New Things Ahead | Crowther Family Maternity Session in Chesapeake, VA

There are so many new things unfolding right now — new chapters for the families I serve, and new directions for my own business.

The Crowther family is stepping into a season of change, growth, and beautiful adventure. And I’m honored I was able to document a small piece of it here in Chesapeake.

If you’ve been following along, you may remember their in-home baby announcement and gender reveal session I shared previously:
👉 Crowther In-Home Baby Announcement & Gender Reveal | Chesapeake, VA

This maternity session felt like the next sweet chapter in their story.

A Winter Maternity Session in Chesapeake, VA

It was way too cold to take this session outdoors — and with maternity timing, there isn’t much flexibility. The clock was ticking, and baby wasn’t going to wait for warmer weather.

So we embraced what matters most: connection.

In-home maternity sessions have a softness and intimacy that you simply can’t replicate outside. The warmth of their space, the natural light pouring through windows, the familiar rhythm of home — it all tells a story that feels deeply personal.

And honestly? It was perfect.

Big Brother Oliver

One of my favorite parts of this session was watching Big Brother Oliver step into his new role.

There’s something so tender about documenting that in-between season — when a child is still the baby of the family, but on the edge of becoming someone’s big brother. It’s emotional, sweet, and fleeting.

Those are the moments I care about preserving.

Not just posed smiles.
But connection.
Anticipation.
Becoming.

A New Adventure Out West

The Crowthers are also preparing for a major life change — they’ll be moving out west in the next year for Mitchell’s job.

What makes this even more special is that they were married in Sedona. Moving west feels like such a full-circle moment for their family. A return to where their story began as husband and wife — now growing into a family of four.

It’s truly a beautiful adventure, and I cannot wait to see what unfolds for them.

New Things Coming for My Business, Too

Alongside the new seasons happening for the families I serve, there are also changes happening here on my blog and website.

In an effort to do more to protect the families and children I photograph, I will no longer be posting children’s faces on my website or social media moving forward.

You will still see children’s faces on older blog posts and past content — everything shared has always been done with full permission from the families I serve.

But I wanted to take things a step further.

As a photographer who works closely with families and young children, privacy and safety matter deeply to me. This shift is about honoring that responsibility while still documenting meaningful, beautiful moments.

You’ll continue to see storytelling.
You’ll continue to see connection.
You’ll continue to see motherhood, maternity, and family documented with care.

Just with a little more intention behind what is shared publicly.

Looking Ahead

New babies.
New states.
New beginnings.
New ways of serving.

It’s such a gift to document families in seasons of transition. The in-between. The becoming. The almost-there.

If you’re expecting and looking for a maternity photographer in Chesapeake, VA who values connection, privacy, and storytelling, I would love to connect with you.

This season is fleeting — but the memories don’t have to be.

—

Victoria Hartell
Chesapeake, Virginia Family & Maternity Photographer