How I Design a Custom Cake Smash from Scratch…Every Single Time

There’s a reason my cake smashes are so popular. Unlike other studios that provide just a handful of setup options to choose from, I give you ALL the options. Literally! Every single one of my cake smashes is designed and created from the ground up, based on your vision for your photoshoot.

When I get a cake smash inquiry, I first work with you to figure out what kind of theme you want. This can be very general (maybe you just have an idea of the colors you want to use and the general vibe) or it might be very specific (maybe you want it based on a particular movie or you already have an idea of what you’d like the outfit and backdrop to look like).

One cake to rule them all. This little Lady Arwen loved her Lord of the Rings cake smash!

Once we’ve settled on a theme, I’ll start getting to work! I’ll design the backdrop and have it made to order, buy any balloons or props we might need, and shop for the perfect outfit for your little one. The only thing you have to take care of is the cake. (This is due to allergy concerns. The safety of your baby always comes first. If you need a bakery recommendation, just ask!)

Once everything has arrived, I’ll set up the studio and get everything looking just right. I get so excited when I see everything in place—and I know you’ll feel the same way! It’s so fun to see the expressions on people’s faces when they walk in and see the cake smash they envisioned right there in real life!

Strawberries are the one food that might be even better than cake. So, why not have both?

Remember, designing a custom cake smash from scratch takes time. If you’re interested in this extra special birthday experience, remember to get in touch several months before your little one’s first birthday. I can’t wait to start designing!

How to Narrow Down the Pictures from Your Session

All of my photo collections include a set number of digital images. After your session, you’ll receive a link to your gallery, where you can select the pics you love and want to keep. But…it can be intimidating to try to pick favorites from among so many beautiful photos! Here are a few tips that can help you narrow down the pictures from your session.

Set Aside Some Uninterrupted Time

Choosing photos takes a lot of concentration! Rather than trying to do it on the fly, set aside some dedicated time to really focus on your photos. You might also find that it helps to do this alone before coming together with your partner. This way, you’ve both identified your favorites without influence from anyone else and can feel more confident in your decisions.

(This is one reason I don’t have parents come to the studio to choose pictures. This is something you should be able to do at your leisure and without feeling pressured by other people’s input.)

Divide Your Photos Into Categories

Rather than try to choose your favorites from the whole collection all at once, try picking your favorites from a smaller group. For example, which are your favorite pictures of mom and baby? Which are your favorites of baby and their big brother? Which are your favorite shots of the whole family?

Dividing it up into categories can keep you from getting overwhelmed and also ensure that you get a nice variety. Plus, you can feel more certain you didn’t miss anything!

Decide How You Want to Use Your Photos

Knowing how you want to use and share your photos can be a big help in deciding which ones to keep. If you want to print and frame some images, think about where you want to hang them in your home. If you’ll be giving photos as gifts, which ones would be most meaningful to grandparents or other family members?

It’s also a great idea to put some thought into this before your session. If you already know how you want to display your pictures, we’ll be sure to get exactly the shots you want!

New Jersey Photo Sessions

I hope these three tips for narrowing down the photos from your session help to simplify the process and give you confidence in the decision-making process. And remember, if the decision is just too hard, you can always purchase extra images separately!

If you have other questions or are ready to book your session, please be in touch. I’m so excited to hear from you!

Fall in Love with This Cozy Forest Green Newborn Session in New Jersey

Happy October, everyone! I don’t know about you, but as the temperatures cool down I start getting all the cozy fall vibes. I felt like this little man’s newborn session was the perfect one to share for this time of year!

This New Jersey family booked me for a baby-only session. Most of my newborn sessions include parents and siblings, but sometimes people just want their images to focus on their new little one. I want your session to provide you with exactly the kinds of baby pictures you’ve been dreaming about, so I offer several different collections so you can choose whatever best fits your needs.

Customizing Your Newborn Photos

And of course, my studio is stocked with all the wraps, props, and baby outfits you could ever want! No matter which look you love, we can make it happen! I love that this family chose green, as I feel like that’s a color that rarely gets picked for newborn pictures. And it’s so gorgeous! Those rich earth tones are some of my favorites.

We didn’t use too many props for this particular session (although again, that’s totally up to the family—I’ve got plenty for you to choose from). But they did love the look of my wooden bowl, especially when we paired it with a super comfy swaddle and the finishing touch—a bow tie. Does it get any cuter than a baby in a bow tie? I don’t think so!

This little guy was very sweet and slept for the entire session. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to help baby stay calm and comfortable, but if you’re worried about your little one fussing through the session, check out these tips to help them sleep through their newborn photoshoot.

New Jersey Newborn Photographer

Ready to get extra comfy in the studio? I can’t wait to welcome you to my cozy space and help you create the session of your dreams! Contact me here and let’s get you on the calendar before my schedule fills up!

My Favorite Ways to Include Siblings in a Newborn Photoshoot

I love it when older siblings come to the studio with “their” new baby!

As a parent welcoming a second or third baby to the family, it’s natural to want a picture of all your littles together. But what’s the best way to get a beautiful shot with kiddos of different ages and personalities? I like to play things by ear as we go along for the best and most natural results. But over my years as a New Jersey newborn photographer I’ve also done a lot of experimenting and have figured out tried-and-true poses that work.

Here are just a few of my favorite ways to include siblings in a newborn photoshoot.

Snuggling with New Brother or Sister

One of my favorite classic poses is to have siblings lie down next to their new baby brother or sister and just cuddle with them. Since they’re lying down this is a very safe pose for even very young toddlers. And it makes for the sweetest newborn and sibling pictures!

Seated Next to Baby

Not all kids love snuggling. And that’s okay! I have lots of newborn props at my studio, like tiny cribs, baskets, and prams, and one of my favorite strategies in this situation is to pose your newborn in the prop and then have big brother or sister seated on the floor next to them.

In Newborn and Family Photos

If you’re doing family photos as part of your newborn session, I always like to get a cute pose with your older kiddos as part of the whole-family shot. I tell families not to be too worried about posing when young children are involved! Sweet moments can be created even if your older child is just looking down at baby or laughing while Dad tickles them to coax a smile.

Holding Baby

Depending on the age of your older child or children, we can also have them hold baby. This can be a really sweet way to capture a group of siblings, with maybe the oldest one holding the newborn. (A super cute variation on this pose is to swaddle baby and place them in the front, with siblings lying on their tummies just behind them.) Even young children often do really well just sitting down and wrapping their arms around their swaddled sibling.

Book Your NJ Newborn and Family Photoshoot

Do you have any favorites from this list of ways to include siblings in a newborn photoshoot?

If you want to have a group portrait of all your littles, there are lots of ways to do it. I absolutely love kids and have so much fun connecting with them to create amazing images! Rest assured, no matter what mix of ages and personalities you have in your family, we will have a great time together and capture memories you can cherish for a lifetime!

I love to include every member of the family in newborn photos in a way that’s stress-free, genuine, and relaxed. Get in touch to book your session and let me show you just how fun and beautiful it can be!

Soft and Cozy Newborn Session in New Jersey Studio

Can you believe the summer is already over? I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around it! It does get me in the mood for all things soft and cozy though—and there’s nothing cozier than a newborn photoshoot!

This was the absolute sweetest family to work with. They were wonderful and my assistant Gabby and I both fell in love with them. (I generally work with an assistant as it is so helpful to have an extra pair of experienced hands to pose baby, move props around, etc. Makes it go more quickly and smoothly for everyone.)

We got the most adorable parent and baby images during this session. Some parents like to keep the focus completely on baby, which is absolutely fine too! But I do love it when I get the chance to capture all the feels in those moments with mom and dad.

This sweet baby girl stayed asleep the entire session. Total DREAM baby! I always give myself three hours for a newborn session, because I want everyone to feel relaxed rather than rushed. It rarely takes that long, but having the extra time built in means that there’s no stress if baby is fussy or needs a feed or a diaper change.

For this session though, there was really no soothing we needed to do. It was super chill and relaxed. It gave me, my assistant, and the parents a chance to talk a bunch, which was fun! I love getting to know my clients and aim to make the experience feel more like hanging out with friends than anything else.

New York/New Jersey Newborn Photographer

If you are looking for someone patient, experienced, and super fun to capture memories of your newborn, please be in touch! It’s my pleasure and honor to serve families throughout the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. I can’t wait to welcome you and your little one to my New Jersey newborn studio!

My Top 7 Secrets to Get Babies and Kiddos to Smile for the Camera

As a parent, there are things about your kids that you just want to hang on to forever. The chubby cheeks, the tousled hair, and of course—the toothy grins!

If you’ve tried to take photos at home, you probably also know that those genuine smiles can be pretty elusive once the camera comes out. Don’t worry—with years of experience photographing littles and families, I’ve learned a few things, and I’m here for you! Whether you’re taking snapshots at home or coming to my New Jersey photo studio, here are my top 7 secrets to get babies and kiddos to smile (for real) at the camera.

1. Relax and Enjoy

Nobody feels like smiling when they’re tense! Young kids usually pick up their parents’ cues to guide them on how to react to a new situation. So if you’re smiling, laughing, and having fun, they’re much more likely to do the same. I make this really easy at my studio by having a laidback vibe and just chatting for a few minutes before the session so we can relax and get to know each other. It’s just like hanging out with friends!

2. Bring Out the Toys

I have a few toys at my studio, but you’re also welcome to bring some from home. Sometimes just playing for a few minutes can help little ones to settle and feel comfortable enough to really start enjoying themselves.

3. Music and Dancing

Most kids love music—and so do I! I’m happy to play your kiddo’s favorite songs (I remember one child who loved Baby Shark Dance—we played that so many times), sing with them, or break out some dance moves. Whatever it takes to make our photoshoot feel like a party!

4. Play Games

Babies and young kiddos also love games. Let me know if your child has any favorites, like Peek-a-Boo, Patty Cake, or Simon Says. We can absolutely incorporate those into our photo session to help everyone relax and giggle.

5. Be Silly

I have kind of a goofy personality anyway, so I have no problem being silly! If funny faces, crazy noises, or ridiculous jokes tickle your child’s sense of humor, we’re going to have a lot of fun!

6. Be Observant

You never know what will make kids smile. I like to always be ready with my camera so I can capture unexpected grins, but I also like to pay attention throughout the shoot and notice if they seem amused by something. Sometimes an ordinary word or phrase will strike toddlers as very funny, and when that happens I jump on it and use it to bring out those natural smiles.

7. Use Reverse Psychology

Every parent knows this one, right? If your kiddo is at the age when they want to assert their independence and ‘no’ is their favorite word, then a little bit of reverse psychology might just do the trick. Most kids can’t keep a straight face for long—especially if you’re telling them very seriously, “Now, whatever you do, don’t smile.”

Ready for Genuine Smiles in Your Photos?

I would love to show you just how fun, relaxed, and natural a photography session can be! Get in touch and let’s schedule a time to hang out at my studio. I’ll capture those precious moments of babyhood and childhood so you can treasure those sweet smiles for always. I can’t wait!

The Number One Thing I Wish Parents Knew When Planning a Cake Smash

Okay, so usually I only do happy stuff on the blog, but I just have to share something that’s been happening a ton lately that kinda makes me want to cry.

What is this tragic thing that’s been going on?

Parents calling to book a cake smash session for their little one—way too late.

This seriously makes me so sad! I LOVE doing cake smashes and I want so much for parents to have fun and memorable pictures of this special milestone. But when they call two weeks before their baby turns one? There’s just not enough time to create the beautiful custom cake smashes that I specialize in—and that they and their little one deserve!

So… the number one thing I wish parents knew when planning a cake smash?

Book early!

When to Schedule Your Baby’s Cake Smash

I recommend booking your little one’s cake smash 4-5 months before their first birthday. 3 months in advance is probably the very latest I might be able to accommodate. Seems crazy, right? There is a reason!

Why So Early?

I believe that the personal touch is what makes the party special! All of my cake smashes are fully customized with whatever theme you choose. And when I say customized, I don’t mean that I cobble together some props I already have to make it kinda-sorta fit your theme.

When I say customized, I mean it! I not only order the perfect outfit, but I also create each and every one of my custom cake smash sets by hand. Every one of them is hand-crafted with love—and that takes time. Sometimes weeks. You can’t rush perfection!

So…Is a Last-Minute Cake Smash Even a Possibility?

Not if you want it customized. If there’s room on my schedule, the best I can offer for a last-minute booking is a very simple backdrop—no cutouts—and my “ONE” prop.

And we can do so much better than that!

So do yourself and your kiddo a favor and schedule that cake smash session nice and early! In fact, how about now? Get in touch and let’s start planning! I can’t wait to start crafting your cake smash!

About Jennifer Parrello Photography

Jennifer Parrello Photography is a New Jersey based photographer serving the Tri-State area (NJ/NY/CT.) She specializes in capturing all the best moments of baby’s first year, from newborn to first birthday cake smash, and also offers maternity and family photography so that you can have beautiful portraiture of every stage of life.

Adorable New Jersey Newborn Photography Session with Baby Girl and Parents

I was super excited to see this family in my studio! I know them personally through softball and when they asked if I would be able to do newborn photos with their baby daughter I was absolutely honored and thrilled.

This sweet baby girl has two big sisters at home (twins in their teens) but we did this session with just her and her parents. I always ask what parents’ preferences are for the session as far as colors, theme, any personal items they want to incorporate, etc. Some people have a very specific vision for what they want, which is great! But it’s also fun when they don’t have any special requests and just trust me to create a beautiful session for them.

That’s what happened with this newborn session. Mom was really open to anything and just kind of let me have free range, so I got to use my creativity to design this pretty photoshoot with mostly neutrals and also some soft colors and florals.

While I mostly went with a softer color palette for this baby girl, I also knew that Dad was FDNY, and I definitely wanted to incorporate that! I think it makes it more personal to add elements of mom or dad’s work, especially when they’re first responders. Such a neat legacy to pass on to your kids. Is she not the cutest thing in her little firefighter hat and bow?

I’m so happy I was able to be the New Jersey newborn photographer for this precious baby girl and her parents. I sometimes wonder how I got so lucky that I get to do what I love every day—snuggle babies and create beautiful memories for families! If you’re expecting, I would be honored to capture these same kinds of memories for you. Get in touch and let’s get your session scheduled so we can start planning! I can’t wait!

Mini Milestone Photo Session FAQs | New Jersey/New York Baby Photographer

When you think of baby pictures, chances are you think of a newborn session. I absolutely LOVE newborn photos and I think they’re an essential for every parent to have. But there are so many other memories to capture as your little one grows. Lots of these can be documented at home, but it’s fun to have professional images of that in-between newborn and one-year-old stage. The best way to do that? A mini milestone photo session!

What is a Mini Milestone Photoshoot?

Lots of people book newborn and 1-year cake smash photos. But what about all the milestones in between? Mini milestone baby photo sessions are meant to capture that wonderful stage of babyhood when your little one is no longer a newborn, but not quite a toddler either. They’re becoming more smiley and interactive at this stage and it’s so much fun—you deserve to have memories of this time too!

For my milestone sessions, I use an all-neutral set with several props for your little one to sit on/in and interact with. You are also welcome to bring teddy bears or other favorite toys from home to personalize your photos.

When Are Mini Milestone Sessions Held?

Milestone pictures can be done anytime between 7-10 months to capture that special moment in time. I particularly love photographing around the 9-month mark as I find that is when their funny little personalities really shine!

What Do Milestone Baby Photos Cost?

If you select my Luxury or Elite newborn collection for your little one, these come with a complimentary mini milestone session!

If you weren’t able to book a newborn session with me, we can still schedule a mini milestone photoshoot. These are just a few hundred dollars and a limited number of digital images are included.

What if I Want a Longer Milestone Photoshoot, or More Photos?

My mini milestone sessions are short and sweet. I know babies have a short attention span at this stage, and you are super busy too! It only takes 15 minutes to capture adorable baby pictures during my minis. However, I also offer full-session milestone shoots, if you want a longer time slot or a larger collection of photos.

Ask Your New Jersey/New York Baby Photographer

Any other questions about milestone or baby photography? Just ask! I’m happy to chat with you or help you figure out the perfect session for you and your little one.

Simple Tips to Help Baby Sleep Through Their Newborn Photoshoot

Figuring out baby’s sleep schedule is one of the many learning curves you go through as a new parent. If your littles are anything like mine were, then they probably like to wake up right when you most want them to stay asleep! Like when you’re about to grab a bite to eat, take a much-needed nap yourself, or…right as you pull up to the studio for your newborn session.

If you’re worried that your newborn will be one of those that fuss all through their session and make it impossible to get those dream baby pictures, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with these simple tips to help baby sleep through their newborn photoshoot.

Before You Get to the Studio

Babies usually don’t have much of an awake window before they’re ready for another nap, so try to keep them awake for a while before you leave the house to drive to the studio. If playtime just isn’t doing it, a bath usually works!

Babies also sleep best on a full tummy. Shortly before you get in the car, nurse them or give them a bottle so they have a nice full belly and are feeling content.

Good news: Most newborns are lulled straight to sleep with a car ride, so if they’ve been awake for a while and are full, they’re likely to drift off on the way to my photography studio. But what about when you stop?

To make it more likely that baby will stay asleep, I recommend dressing them in button-up or zip-up pajamas before you come. Makes it so much easier to change them at the studio without disturbing them! Also, don’t worry about getting baby out of the car seat when you arrive. I will take care of all that unbuckling. I’ve got a soft touch and a lot of practice!

Helping Baby Sleep Through Their Studio Photoshoot

Since a comfortable temperature is also key to helping baby to the land of nod, I keep my studio quite cozy so that little ones don’t get chilled. (Because of this, I recommend that parents dress in layers so you don’t get overheated!)

If baby is a little fussy, I’ll often try swaddle poses first. Newborns absolutely love to be bundled up snug, and often once they’re swaddled in a wrap they will float off to dreamland again almost instantly.

I also make sure to give us plenty of time during a newborn photoshoot, so that if baby needs to be soothed or fed, we can take the time to do that without anyone feeling rushed. When you’re at my studio, it’s your time to relax!

Finally, remember that part of my skill as a newborn photographer lies not only in helping your baby be safe and comfortable, but also in capturing moments that only last a second. On those rare occasions when baby seems to fuss through most of their session or be awake most of the time, parents are always amazed by the number of beautiful, peaceful images I manage to capture anyway. While these simple tips to help baby sleep through their newborn photoshoot are handy and can make for a smoother process, trust me, your newborn session will be a success whether your baby sleeps or not!

Contact Your New Jersey Newborn Photographer

Can’t wait to see you and your (hopefully sleepy) sweet bundle in my New Jersey studio soon! Contact me to book your session, request more information, or ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help!

Orange County, NY Newborn and Family Photoshoot

I don’t get a chance to blog every single one of my sessions, but I do like to post a featured photoshoot on the blog each month—and this was one of my favorites recently! I have worked with this sweet family before for one of their older kiddos’ newborn photos a few years ago. So I was thrilled when they reached out again about doing a newborn and family photoshoot to celebrate the newest member of the family!

I always advise people to plan early for their newborn session, because these babies keep a schedule all their own! I book a limited number of newborn sessions each month so that I can keep things flexible and stress-free for parents if their little one decides to make an appearance earlier or later than expected.

This lil guy couldn’t wait to meet his family and was born super early. Always a scary thing for parents, and he had to spent a lot of time in the NICU, but he is doing great now! His parents had already booked his session, so once he was big and strong enough to go home we were able to lock in a date and they made the drive to the studio once they felt comfortable doing that.

Little man was absolutely precious and totally rocked his session! It was so cute to watch his older siblings interact with him too. They clearly adore their new baby brother—and who can blame them?!

Orange County, NY Newborn Photographer

My studio is located in New Jersey, but a ton of my families, like this one, come from New York. Wherever you are in the Tri-state area, I would love to help you capture special memories of your little ones with a custom photoshoot designed just for you. Reach out now and let’s get you on the calendar!

Top 3 FAQs for Your New Jersey/New York Photographer

There are always lots of questions with any new experience, and booking a photoshoot is no different! I try to anticipate questions and give my clients plenty of information beforehand. When you inquire I’ll send you lots of great info to help you out! But in the meantime, I thought I’d address the questions I get asked most frequently as a New Jersey based photographer.

What to Ask Your Photographer

When is the best time to book a cake smash?

The earlier the better! I recommend booking your cake smash well in advance—even as early as 5 months before your little one’s first birthday! We will usually do your cake smash a little before the one year mark (around 11 months) so you have time to use your images for invitations, gifts, etc. And I build all of my custom sets from scratch, which takes several weeks! You can learn more about my cake smash sessions here.

When is the best time to book a newborn session?

I advise booking 3-4 months before your due date. However, if it’s past that date already (or even if baby has already arrived) you can always reach out on the chance that I might have an opening available. If you’re expecting, you’ll definitely want to check out my newborn page for helpful info and answers to frequently asked questions!

Why are family sessions always in the evening?

I like to hold my family sessions about an hour to an hour and a half before sunset. There are lots of reasons behind this, but the big one is lighting. Photographers call that pretty, sun-soaked time before sunset ‘the golden hour.’ The light at this time is really warm, not too harsh, and very flattering for everyone, making it the perfect time to do outdoor portraits. I’ve got more about family sessions on this page.

Questions for Your New Jersey/New York Photographer

Any other burning questions? Send them my way! I am always up for a chat and would love to help you learn more about any session you’re interested in. Just reach out and let’s talk!

Advice for Buying a Smash Cake for Your Little One’s First Birthday Photoshoot

A custom cake smash is my absolute favorite way to celebrate baby’s first birthday!

Cake smashes in my New Jersey studio are up to 1 hour long and include:

• Custom designed set

• Outfit from my client closet

• End of session splash

Hmmm…What’s missing from that list?

The cake!

I do not supply any food due to allergy concerns, so the one and only thing you’ll need to bring for your little one’s cake smash is the cake. Don’t worry though, it’s very easy to find the perfect smash cake—and it’s even easier with these tips!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Cake

Sizing it Up

I recommend a cake that is 5-6 inches in size. Smaller than this and it will look more like a cupcake, larger and it will dwarf your little one! A 2-3 layer cake of about 6 inches is just right.

Vanilla Takes the Cake!

Vanilla is the way to go, as a white cake is less messy and won’t stain baby’s face, hands, or clothes. Same goes for frosting. Go with white and it will be a much neater and prettier experience!

Best Place to Buy a Smash Cake

You don’t have to go searching for specialty bakeries unless that’s your thing. Honestly, I advise clients to go to their local food store bakery. They make amazing cakes!

Custom Cake Smash

All of my cake smashes are fully customized with your chosen theme, color scheme, etc. We’ll chat about all of that beforehand so you can let the bakery know how you’d like your cake to be decorated. Remember though, the cake is just a prop. No need to stress out too much about how it’s decorated unless it’s super important to you. The big thing is that you and your kiddo have fun!

Take it for a Test Run

One other thing I recommend: Don’t let the first birthday photoshoot be the first time your child tries sugar! A few days before you show up at the studio, set them down on the floor with something fun, sweet, and messy to eat. (A tub of Cool Whip, yogurt, pudding, or a cupcake are all great options.) This test drive will help them be much more comfortable exploring their cake in front of a camera at the studio!

Book Your Custom Cake Smash in My New Jersey Studio

You can learn more about my custom cake smashes here, or reach out to book your session whenever you’re ready! You may also enjoy this post about how to get ready for baby’s first cake smash. I do recommend booking well in advance (about 4-5 months) as I build all of my custom sets from scratch. Quality takes time!

If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out! Once you schedule your session I’ll send you a guide with all the details you need to have a successful smash. So excited to celebrate with you!

90210 Themed Cake Smash Photoshoot at the Peach Pit

This 90210 theme cake smash photoshoot was the best thing ever! But before we dive into it, just a little background:

This family came to me for newborn photos when this cutie was a tiny little thing. As per usual with my sessions, my assistant and I were chatting with mom and dad while we got started. (I love getting to know my clients and just keep things fun and relaxed at the studio. So many people say that coming to the studio felt more like getting together with an old friend—even if it was the first time we’d met in person!)

Anyway, at some point we started discussing favorite TV shows, and found out that mom and dad were HUGE fans of 90210. I didn’t actually scream with excitement (that would have woken the baby) but I was stoked! My assistant and I are both big fans too—we grew up watching the show—so we had fun talking about our favorite characters and scenes.

And I thought, “Ooh, how fun would a 90210 cake smash be?”

Turns out…A LOT!

90210 First Birthday Cake Smash

I promise I didn’t say anything. This was all mom and dad’s idea and they get full credit. It was really only right that they got a 90210 session, so when they suggested it for their daughter’s cake smash, I was so excited!

One of my favorite parts about my custom cake smashes is designing the set. And of course, this one was obvious: Where better to have a cake smash than at the Peach Pit?!

Deciding on the outfit was a little harder, because there are so many fun styles in 90210. But I settled on the iconic dress that Kelly and Brenda wore to the spring dance. I’ve got to say, I think it looks better on this birthday girl than anybody else!

She was totally into her cake smash and we had so much fun together celebrating her very first birthday!

Design Your Custom Cake Smash

No matter what you’re into, we can design a cake smash around it! I love designing custom sets and outfits for my little clients’ special day. I’m delighted to serve families throughout in the northern New Jersey/New York area and would love to welcome you to my studio in West Milford, New Jersey! Get in touch and let’s start planning!

Baby’s First Year in Photos: Milestones to Capture as Your Little One Grows

I can’t tell you how excited and honored I am to capture your family’s special moments! While I love seeing your babies in my New Jersey studio for every single one of their milestones, from newborn to sitter to first birthday cake smash, I know it’s not always an option for families to have a professional photoshoot every single month. And yet—I want you to have all those memories!

So I thought I’d provide you with a quick rundown of baby’s first year, including some of the important milestones you’ll want to capture with your own camera at home. Plus, I’ve got recommendations for the best ages and stages to invest in professional portraits of your little one. Read on for what milestones to look for as your baby grows!

Milestones to Capture During Baby’s First Year

Months 1-2: Welcoming Baby

This is the stage where everything is new—for both you and baby! If you can only afford to book a professional photoshoot once during baby’s first year, make it a newborn photography session. This time of life is irreplaceable and it goes by so fast. This is your baby’s introduction to the world and to your family, and as a mom, trust me when I say that you will want beautiful, heirloom-quality images to remember this time of sweet snoozes and snuggles with your brand new bundle.

A professional photographer can help you safely achieve those cute Instagram poses, like froggy pose, womb pose, and chin-on-hands. They can also get adorable closeups with a focus on tiny details like fingers, toes, and lips. Learn more about professional newborn portraits here.

As you continue to photograph your newborn at home before and after your newborn session, I recommend focusing on the interactions between you and your little one. Catching those sweet moments when baby is asleep on dad’s chest, or one of your older kiddos sneaks in for a kiss—there is nothing better!

Months 3-5: Growing Up Fast

You won’t believe how much baby is growing already as they begin to hold up their head and start showing more interest in the world around them. At this stage, they are beginning to develop the motor skills that allow them to interact with toys and enjoy tummy time a bit more.

If you’re snapping photos at home, some fun ideas include:

·         Baby pictures with favorite toys

·         Interactions with mom, dad, or other family and friends

·         First smiles and giggles

·         Reactions to new stimuli

Months 5-8: Sitting and Crawling

Once they start being able to sit on their own and move around independently, a whole new level of adventure begins! This is another great time to get professional baby pictures with a sitter session. As parents, we often don’t realize how much our baby is changing—because it’s happening right before our eyes. You will be stunned when you compare images from your newborn and sitter sessions at how much your little one has changed already!

Whether you choose to do a sitter session at the studio or try your hand at DIY baby photos, here are some ideas for fun milestones to capture at this stage:

·         Trying new foods

·         Interactions with siblings, friends, or pets

·         Grabbing their own toes

·         Crawling and exploring

Months 8-10: Finding Their Footing

Some babies are still at the sitting and crawling stage here, while others are learning to pull themselves up on furniture and try out standing. Either way, this is another great time for professional baby portraits! Even if you don’t come into the studio at this point, remember that this is also the time to book your baby’s cake smash for their first birthday celebration. I’m so excited to get that call and start planning!

In the meantime, fun milestones to capture at home include:

·         Mealtimes

·         Pulling themselves up on furniture

·         Those first wobbly attempts to stand

·         Playtime in the bathtub (most kids are enjoying water toys at this point, making bathtime extra fun!)

Months 10-12: Approaching Toddlerhood and First Birthday!

Maybe baby is taking their first steps by now or maybe not. But it’s a guarantee that they are more active than ever and getting cuter by the day! Not to mention…almost ONE! This is a HUGE milestone that definitely deserves to be captured by a professional. My favorite way to celebrate is with a custom cake smash!

If you book a cake smash with me, we’ll get both milestone and cake smash photos before wrapping up with some of the cutest splash pics ever in my miniature tub! Every session is completely customized, so we can party with any theme you choose! Learn more here.

Even with a cake smash photoshoot, there are still plenty of exciting moments to capture at home:

·         First steps

·         All the adventures that come with first steps (once they start walking—watch out!)

·         The birthday party (of course!)

First Year Baby Photographer Serving Little Ones and Families in NJ, NY, and CT

I hope I’ll be seeing you and your little one in the studio very frequently throughout baby’s first year. But no matter how often I get to see you, I hope these milestone photo ideas ensure that you have pictures of all the best moments of your little one’s babyhood, from day one to year one. Enjoy your sweet bundle, soak up every moment, and know that I’m thinking of you and am so honored to be your baby photographer! Can’t wait to start planning your next session!

How I Became a New Jersey Newborn Photographer: A Little Peek Into My Story

I don’t know about you, but I love hearing people’s stories. I think that’s part of what attracted me to portrait photography in the first place! Whenever clients come to my NJ photo studio I love to just chat for a bit and learn more about them. It’s always so fun to hear about their families and hobbies, and what they do for a living and the story behind it. So I thought I’d hop on the blog and share a little of my story with you!

From Hobby….

I first started doing photography in high school, where I was introduced to this particular brand of magic through a photography class. This was back in the day, before digital photography was widespread, so I used a film camera and learned how to develop film in a dark room. I loved it!

The class ended, but my love of photography carried on. I kept photographing through the years, but never really thought about turning it into a business. It was just a hobby I enjoyed. Like most people, I needed a bit of a wakeup call to realize that my hobby was actually my passion!

To Vocation…

That wakeup call came when my oldest was born. I fell in love instantly and started to pick up my camera more and more because I wanted to capture all those sweet, fun, precious moments with my daughter. It’s amazing how much inspiration an adorable model can provide! And the more baby pictures I took the more I realized, “I love this! This is what I want to do!”

Becoming a NJ Newborn Photographer

It took a while for me to actually turn my dream of starting my own photography business into a reality. I had a good job as a teacher, which I really enjoyed, and it was scary to think of leaving that behind to become a photographer full-time. Once I worked up the courage though, I have never looked back! Becoming a newborn photographer really has been one of the best decisions of my life.

I wake up each day so excited to welcome babies and families to my studio, to spend time with them and capture beautiful memories. As a mom (of three now!) I know firsthand that family always comes first. I love photography, yes, but the real passion behind my work is the love of family. And I feel beyond blessed to bring that passion to my work with moms, dads, and kiddos throughout New Jersey. I can’t think of a greater honor than for my story as a newborn photographer to become a tiny part of your story as a family. Thank you for trusting me with your memories!

Tri-State Newborn and Family Photographer

Jennifer Parrello is a New-Jersey-based portrait photographer offering beautiful portraiture for every stage of life, from maternity and newborn to first birthdays and beyond. Based in West Milford, she is proud to serve families throughout the New Jersey, New York and Connecticut tri-state area. Ready to make some memories? Inquire here to book your session, or learn more about available sessions and pricing.

Pompton Plains NJ Newborn Photography Session with Baby Girl and Family

This is not my first time photographing this beautiful family from Pompton Plains and I certainly hope it won’t be the last! I’m already looking forward to the next time. They are such an amazing family. It’s always a delight to welcome them to my New Jersey studio for a chat and some camera time. I was so excited when they reached out to let me know that they were expecting another little one and to ask if I could do their daughter’s newborn photos. Um…YES!!!

As a newborn photographer, I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve for soothing babies, and also for wrangling rambunctious siblings! But with this session, there was no need to pull out the bag of tricks. Baby was incredible for the entire session—not a peep out of her and she slept the whole time. Even gave us some sleepy smiles too! It’s like her parents read my guide on how to prep for a newborn session or something. ;)

And big sister was the absolute best! Seriously, she was so well-behaved and was just awesome about posing with her new little sis. Some siblings need a little coaxing to pose with baby, but not this girl. She’s clearly in love with the newest member of the family! And honestly, so am I!

Pompton Plains NJ Newborn Photographer

There’s nothing like parenthood to remind you just how quickly time flies. As a mom myself, I can tell you—you will always be grateful you invested in beautiful portraits of your little one. I’m already booking well into the year, so if you want to capture memories of those earliest days with your newborn, be sure to get in touch as soon as possible so we can get you on the calendar. Can’t wait to create memories together!

Why I Love Being a Newborn Photographer in Bergen County, New Jersey

Newborn photographers rarely get asked, “Why do you love what you do?” I mean, it’s pretty obvious. What’s not to love about snuggling babies and capturing all that cuteness? I totally agree, but I also think that the answer to why I love being a newborn photographer in Bergen County, New Jersey goes deeper than that. Here are just a few of the reasons I am absolutely in love with my job:

Precious Moments

I love capturing those precious moments. Newborns grow and change so rapidly, and newborn photography allows you to freeze those fleeting moments in time. The opportunity to capture the innocence, purity, and unique features of a newborn is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

Emotional Connection

Newborn photography provides an avenue to connect with the emotions and vulnerability of a newborn. The tender moments, the bond between parents and their baby, and the pure joy captured in photographs can evoke powerful emotions, creating a deep sense of connection and purpose.

Memories and Milestones

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a momentous occasion for families. As a newborn photographer in Bergen County, I have the privilege of documenting this special time. No other job in the world allows me to preserve the memories and milestones of a family’s journey quite like newborn photography. The joy and happiness surrounding new babies can be contagious, and I love catching it every time!

Serving Families

My work as a newborn photographer has a significant impact on families. The images I capture become cherished heirlooms, destined to be passed down through generations. Photos serve as a visual reminder of the early days of a child’s life, increasing the sense of love and belonging in families. It’s an honor to preserve memories for families to relive and treasure in future years.

Building Relationships

Building relationships with families is another incredibly rewarding aspect of my job as a New Jersey newborn photographer. I have the opportunity to witness the love, joy, and tenderness shared within families. Being a part of their journey is not something I take lightly. I love connecting with people and truly feel that my clients become part of my family when we have a session together.

And yes, the baby snuggles. The tiny toes. The sleepy smiles. The newborn smell. Honestly, what’s not to love about photographing newborns?

Your NJ/NY Newborn Photographer

Just one more reason I love photographing newborns in this area specifically…I get so many families from outside Bergen County as well! It’s a pleasure and an honor to connect with families throughout New Jersey and New York, and I would love to connect with you too!

If you’d like to learn more about me and my work, feel free to have a look around the site, or explore my Facebook and Instagram pages for inspiration. If you’d like to inquire about a session for your own little one, please get in touch soon—my schedule is filling up fast! I hope I’ll hear from you soon!

Birthday and Milestone Photoshoot Ideas (That Aren’t a Cake Smash)

I’ll be honest, I adore a good cake smash! But I realize that not every family wants to celebrate baby’s first birthday or other milestones that way. Maybe your little one has allergies or food sensitivities. Maybe they get overwhelmed easily and you feel like a smash and splash would be too much for them to handle. Or maybe a cake smash just isn’t your thing.

Don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to celebrate. Here are just a few birthday and milestone photoshoot ideas for you that don’t involve dessert.

Birthday Celebrations

Balloons

Nothing says “party” like balloons! This is one of my favorite ways to decorate the studio for a birthday session. And since balloons come in all colors, they’ll go with any theme or color scheme.

Fresh Fruits

If you like the idea of a food smash but want a healthier option than cake, fresh fruits can be super fun! Strawberries or watermelon slices are fun and add a bright pop of color whether baby is interested in eating them or not.

Bubbles

Bubbles can be a great way to engage your little one’s interest and get some adorable shots!

Milestones

One-Year Portraits

If you prefer to save the party for home, consider a one-year portrait session rather than a cake smash. I have some beautiful and classic backdrop options, and am more than happy to include parents in some of our portraits as well, so you can have updated family and one-year baby pictures all in one session!

Sitter Sessions

The first birthday isn’t the only important milestone to capture. Sitter sessions are perfect for documenting baby’s growth between birth and one-year. As a first year baby photographer, I love getting all of those in-between moments that other photographers might miss.

Outdoor Session

If you’re just not sure about a studio session, another fun way to celebrate milestones is to head outside. Most kids love exploring the great outdoors, so if you feel like they would be more comfortable at a park or favorite location, let me know and we can arrange an outdoor meeting place for portraits.

Orange County, New York First Year Baby Photographer

If a cake smash just isn’t going to work for you, I hope it won’t stop you from capturing professional photos of your little one. There are so many other wonderful options for freezing those moments in time. If you have a non-cake-smash birthday or milestone photoshoot idea you’d like to try, please be in touch! I love serving families in and around Orange County, New York, and would be delighted to see if we can create a photoshoot that’s perfect for your needs.

Lake Hopatcong Newborn Photography Session | Sweet Baby and Parent Pictures

What a cutie! Loved doing the Lake Hopatcong newborn photography session for this adorable baby girl. I worked with her grandma and have known mom since she was elementary age. (Yes, I know I’m dating myself by admitting that!) But basically, I go back a long way with this family!

I was so very excited when I found out mom and her hubby were expecting. And even more thrilled when they asked if I would do their newborn photoshoot! There is nothing I like better than working my magic with these tiny bundles and capturing sweet memories for their parents to cherish. If I’m honest though, I didn’t have to work a whole lot of magic with this little princess. She was AMAZING for her session! Such a sweet lil girl.

I always send my families my newborn photo session prep guide with some tips and tricks for getting baby sleepy before they come to the studio. Since this family lives in Lake Hopatcong, about 45 minutes from my studio in West Milford, NJ, they had a little bit of a drive to get to me. I quite often have families who drive over an hour for their baby pictures, so I’m always prepared with a few tricks up my sleeves in case baby slept during the drive and isn’t feeling super drowsy for their photoshoot. But sometimes—like with this little one—they are totally happy to just keep napping!

I love the sweet baby-only and baby and parent pictures we were able to create during our time together. So very precious—and so great to catch up with this family and celebrate this exciting time with them!

Baby Pictures near Lake Hopatcong New Jersey

If you’re looking for a newborn photographer near Lake Hopatcong, I hope you’ll be in touch! I am honored to serve families throughout New Jersey, and would love to welcome you and your little one to my studio!