This last week I had the honor of being having a Canvas Rebel Feature!! They reached out for an interview a few weeks ago, and I had such a fun time sharing my story with them. I always love reflecting on why I started being a Virginia family photographer because I’ve grown so much since day one, and remembering every step of the way makes me feel so grateful I get to do this job I love.
Serving my clients and helping them document their whole journey as families… from maternity to newborn, all the milestones… the family photos every year after. It’s been such an honor to work with hundreds of families over the years!
All to say, I was very grateful for this Canvas Rebel Feature, and wanted to share part of it here with you!
If you want to read the whole article, you can do that here!
FROM THE INTERVIEW:
Norma, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I can still remember the exact moment when I knew I wanted to pursue photography professionally. It was in 2011, when I had my first son, Brayden. Like any new mom, I wanted to document every tiny detail—his little fingers, his sleepy smiles, the way he fit so perfectly in my arms. But I didn’t just want quick snapshots on my phone. I wanted beautiful, intentional images that I could print, frame, and hold in my hands. I wanted to create something timeless.
So, I started photographing him, setting up little scenes, playing with light, trying to capture all those fleeting baby moments before they disappeared. And something just clicked. I wasn’t just taking pictures; I was preserving a story. I remember thinking, this is it—this is what I want to do!!!
The following year I had my second son Landon at 25 weeks old – micro premie. He became the first newborn I ever attempted to pose in a true, styled newborn session when he came home from the hospital. That moment changed everything. I became obsessed with the art of newborn photography—learning how to safely pose babies, work with soft lighting, and create those dreamy, delicate images that parents treasure forever.
At first, I just practiced with friends’ babies, experimenting and refining my skills. But before long, people started reaching out, asking if I could photograph their newborns, too. And that’s when I realized this wasn’t just a personal passion. This IS my career, this is what I want to do.
More from the Canvas Rebel Feature:
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Norma Fayak, a luxury newborn and family photographer dedicated to capturing the fleeting, beautiful moments of early parenthood. My journey into photography began in 2011 when I had my first son, Brayden. Like many new moms, I wanted to document every little detail—his tiny fingers, sleepy smiles, and those irreplaceable newborn moments. But I didn’t just want quick phone snapshots; I wanted timeless, artistic images that I could hold, frame, and cherish for years to come.
That passion deepened later that year when I had my second son, Landon. He was the first newborn I ever posed in a styled session, and that experience completely changed the way I saw photography. I became obsessed with the art of newborn photography—learning how to safely pose babies, work with soft, natural lighting, and create those dreamy, delicate images that parents treasure forever. What started as a personal passion quickly turned into a profession as more and more people began seeking me out to photograph their own little ones.
Today, I specialize in luxury newborn, maternity, and family photography, offering families an elevated, stress-free experience from start to finish. My business, Norma Fayak Photography, is rooted in creating timeless, emotive, and beautifully styled portraits that capture not just what a moment looks like, but what it feels like.
What sets my brand apart is the level of service and expertise I provide. From the moment clients book with me, I guide them through the entire process, offering a full-service experience that includes a curated client closet, expert styling, and a carefully designed session tailored to their vision. My goal is to make the experience effortless and enjoyable while delivering heirloom-quality images that families will treasure for generations.
I also specialize in posed newborn photography, which requires a deep understanding of not only artistic composition but also baby safety, posing techniques, and patience. Unlike lifestyle photography, posed newborn sessions require extensive training and skill to safely and gently position a baby while maintaining a beautiful, organic aesthetic. This level of precision and care is something that truly sets my work apart.
Many new parents want to capture their baby’s early days, but they often feel overwhelmed with everything that comes with newborn photography—choosing outfits, finding the right photographer, and ensuring their baby is safe and comfortable. My studio experience removes all the guesswork.
I offer:
✅ A fully styled session – Clients don’t have to bring anything; I provide a carefully curated wardrobe and all the necessary props, wraps, and setups.
✅ Expert newborn posing & safety – Parents can feel at ease knowing their baby is in the hands of a trained professional who prioritizes comfort and safety.
✅ A stress-free experience – From planning to delivery, I take care of everything so parents can simply enjoy the process and focus on their baby.
✅ Luxury-quality products – I believe in creating heirlooms, not just digital files. Clients receive professionally edited, high-quality portraits they can display in their homes.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust and relationships I build with my clients. Many of my families return for multiple sessions—starting with maternity, then newborn, milestone sessions, and beyond. Watching families grow and being part of their journey is incredibly rewarding.
I’m also proud that I have stayed true to my artistic vision and standards while growing a business that reflects my passion for photography. I’ve built an audience of 15K followers through consistency, sharing only my best work, and staying true to my style. More importantly, I’ve built a loyal client base that values and appreciates the quality, experience, and service I provide.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients to know, it’s that newborn and family photography is more than just a session—it’s an investment in memories. Babies don’t stay little forever, and those early days pass by in the blink of an eye. My goal is to preserve those moments in the most beautiful and timeless way possible, creating images that will be cherished for generations.
I believe in quality, authenticity and creating an experience that parents will remember just as much as the photos themselves.
For those considering a session, my advice is simple: Don’t wait. Time moves fast, and these moments are worth capturing any stage, body size, you can always keep your portraits to your self but you can never go back in time and redo them. Find yourself a photographer that makes you feel good, someone you’re excited to work with – you won’t regret it!
I’m so grateful to for this Canvas Rebel feature! Thank you for taking the time to feature me!!
