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

How to Prepare For Your In-Home Newborn Photoshoot in Pittsburgh (Without a Full Deep Clean) If you’ve been putting off booking a newborn session because your house “isn’t ready,” I want you to take a breath. I want to let you know what you need to do and what you don’t need to do for […]

READ THE POST

Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer captures a sleepy moment with baby boy.

If you’re expecting, chances are your brain feels like a never-ending to-do list. Nursery. Registry. Pediatrician. Car seat. It’s a lot. The good news? Choosing the right Pittsburgh newborn photographer doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Let me walk you through exactly what to look for—and what you can expect—so you can feel confident capturing this […]

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

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 […]

READ THE POST

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 […]

READ THE POST

photographer looking at an album before giving it to her clients. pictures taken by a Hampton Newborn Photographer

The Truth About Cheap Photo Printing: Why I Don’t Recommend Walgreens Ever wondered why printing through your photographer for professional pictures in Pittsburgh is so much more expensive than Walgreens or Target? You’re certainly not alone! It’s a question I get all the time—and honestly, I used to wonder the same thing. Why spend more […]

READ THE POST

Baby boy sleeping during a lifestyle newborn session in Pittsburgh, PA

Let’s be honest—introducing your oldest child to their new baby sibling can feel like completely uncharted territory. Because, well…it is! As moms, we worry that their oldest child will not be able to adjust to having a new baby at home. But, here are some simple, practical ways to help them feel excited and included […]

READ THE POST