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

One of the first questions almost every mom asks me after booking her session is, “What are we supposed to wear for a Pittsburgh Maternity Photoshoot?” And honestly…I get it. Choosing an outfit for yourself is hard enough when you’re pregnant. Add a toddler with very strong opinions, a husband who’s asking, “Just tell me […]

READ THE POST

If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum in Pittsburgh, you already know the feeling…there’s a lot to figure out, and it’s hard to know who to trust. Which doula actually answers her texts back? Is there a pelvic floor PT near Wexford? Where do North Hills moms go for a coffee meetup that doesn’t feel awkward? […]

READ THE POST

If you’re pregnant with your second baby and already imagining the chaos of trying to wrangle a toddler during your Wexford, PA maternity photoshoot, take a breath. I’ve got you. I’m going to be honest with you: toddlers are unpredictable. They will probably roll in the grass, decide they suddenly hate their shoes, or ask […]

READ THE POST

If the idea of a maternity photoshoot in Pittsburgh makes you want to hide under a blanket instead of stand in front of a camera, I want you to know something: that feeling is one of the most common things I hear from moms before we even meet. You’re growing a whole human, your body […]

READ THE POST

When Waiting “Just a Little Longer” Almost Costs You Everything Can I tell you about a session that had me holding my breath a little? It made me think about the best time for summer maternity photos in Pittsburgh and how choosing the right moment can make all the difference. Actually, knowing the best time […]

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

baby bump and dads hands. taken by a baby and pregnancy photographer in pittsburgh

The 5 Stages of Pregnancy (Including the Secret 4th Trimester!) from a Pittsburgh baby and pregnancy photographer and mom of 2. Did you know there are actually more than the typical three trimesters of pregnancy? As any Pittsburgh baby and pregnancy photographer will tell you, capturing these moments is precious. Today I’m sharing everything you […]

READ THE POST

A families photo album on display after a maternity session in wexford

Creative (and Personal) Ways to Display Your Photos Are you overwhelmed with thousands of photos — from professional sessions, like those capturing special moments by Maternity Wexford Maternity, to everyday cell phone snaps — and have no idea which ones to frame or how to display them all? You’re definitely not alone. I’ve been there, […]

READ THE POST

Baby Boy during an in-home newborn session in Wexford

Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks? I totally get it—the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! As an in-home newborn photographer in Wexford, PA (and a mom who’s been through the newborn phase twice), I’ve gathered some practical […]

READ THE POST