

Together, we’ll design a Santa Experience around your child choosing the activities they’ll enjoy most and the moments you want to remember. We’ll plan how to capture the wonder, connection, and Christmas magic that feels most meaningful to your family.

Step into the North Pole and experience the wonder of Santa’s world during a private, unhurried visit created just for your family. With no lines and no rushing, your child has time to connect, explore, and experience the magic of Christmas with Santa.

Turn your child’s visit with Santa into a treasured Christmas storybook, complete with their portraits and a whimsical Christmas poem written to bring their adventure to life. Choose from beautiful archival albums and artwork designed to become part of your family’s Christmas traditions, so you can relive the magic year after year.













Fill out the short form so I can learn a little about your child, answer your questions and make sure Simply Me is the right fit for your family.

Your child will have a simply, playful black-and-white session designed to capture their real personality, expressions and little details just as they are right now.

This season of life is short. SImply Me exists so you don't reach the other side of it wishing you had slowed down and captured it.
In November, in honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, Pinot’s Palette will host a special art show featuring one image from each participating child’s individual portrait session.
Families and community members will be invited to attend this meaningful celebration, complete with food, music and the opportunity to see these beautiful children honored through art.
Optional tickets will also be available for a Paint and Sip experience during the event.


One-on-one. Clean. Simple. No props, no color — just their face, their energy, and the little details that make them them.

After your session, we will sit down with to view your images and choose the pieces that belong on your walls.

This season of life is short. Simply Me exists so you don't reach the other side of it wishing you had slowed down and captured it.

One-on-one. Clean. Simple. No props, no color — just their face, their energy, and the little details that make them them.

After your session, we will sit down with to view your images and choose the pieces that belong on your walls.

This season of life is short. Simply Me exists so you don't reach the other side of it wishing you had slowed down and captured it.







I spent over a decade as a licensed clinical social worker, holding space for families during their most joyous and their hardest times. That career taught me that relationships are everything, but it was a personal loss that changed how I saw the value of a photograph.
Growing up, my home was plastered with 24 years of hugs, kisses, and adventures on the walls. It gave me a sense of belonging and security. When my oldest son, Mateo, passed away, those photos of him suddenly became my entire world. I learned the hard way that we aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow.
That’s why I’m so passionate about giving back to our Herndon community. I don't want you to wait until life is less chaotic or the kids are "acting better" to document your love. You deserve to see that belonging on your walls today.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me on a hiking trail with my husband, Vini, our youngest son, Lucas, in a carrier, and our four pets trailing behind. I love that even in the bustle of D.C., our town still feels like a place where everyone is on a first-name basis.

Our Family had a wonderful experience with Joy. She was great with the Kids! Having already been by our house to discuss framing and display options also helped put the kids more at ease during our shoot.
I'd be hard pressed to find another photographer who puts in the extra miles like Joy does!

We had an incredible experience with Joy. She was great with our kids during the session. The pictures were amazing, and even got someone like me to look good on film! Joy has a really gift for capturing personalities.10/10 would recommend!

Joy is an amazing photographer. We did a mommy and me session at a tulip farm. Her poses were easy to achieve for a mom and baby, she is super friendly, and has a great eye. She was great at managing the challenges that come with a 9month old client. The photos came out beautifully and the backdrop of tulips couldn’t have been more perfect. I can’t wait to display them in my home!

DO I PAY ANYTHING TODAY?
No. Filling out this form costs you nothing. It simply lets me know you’re interested so I can reach out, answer your questions,
and walk you through exactly how it works.

HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE?
Simply Me sessions are designed for children roughly 2–12 years old, but every child is different. Fill out the form and we’ll figure out the fit
together on your call.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?
Simple, solid colors work beautifully in black and white. I’ll give you specific guidance at the consultation but the short version is:
keep it comfortable and don’t stress. This is the one session where the outfit barely matters.

MY CHILD IS SHY OR HIGH-ENERGY. IS THAT OKAY?
Absolutely! The session moves at your child’s pace, not the other way around.


WHAT DO I GET FOR $200
A private portrait session with Santa, an ordering appointment where you can purchase wall artwork, a story album and/or other gift items.
DO I HAVE TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE?
The $200 covers your session and ornament, no strings attached. That said, the best part comes after, when you see your portraits and pick the pieces you can hang in your home to enjoy all year. Most families can't resist, and we make it easy and fun.
DO I PAY ANYTHING TODAY?
No. Filling out this form costs you nothing. It simply lets me know
you’re interested so I can reach out, answer your questions, and walk you through exactly how it works.
WHY DO WE HOP ON A CALL FIRST?
This planning call helps us get to know you and your family so you are prepared for our session and we can create portraits you love.

WHEN AND WHERE IS IT?
November 14th 2026
Starting at 3pm
906 Barker Hill Road Herndon, Virginia 20170

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?
We will discuss more specifics at your ordering appointment but think classic Christmas palette: cream, ivory, camel, warm brown, deep red, burgundy, evergreen, forest green, and muted plaids all photograph beautifully. What also adds to that heirloom feel is texture. Corduroy, velvet, knits, cable-knit sweaters, linen, wool, and classic dresses add richness and give portraits that heirloom feel.

MY CHILD IS SHY OR HIGH-ENERGY. IS THAT OKAY?
Absolutely! The session moves at your child’s pace, not the other way around.

Fill out the short form below and I will be in touch within 48 hours.
I’ll reach out personally with the details and answer your questions so you can decide if Santa Portrait Experience is right for your family.
(571) 512-0162 | | Serving Families, Newborns in
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