welcome to
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.
schools
PHOTOGRAPHY
FAMILY
NEWBORN
MATERNITY
Category
Browse By
As a parent, juggling toddlers and preparing for a family photo session might seem like managing a three-ring circus. If you’re considering an outdoor family session in Pittsburgh, you probably know just how unpredictable kids can be. Imagine this: your toddler’s favorite truck becomes an unexpected star of the photo session. This happened recently when […]
READ THE POST
Choosing your baby girl’s name is one of the very first big decisions you’ll make as a parent — and somehow it feels huge. Many parents look for rare baby girl names to find something truly special and unique for their child. When I found out we were having a baby girl, we were so […]
READ THE POST
If you’re pregnant in Pittsburgh right now, chances are you’ve done it. Maybe you’ve even spent some time comparing your pregnancy journey to others, wondering what’s normal and what’s unique to you. You’re scrolling Instagram between appointment…maybe sitting in your car after a visit at Magee…and suddenly it feels like every other mom-to-be has it […]
READ THE POST
There’s one decision that often gets overshadowed by nursery themes, baby names, and car seats—and that’s choosing the right Pittsburgh pediatrician. Most parents start by asking friends for recommendations. While that can be helpful, it’s not always the best place to stop. Every child is different. Every parent is different. And what works perfectly for […]
READ THE POST
If you’ve ever looked at your child’s school photo and thought, “That doesn’t really look like them…” — you’re not alone. That feeling is exactly why I offer fine art school photography in Pittsburgh. Traditional school photos often capture a rushed, awkward moment instead of who your child truly was during that year. As a […]
READ THE POST
Did you have a little sticker shock the first time you got a quote from a photographer? If you’re considering Pittsburgh Photography, it’s common to be surprised by pricing at first. You’re not alone. Listen — I’m a Pittsburgh Photographer, and I very clearly remember saying, “I’m sorry… how much?” the first time I booked […]
READ THE POST
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 […]
READ THE POST
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 […]
READ THE POST
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 […]
READ THE POST
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 […]
READ THE POST