you can relax and simply soak in these fleeting moments while I document them naturally. These newborn portraits will reflect the real love, connection, and tiny details that make this time so unforgettable.

Newborn Photographer Near Me brothers holding new baby sister

Why Choose a Documentary Newborn Session?

Traditional newborn photography often requires posed setups, baskets and props, specific lighting, and a studio environment. While those photos can be beautiful, they may not reflect the real, intimate moments of early parenthood.   A documentary-style session allows you to embrace the reality of newborn life—the snuggles, the sleepy stretches, the tiny fingers grasping yours, and the real reactions of siblings adjusting to their new baby brother or sister.  We can use your space as is, no need to stress about the baby sleeping or not.  It all works out and Real Life is beautiful.

mother holding baby in chair documentary newborn photography near me

Here’s why so many new moms love this stress-free approach:

No Need to “Get Ready”

Forget the pressure of dressing everyone in coordinated outfits or making sure your home is spotless. A documentary newborn session takes place in the comfort of your own home, capturing your family just as you are. Whether you’re cuddling on the couch, feeding your baby, or enjoying a quiet moment in the nursery, the focus is on real connections, not staged perfection.

If you love to plan and feel like you need to “get ready” but just can’t seem to pull it all together—breathe. This session isn’t about perfection. If it helps you feel more comfortable, make the bed (but don’t worry, it’ll get wrinkled with all the cuddles anyway). Clear off the nightstand if the clutter is distracting you—shove it in a drawer or under the bed if that’s easiest. And if you don’t have time? No stress. I can help move a thing or two when I arrive, or we can leave everything exactly as it is. If you want the purest documentary-style session, embrace your space as it is—because these moments are beautiful just the way they are.

sweet family moment during a documentary newborn photography session

Warrenton Newborn Family Photography

2. No Fighting for Smiles

If you have older children, you know how hard it can be to get them to sit still and “say cheese.” The beauty of a documentary session is that there’s no need for forced grins. Instead, I capture the genuine interactions—big siblings peeking into the bassinet, tender kisses, and spontaneous giggles. These are the moments you’ll want to remember. And when the baby needs a break to eat, it’s the perfect time to focus on the older siblings—documenting what they love during this special season. Whether it’s playing a favorite game, showing off their latest artwork, or flipping through their most-loved book, these moments help tell the full story of your growing family.

big brothers playing a video game during a newborn documentary session

3. Every Detail, Naturally Preserved

Babies change so quickly in those first few weeks. A documentary session ensures you’ll have a timeless collection of images that tell the full story of this season in your life. The way your newborn curls up on your chest, their tiny yawns, the way their fingers wrap around yours—these are the details that truly matter.

A Newborn Session That Fits Your Life

Instead of feeling like another task on your to-do list, a documentary newborn session allows you to slow down and savor these first days without stress. Your baby doesn’t have to be asleep the entire time. You don’t have to follow a strict schedule. You simply get to be present, knowing that every heartfelt moment is being captured authentically.

If you’re searching for a newborn photographer near me who specializes in natural, unscripted storytelling, I’d love to document this chapter of your family’s journey. Let’s create images that feel real, emotional, and entirely yours.

Book your session today!

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Amanda Kahnell Amanda Kahnell

Burnside Farms Tulips Non-Traditional Mini Sessions

Planning on visiting Burnside Farms for the tulips this year? I’m the photographer near you that would love to document your story and adventure this spring.

Plus + tips on how to have a stress free visit to Burnside Farms

Springtime Storytelling Sessions at Burnside Farms

Spring at Burnside Farms is pure magic—endless fields of tulips and daffodils, golden light, and the joy of little hands picking flowers. This year, I’m offering something different from traditional mini sessions: documentary-style storytelling sessions that allow your family to simply explore, play, and soak in the season—while I capture the moments as they unfold.

cute girl in overalls enjoying burnside farms tulip fields

What Makes These Sessions Different?

Instead of posed, rushed photos, these 30-minute sessions are all about capturing the genuine joy and wonder of your family’s time at the farm. Whether it’s your child running through the flower fields, picking the perfect bloom, or enjoying a quiet moment together, I’ll be there to document it naturally. No stiff poses—just real, beautiful memories. We can still get a few posed photos of the group, but even these will have a more natural candid feel. Even if it’s your toddler obsessing over the gravel pile or the rocks on the paths, these are the fleeting memories that we overlook sometimes. My kids love the rocks.

Why Choose a Storytelling Session?

  • Your kids can be themselves—no pressure, no forced smiles.

  • You get a mix of playful, candid moments and artistic details.

  • The session flows with your family’s natural rhythm.

  • No stress over perfect outfits—just come as you are!

Tips for Your Visit to Burnside Farms

To make the most of your session (and your visit), here are a few tips:

  1. Get Your Tickets Early – Burnside Farms requires tickets, and they can sell out fast! Purchase them through their website, and follow their Instagram page to stay updated on bloom times and availability. Here is the link to their website https://www.burnsidefarms.com

    If you plan on visiting the flower fields multiple times. Burnside Farms offers a yearly passport ticket. This is great and you can visit for both the Burnside Farms tulips and the Burnside Farms Sunflowers which are usually in late July. These passports do sell out every year, so check their site to see what they are offering.

  2. Be Ready for Unpredictable Weather – My family and I have been going since 2020, and we’ve had visits where the breeze was FREEZING and others where the girls were sweaty and hot. The fields can also be muddy, so wear layers and bring shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

  3. Relax & Let the Kids Be Themselves – One of the best things about a storytelling session is that you don’t need the “perfect” outfits. Let your little ones dress comfortably so they can explore and enjoy the experience fully.

  4. Plan for Crowds – Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends.

  5. Bring a Picnic – After your session, enjoy some downtime together with a picnic or a treat from the farm stand. Depending on the time you visit they often have food trucks. There is an area with jump pads and a play area for the kids to explore. This area also can make for great storytelling opportunities.

little girl sitting in the holland shoe at burnside farm

If you are interested in a Burnside Farms Photography Session let’s connect!

yellow tulip close up at burnside farms in prince William county

After your Burnside Farms Tulip photos there are plenty of restaurants in some nearby towns for great food! There also a bunch of great breweries and wineries close as well. If you are searching for lodging Gainesville, Haymarket or Warrenton offer great options.

Here are a few links to places we have gone and enjoyed:

https://2silosbrewing.com (Manassas)

https://theblacksheeprestaurant.com (Manassas)

https://castironcrafthouse.com (Warrenton)

https://www.spitonyspizza.com (Warrenton)

https://www.vagateway.com (Gainesville Town Center- has a ton of different shopping and restaurant options)

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Amanda Kahnell Amanda Kahnell

Capturing Authentic Family Moments | Documentary/LifeStyle Photography in Warrenton, Virginia

During my sessions with my daughters, I let them explore, play, and interact naturally. I documented the little details—wind in their hair, the sparkle in their eyes, and the way they tried to catch snowflakes on their tongues. These small, fleeting moments tell a far more powerful story than any staged pose ever could. Most sessions are a hybrid of documentary and lifestyle.

catching snowflakes at a winter mini session

As a family and couples photographer in Warrenton, Virginia, I believe the most cherished photos come from unscripted moments—the ones filled with genuine laughter, tender embraces, and everyday adventures. Photographing my own daughters during an outdoor mini session, reaffirmed why I am so passionate about documentary-style photography.

running in the snow during a warrenton Virginia mini session

Why Choose Documentary Family Photography?

Unlike traditional posed portraits, documentary-lifestyle photography allows families and couples to be themselves. Instead of forcing stiff smiles and perfect poses, I focus on capturing the essence of your relationships—the way your children giggle when they run through a field, the way you hold hands without thinking, and the spontaneous moments that make your family unique.

During my sessions with my daughters, I let them explore, play, and interact naturally. I documented the little details—wind in their hair, the sparkle in their eyes, and the way they tried to catch snowflakes on their tongues. These small, fleeting moments tell a far more powerful story than any staged pose ever could. Most sessions are a hybrid of documentary and lifestyle. The difference is that sometimes I will give the kids or you a prompt or direction on ways you can interact with the environment. I also love grabbing a few of those Christmas card everyone looking at the camera images. These would not be considered “true documentary” style.

winter photo session in wood in warrenton va

The Beauty of Outdoor Family Photography in Warrenton, Virginia


Warrenton, Virginia, is the perfect backdrop for outdoor family photography. With its rolling hills, scenic parks, and golden-hour light, it offers a beautiful and natural setting for capturing authentic family moments. Whether it’s a playful session at Rady Park, a nature walk through Whitney State Forest, or a golden sunset at Vint Hill Farms Park, I strive to create an experience where families feel at ease and can enjoy the moment together.  Other fun ideas could be a session at the Warrenton Farmers market or a First Friday, while the family dances to some of the awesome local bands Fauquier County has to offer. 

winter portrait near Airlie Virginia
beautiful winter portrait in warrenton Virginia

Book Your Documentary-Style Family Session

If you’re looking for a family photographer in Warrenton, Virginia, who specializes in capturing unscripted, heartfelt moments, I’d love to work with you. Let’s create images that tell your family’s unique story in the most authentic way possible. Contact me today to book your session and preserve these fleeting moments forever.

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Amanda Kahnell Amanda Kahnell

Capturing the Beauty in Imperfection: Spring Family Photos

Sure, family portraits where everyone’s looking at the camera and smiling are great for the fridge or that beautiful print above the fireplace. But let’s be honest: the real magic happens when you’re not posing for the camera. When you’re laughing, running, playing, or just being yourselves—that’s where the heart of your family’s story truly shows.

Beautiful Fairfax County Park with Virginia Bluebells

family spring photos with blue bells beautiful outfits

As a mom, you know how quickly time passes. One moment, your little one is learning to walk, and the next, they’re asking for help with homework. Between the sleepless nights, endless errands, and trying to keep everything together, it’s easy to feel like you’re always running behind. But amidst the chaos, there are these beautiful, fleeting moments—your child’s messy hair, that infectious laugh, the way your family hugs after a long day.

Spring is the perfect time to capture these memories with Spring Family Photos. The warmer weather, blooming flowers, and golden evening light create a stunning backdrop for photos that feel natural and full of life. If you're looking for a photography experience that goes beyond just a posed picture and captures the real, authentic essence of your family, I’d love to help you document these special moments.

local photographer spring photos with bluebells in chantilly virginia


Why Candid Photos Matter

Sure, family portraits where everyone’s looking at the camera and smiling are great for the fridge or that beautiful print above the fireplace. But let’s be honest: the real magic happens when you’re not posing for the camera. When you’re laughing, running, playing, or just being yourselves—that’s where the heart of your family’s story truly shines.

Spring is the perfect season for capturing these moments with Spring Family Photos. The warm breeze, blooming flowers, and golden light set the scene for playful, joy-filled images that feel as natural as your love for each other. As a local photographer, I specialize in documenting these authentic connections—so instead of stiff poses, you’ll get real, heartfelt memories that reflect your family’s unique bond.

Even though candid photos might feel a little unpolished, they are the ones that will make you smile for years to come. The way your toddler grabs your hand to pull you into a game, the look of excitement on your teenager’s face when they share a secret with you—these moments are priceless, and they deserve to be captured in a way that feels true to your family.


We’ll still take a few posed Spring Family Photos that you’ll want to print and hang on your walls. These are the images where everyone looks their best, giving you that beautiful, cohesive family shot. But even in these moments, I encourage a little movement, a little wiggle, a little life in the photo—sometimes a little silly, but always fun!

As a local photographer, my goal is to make sure that even in your posed shots, your family still feels like you. I know how important it is for you to look great, but I also want you to feel comfortable and authentic. We’ll work together to find a style that feels natural, coordinated, and effortless—so your photos capture the true essence of your family.

I’m all about creating a relaxed, genuine experience where you feel like yourselves—just a little more polished! Need help choosing outfits? Check out my styling tips here.

The parks in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia are gorgeous as our backdrops. Picture this: soft, filtered light streaming through the trees, lush spring greens all around, and the occasional pop of bluebells. It’s the ideal setting for both candid and posed shots, and it’s where your family can truly shine.  If you are a photographer make sure you check with the local Park Authority.  Some of the parks need separate reservations and pay a fee.  For all of the Fairfax County Parks you need a photography permit.  

Here is the link to help get that process started https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/photography-permit

Whether we’re chasing after your little ones or creating a peaceful moment of stillness, you’ll have a gallery of spring images that feel as timeless as they do personal.


family photos in Walney park with the Virginia bluebells


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