3 circular photos: Sarah in an office, squatting to take photos with a beanie baby on her head, & sharing a stuffed animal with a toddler

Hi, I’m Sarah — and I photograph the seasons you’ll miss someday.

I’m a Northern Virginia photographer specializing in families, couples, and maternity.

 I believe photos are meant to be lived with: printed, framed, flipped through, and passed down — not left to collect digital dust on your phone.

A Little About Me

I started this business nearly eight years ago as a weekends-only passion project — something I fit in around real life, because photographing families felt too meaningful not to pursue. I'm happy to serve ALL kinds of families!


Over the years, it’s grown into work I care about more deeply with every season. I’ve photographed growing bellies, brand-new toddlers, teenagers (AND their smiles — really) ... and parents who are realizing just how fast it all goes.


I know how easy it is for photos to live only on a screen. That’s why I focus not just on beautiful images, but on creating artwork you’ll actually see and enjoy every day. To me, it’s all about the experience.

Why This Experience Matters

  • You get all the info you need to prepare
  • Sessions feel relaxed, not rushed
  • Gentle guidance so you don't feel awkward
  • Thoughtful support choosing prints and albums
  • Artwork designed to live in your home, not just your phone

My goal is for this to feel easy — from planning your session to enjoying your photos long after.

Proud to be trusted by families across Northern Virginia

8 years in DC Area Moms "DC Area Guide to Local Photographers"

Arlington Magazine "Best of 2026" Top Vote Getter badge: Sarah Thayer Photography was chosen as a reader pick for best Family Photographer

Named a Top Vote Getter for Family Photography by Arlington Magazine readers

Kind Words from Clients

Alex Lane

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"Sarah is the absolute best! She was so patient, kind, and communicative through the entire process. Sarah provided every detail a client would want prior to the photoshoot and during the photoshoot she was able to capture the fun nature of our family through the most gorgeous shots of our daughter and even got my non-smiling husband to pose for pictures. We will without a doubt be using Sarah again and again!!"

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My Style

Making you feel relaxed is my #1 priority – not only for better photos, but because if you have a good time during your session, then looking back on those photos will be all the sweeter. I always had this thing about little moments. Embracing moments of joy, butterfly kisses, of chaos, and the toddler run (these help me get my workout in) and having a good time. I love being a family photographer because I love getting little kids – and you! – to laugh. 

2 images: one family with mom and dad facing us, 2 children run around them. 2nd: little boy giggles, hand over face

This is also why I give so much time to my sessions. Do we need 5 to 10 minutes to get back to center? That’s totally fine.


Also... sometimes there’s a moment, right towards the end, when mama is making everything better - that can make for a really beautiful snap!

A Grateful Moment

In December, I was named one of the Top Vote Getters for Family Photography in Arlington Magazine’s annual reader survey — and it’s still sinking in.


This recognition came from real families taking the time to vote, and that makes it incredibly meaningful. My business has always been built on trust, word of mouth, and relationships. This felt like a powerful affirmation of that work.

Sarah -- very excited -- holding Best of Arlington 2026 Top Vote Getter award plaque for Sarah Thayer in Family Photography.

As close to "my name in lights" as I've ever felt!

Let's Capture This Season


If you’re looking for photographs that feel natural, meaningful, and meant to last, I’d love to work with you. Whether this season feels calm, chaotic, or somewhere in between — it’s worth remembering.