My Philosophy
Why Invest In Your Memories
Your Children Need It
I don't know about you, but my three and a half year old has begun asking me for stories "about when she was a little baby". Thankfully, I have so many stories - most of which I remember because of the photos and videos I have. However, until they were printed, she wanted to scroll through images and videos from her babier years on my phone. To that I would say, "No". Now that she has an album in hand while I tell her stories, I can see the genuine feelings of joy and love as she is experiencing time in a whole new way. While it has been such a fun time for us both, it is also bittersweet, because of course, she is forever and still my first baby!
The "Little" Moments Are Just as Important As The Big Ones
Milestones earned their name for a reason and should not be missed. However, I find the "little" moments to be just as important as the big ones. They are the ones that make up the stories I tell over and over and over again to my 3.5 year old, and the ones that generate joy, laughter, and tears over the dinner table. They make up the essence of family life! I'm thankful to capture such moments for my own family, but especially thankful for the ability to share this joy with my clients.
Less Is More
I intentionally style photos for a refined look that will both stand the test of time and feature the intimate moments of love and joy within your marriage and family. Therefore, I always suggest to my clients that "less is more". This rings true whether you choose for your session to be in the studio, at your home, or on location. A simple background, minimal props, and neutral styling will guarantee a more timeless feel. Your printed memories will be able to travel well with every home you move to and no matter how you renovate your living space.
LET's CONNECT
First, we will chat! Fill out the contact form and I will get back to you within two business days with session availability and details. We can also set up a time to meet either in person, at the studio, or virtually over an online chat.
Plan Your Session
You can choose between studio, at home, or on location photos. I will send you a session planning questionnaire. Once complete, we will decide on your wardrobe, props, and all the details in between.
Contract & Retainer
We’ll make it official with a contract and a nonrefundable retainer fee. It’s quick and easy and can be done from your phone. I’m a busy mom too, so I like to make this process as easy as possible!
Wardrobe Styling
"What do we wear?" is one of - if not thee - number one question I get asked when planning a portrait session. We will plan your session and wardrobe together and you also have the option of using AEP's Client Wardrobe. For newborn sessions, I also provide props, baskets, swaddles, and anything else we just might need.
Your session
We will have planned for this and I can guarantee a seamless, stress-free session! You will arrive, be taken care of start to finish, enjoy time with your husband and children, and come back to see beautiful memories of your children and family at this age and stage, captured in fine art images. You will be amazed at how natural you will feel, cuddling and tickling your littles ones while I capture all of those moments of joy and love between you. Sessions typically last 45 - 90 minutes.
Viewing Appointment
1 to 2 weeks after your session you will have a private viewing appointment. At this appointment you can view your photos and choose between matted prints, albums, digitals, or a mix! It's always emotional and so much fun!
Cherished Memories
They aren't kidding when they say, "The days are long and the years are short". Children grow so fast and I understand first hand how valuable and precious time is. I love capturing the joy and wonder of your children at the age and stage they are now, so their littleness and innocence may be cherished forever. I am so honored to offer this service and lasting gift to you and your family!
Reservation Fee
Portrait Session Fee
I offer portrait sessions for the expecting mama, newborn, milestone, and entire family. I also host four mini session events throughout the year: Cherry Blossoms, The Motherhood Event, Late Summer in the Meadow, and Holiday Mini Sessions.
Each Session includes the time and talent of Alexis El Massih Photography, an in person or phone consultation, personal planning and guidance, the duration of the session (one hour for maternity and milestone, two - four for newborn), private viewing and ordering appointment one - two weeks after your session, and access to all of the studio's carefully curate props. Gowns are included for maternity photography and flattering for new mamas as well.
Digital files, prints, and products are purchased separately.
Digital collections begin at $495 and artwork begins at $850.
$300
First Year Collective
$800
Three Sessions
(May include maternity, newborn, milestone, and/or family)
In the studio, at your home, or on location
The Studio
location inspiration
The studio is conveniently located in downtown Leesburg, VA. Come relax and unwind during your session. Don’t worry about cleaning your home or having a stranger come into your space. You can sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or tea, and take your time getting ready for your session.
And, did you know we have an in house makeup artist? You deserve a stress-free experience.
at Home
location inspiration
Sessions at home produce some of the most intimate and romantic photographs. Cozy sessions at home are my favorite for capturing your family or motherhood story. For your home session, we will go over the space and lighting to get the perfect shots of your family in your favorite place on earth: Home.
The Meadow
location inspiration
When not in the studio or at home, I personally love being in a meadow. As a visual artist, I love the various ways I can capture the light, the movement in the field, versatility and vastness of space, and being able to keep with a minimal, editorial feel. As a mom and family photographer, I also love the amount of space for children to freely roam and run around, and even the romantic shots I can capture of mom and dad while the kids play!
When Do We Book?
I serve mothers during a time that can be very fluid; as we all know, babies make their own schedules more times than not :) That being said, I only take on a limited number of clients per month to ensure exemplary service and availability.
Maternity sessions are typically done between 28 and 32 weeks. Newborn sessions are scheduled between 2 and 6 weeks of your successful delivery date.
I want a Gallery Wall, but I get overwhelmed Trying to Decide. Is this Something you do?
Yes! I specialize in curated galleries. Not only can I help you choose which images to put together, I can create a virtual mock up using the very wall in your home that you are hoping to fill!
Is Your Style Candid or Posed?
I like a healthy mix of both! I love candid images; they feel raw and special and as I mentioned above, for me, they make up the story of our family lives. I also believe there is a very special place for the posed image of everyone smiling. This posed image is always the one on grandma's fridge and most certainly deserves its place on your gallery wall.
I Still have more Questions!
Washington DC
Bridal Guide
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