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Shayna VanDamia PHotography BLOG

If you’re a mom who feels like time is moving way too fast, you’re in the right place. This blog is where I share thoughts on pregnancy, newborn life, family, and motherhood, along with simple tips to help you feel prepared and a little more supported.

As a Pittsburgh maternity, newborn, and family photographer (and a mom myself), my goal has always been to make this whole experience feel calm and taken care of. This space is an extension of that—honest, helpful, and real. Grab a coffee, stay awhile, and know you’re always welcome here.

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Beautiful mom to be during a studio maternity photoshoot in pittsburgh, pa

The Beauty of Less: Why Simple Makes Space for What Matters Most Pregnancy is many things. Beautiful, tender, exciting, but also overwhelming, exhausting, and filled with more changes than you can count. As someone who’s lived it myself (twice) and now gets to document it for other mamas through Pittsburgh studio maternity photography, I see […]

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Postpartum recovery isn’t talked about nearly enough—and I hear that all the time from moms here in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. As a North Hills Maternity Photographer and a mom myself, I’ve had countless conversations that start with, “I wish someone told me this.” So today, I’m sharing the honest postpartum truths—the real, unfiltered […]

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As a Pittsburgh children’s photographer, I spend a lot of time thinking about how quickly childhood moves—and how easy it is to miss the smallest details until they’re already gone. When I look back at photos of my own kids, I’m always surprised by how much they’ve changed. My son went from a baby with […]

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children's Personality Pictures in Pittsburgh

I was looking back at photos of my son recently…pictures from when he was two, maybe just turning three…and something immediately stood out to me. His smile was different. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. He still had his binky then, and because of that, his mouth rested differently. His teeth sat […]

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Postpartum mental health is something many new moms struggle with, yet it’s often misunderstood or pushed aside. My hope today is to gently open up this conversation — especially for moms here in Wexford, Cranberry, and across Pittsburgh — so you know you are not alone, and you’re never “wrong” for feeling the way you […]

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First trimester is hard; here are some Pittsburgh pregnancy tips for the first trimester from a maternity photographer and mom of 2.

If you’re searching for Pittsburgh pregnancy tips first trimester, you’re in the right place. Let’s be honest for a second — there are so many recommendations out there for pregnancy must-haves that it can feel overwhelming fast. I remember scrolling through lists wondering, “Do I really need all of this?” If you’re feeling the same […]

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Let’s be honest—family photos are one of those things we mean to do more often, but life gets busy. Pittsburgh family photos can capture memories beautifully, yet between work, school, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to put them off for “someday.” But here’s the thing: someday comes faster than you think. Kids grow, […]

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When you think about family photos, you probably picture the perfect shot for your holiday card, or maybe a framed image above your mantle. To capture those special moments, consider hiring a family photographer in Wexford. But someday—years from now—those photos will mean so much more to your kids than you can imagine. As a […]

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Real talk, mama. Most moms are on the fence about maternity photos because—let’s be honest—you don’t always feel “camera-ready.” I get it. It’s totally normal. If you’re looking for a Maternity Photographer in Pittsburgh, rest assured knowing they understand your needs. Your body is changing every day, comfort often wins over glam, and sometimes it […]

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First trimester is hard; here are some Pittsburgh pregnancy tips for the first trimester from a maternity photographer and mom of 2.

Whether you’re a first-time mama or adding another little one to your crew… I know exactly how you feel. It feels like you have a million things to do to prepare for your baby in Wexford. When I was pregnant with my first, I was so overwhelmed by everything that needed to be done. I […]

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