Tips for Traveling with a Newborn

For some of us, traveling for the holidays is almost as much of a tradition as eating turkey on Thanksgiving day. But if this is your first time traveling with a newborn, you might be feeling a little nervous! Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, here are a few tips that can help you feel more prepared as you and your little one get ready to travel this holiday season.

Tips for Car Travel with a Newborn

Plan for lots of stops (about every 2 hours). Baby will need feeding, diaper changes, or maybe just a cuddle to calm down if they don’t love being in the car. Just know that your drive is going to take longer than normal, and that’s okay!

Keep a spot in the backseat clear so that someone can sit with baby if needed. If you don’t have anyone else traveling with you, consider installing a baby mirror in the backseat so you can keep an eye on things without having to turn around.

Plan your route so you know where you’ll be stopping to get gas, do diaper changes, etc. Makes it so much easier if you know this in advance so you don’t have to make decisions on the fly!

Tips for Plane Travel with a Newborn

Check with your pediatrician to see if they feel that flying would be safe for your baby.

Don’t stress about the liquid limit. The TSA allows moms traveling with babies to pack more breastmilk and formula than the usual 3.4 oz limit for liquids. Yay! It is a good idea to pack these in a separate bag though, so airport personnel can screen them quickly and easily.

Pack a pacifier and/or bottle to give baby during takeoff and landing. Swallowing will help them deal with that uncomfortable feeling in their ears as the air pressure changes.

Don’t Forget to Pack This!

Of course you’ll need clothes, blankets, and plenty of diapers and wipes! But here are a few other less obvious essentials that can make traveling with a newborn much easier.

Padded changing station. These fold up nicely to slide into a diaper bag and are easy to wipe down. Not all restrooms have a baby changing table—and sometimes you’ll need to change a diaper on the go. You’ll be so glad you have one of these!

A portable breast pump if you’re breastfeeding. Schedules get all out of whack when you’re traveling, so it’s nice to have the option to pump when you need to—even if it’s on the road.

A travel crib or bassinet. Baby needs a safe and comfy place to sleep once you arrive at your destination! Some of these even fold up small enough to fit into your carry-on if you’re traveling by plane.

Portable sound machine. Unfamiliar noises can make it hard for anyone to sleep, and babies can easily get overstimulated and fussy in a new environment. Soothing sounds can help keep them calm and happy and make for a much better travel experience for everyone! (I always use a sound machine in my studio for newborn sessions—it really does work!)

I hope these tips for traveling with a newborn help make this holiday season a little more manageable. Remember, if travel just feels like too much right now, it’s okay to break with tradition this time and ask family to come to you, or to plan your trip for a few months down the road, once things have settled down a bit. The most important thing is that you and your little one have a wonderful first holiday together!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Why Invest in Professional Portrait Photography? Answers from a New Jersey / New York Portrait Photographer

If you think you should just snap that annual family photo yourself or try to capture all your child’s milestones on your cell phone, think again. While cell phones and snapshots are great for documenting the day-to-day moments, there is nothing like an actual photo session for capturing the big milestones in life. Here’s why it’s totally worth it to invest in professional portrait photography for your family.

Equipment and Expertise

Beautiful photos don’t just happen. They require special equipment, great lighting, and an experienced eye to create that perfect shot. And while it may seem simpler to just try to do it on your own, most people find that they are much happier when they spend the money and invest in professional portrait photography.

Display-Worthy Photos

You can get lots of fun snapshots on your phone. But it really does take a professional portrait photographer to capture images that you’ll be proud to display on your walls or gift to family. A professional photographer has years of experience and that artistic eye to know how to pose people to best advantage and create images that are seriously gorgeous.

Editing

Another important step in the process of creating photos is the behind-the-scenes work. A true professional will take the time to edit each of your photos so that they are free of distractions and are the best they can possibly be.

The Photoshoot Experience!

I don’t know about other New Jersey portrait photographers, but I love to make my sessions FUN! My belief is that if we’re going to be making and capturing memories together, we should have a great time doing it. I treat all of my clients like family and love to visit with them, get to know them, and work together to create images their family can treasure forever.

Bonus: Newborn Safety

Baby pictures are only one type of photography, it’s true, but it’s worth noting that it is SO important to hire a professional for newborn photos. There is no one that can safely create those amazing newborn images you see on Instagram except a trained professional. Learn why here.

If you’re thinking of investing in professional portrait photography in New Jersey or New York (so many of my clients come from the Orange County, NY area!), please inquire here. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Words of Wisdom for New Parents from a Mom and Newborn Photographer in Passaic County

Someone recently asked me if I had any words of wisdom for them as they get ready to welcome a new baby. I guess they knew that, being a parent myself, as well as a newborn photographer serving families in New Jersey and New York, I’ve seen parenthood from a lot of different angles!

In answering them, I realized that there are probably lots of expecting parents out there wondering the same things, so I thought I’d jot down my thoughts on the blog. So here you go, a few words of wisdom for new parents from a mom and professional baby photographer in Passaic County:

Embrace the Journey

Parenthood is a remarkable adventure. And like any adventure, it’s filled with ups and downs. I know it can be hard, especially when you’re in the thick of it, but cherish each moment, even the challenging ones. They are irreplaceable and contribute so much to the growth and relationship of both you and your baby.

Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial. And it isn’t selfish in the least! Find time for rest, nourishment, and relaxation. If you feel well cared for, you’ll be better equipped to care for your child too—and both of you will be happier for it.

Trust Your Instincts

You know more than you think you do. You’ll probably receive a lot of childrearing advice from well-meaning people. Accept it graciously, but ultimately, trust your own intuition as a parent. You know your baby better than anyone, and your instincts will guide you as you make decisions for their well-being.

Seek Support

I don’t know where the old saying came from, “It take a village to raise a child.” But it’s true! Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or support groups for help or guidance. Parenting is incredibly rewarding, but it's also a tough gig. Building a support network of fellow parents can provide reassurance and give you a sense of community.

Nurture Your Relationship with Your Partner

If you have a partner (and I hope you do, it makes life so much easier!) remember to prioritize your relationship with them. Set aside quality time together, communicate openly, and support each other. You’ll both need time to adjust to the new dynamic of being parents, so be there for one another.

Embrace the Mess

Last but not least, realize that things are going to get messy. Don’t sweat it, embrace it! Clutter and stains are normal. The spit-up, dirty diapers, and occasional chaos is all part of the experience of having a little one (and makes for great stories later on). And if things get emotionally messy sometimes, that’s normal too. You’ll make a few parenting mistakes. Everyone does. Just do your best to clean up the mess and keep moving forward, knowing that your love for your little one is the most important thing.

Congratulations on this incredible life change! I hope these few words of wisdom help as you prepare for this exciting next step in your adventure. And if you need anything along the way, know that I’m here for you. Just get in touch!

Looking Back on 2023...and Forward to 2024 with Jennifer Parrello Photography

I hope everyone is having an amazing holiday season!

This week between Christmas and New Year’s is always one for me to take a second to reflect on the past year and wonder what the future holds. 2023 has been a great year, filled with so many of my favorite things. Like…

Baby snuggles

It is such a beautiful experience to welcome new babies and their families to my New Jersey studio. Those new little lives are so precious, and I’m always honored to capture a few of those very first moments!

Cake

Birthday and cake smash sessions are my all-time favorites! If you know me, you know I’m always up for a party—and I love helping little ones celebrate that first birthday with a fun, customized cake smash all for themselves!

Pictures

As a New Jersey photographer, I can’t help but love photos. And it’s been exciting to be part of creating so many great ones this year!

And a little bit of magic

I tried something a little different for my holiday sessions this year and they all went amazing! I always feel that those magical Christmas sessions are such a good way to start wrapping up the year.

Can’t Wait to See You at the Photo Studio in 2024

And what does 2024 hold? I don’t know, but I have a feeling it’s going to be amazing! I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces in my studio and welcoming many new ones, and I hope this next year will be one of making lots of connections and memories. Most of all, I hope that YOU will be a big part of my 2024! I would love to get to know you better and help you document the best of your family’s moments. Let’s connect now, and start making memories that will last a lifetime!

Carpe Diem Baby | Metallica's Cutest 5th Member!

I think Metallica may have found their fifth member—and will she draw the crowds, or what!?

This baby girl newborn photoshoot in New Jersey was a special surprise session for Dad, who is a HUGE Metallica fan. (He actually worked with them for a bit!) Mama Said she wanted to wow him with these photos, and I think she succeeded! Combining two of his biggest loves—his new little cutie and heavy metal music—made for an amazing gift that is totally one-of-a-kind!

Not sure yet which role baby girl will take on in the band. We tried her out as a drummer and a guitarist, and of course, babies are never shy about auditioning as vocalists either. ;) No surprise, we loved everything she did! Seriously, she was super sweet and did awesome for her session. I love that she even woke up for a bit (decided to Dream No More, perhaps?) so we could capture those gorgeous eyes!

I love all the fun props we were able to use. Baby girl already has a whole collection of Metallica onesies happening, and the guitar we used was one Mom brought in. Don’t know the whole story behind it, but it was clearly a very important guitar, as it required two people to carry it into my New Jersey studio!

I’m sure Dad was beyond thrilled with these Metallica-themed baby pictures, and I sure had a blast doing this newborn photoshoot!

As a New Jersey newborn photographer, one of the things I love to do is customize every session for my clients. So if you have a special vision for your own little one’s photoshoot, it’s not Too Late Too Late. Get in touch and let’s start planning! I can’t wait to welcome you to the studio and capture those photos so that The Memory Remains as your little one grows!

One of the (Little) Boys in Blue | NY/NJ Newborn Photographer

I feel like it’s been a while since I posted a session on the blog, so I thought I’d share some baby pictures from this little man’s AMAZING newborn photo session! He was seriously so good for me and such a cutie! Loved that he halfway woke up during posing. Big stretch and yawn! And then that look of deepest suspicion. :) Gah!

Mom and Dad were the sweetest couple. I really like visiting with my clients and just getting to know them when they arrive. Helps put us all at our ease and makes the whole experience better. I feel like, if you’re trusting someone to capture these important moments, it should feel just as comfortable as going to a friend’s and having a chat!

Dad is a police officer, so of course we had to incorporate that into the session. You’re always welcome to bring meaningful items from home. Little touches like this really make your photos more personal and can reflect your family’s legacy and what’s important to you.

We went with blue, brown, and gray for the baby-only pictures. With our baby and parent images, we switched to a more neutral setup. I often recommend this for the family portion of your newborn photography session. Neutrals are way easier to mix and match, so the parents don’t have to stress as much about finding complementary outfits. Plus, neutrals are classic and timeless!

Loved getting to know this sweet couple and capturing the essence of this special time as they welcome their little one!

Newborn pictures really do capture the memories and emotions of this precious time in your lives. They are also one of the few things that become even more precious and valuable as the years go on. So if you are in the New York/New Jersey area and expecting a baby, get in touch and let’s schedule a time to capture those incredible memories!

Your Photo Session: Before and After

Being in the photography studio (or at a favorite outdoor location in the New Jersey/New York area) and posing for the camera is probably what comes to mind when you think of your photo session. But you also want to know what to expect before and after your photoshoot. Here’s the lowdown!

Before Your Photo Session

I want your shoot to be as successful as possible. To help you prepare and feel more relaxed about the whole thing, I’ll send you a prep guide prior to your session. This is a short but super helpful reference that will help you know what to bring or do in advance so you can have the best experience possible!

If you’ve booked a newborn session, I’ll also send you a questionnaire. This helps ME prepare for your baby pictures so they’re everything you hoped they would be!

And if you’ve booked a cake smash session (hopefully 4-5 months in advance!) then I’ll be spending lots of time before your session creating your custom set and finding the perfect outfit for your little one.

After Your Photo Session

With most photographers, you have to wait a few weeks before you can see your photos. Like other professionals, I am very meticulous and want everything to be perfect. But…I hate waiting, and I bet you do too! That’s why I send you your proof gallery on the SAME DAY as your session!

You’ll have 48 hours to select your favorite images from the proof gallery. Once I know which photos you want, I get to work editing your pictures right away and give them my full attention, so I can get them to you fast! My contract states that it may take up to 2 weeks to get your finished images to you, but honestly, that’s just in case of emergencies. In most cases, you’ll have your beautifully edited photos in just 1-4 days!

At this point, you’ll receive a final gallery with all your favorites—edited to perfection. All of the digitals are yours to keep, and your gallery is also linked to a storefront so you can easily purchase prints and products if you would like to.

It’s as easy as that! I make preparing for your photo session simple, and after the session I cut out as much of the wait time as possible. You should be able to enjoy your gorgeous pictures as soon as possible! If you’re looking for a professional photographer to capture your forever memories, I hope you’ll be in touch with Jennifer Parrello Photography! I’m conveniently located for families in both New Jersey and New York, and would be delighted to document these special moments for you!

How Do You Prep for a Newborn Photo Session?

If you’re getting ready for baby pictures you’re probably super excited! And you may have a few questions too. Fortunately, I’ve been a New Jersey newborn photographer for long enough that I have the session flow down pat and there’s really not a lot you need to do.

After you book your session I’ll send you my newborn photo session prep guide. This will go over all the little details of what’s helpful to bring and what you can do on the day of your session to ensure that you and your little one have the best possible experience. In the meantime, this blog post should give you a peek into what to expect and how to prep for a newborn photo session.

What to Bring to Your Newborn Session

If you’re a new parent, you’ll learn quickly that a few items are essential to bring anytime you’re going out with baby. Items that are helpful for a newborn photo session are really just some of the basics you’ll probably already have in your well-stocked diaper bag. They include:

·         Extra diapers and wipes

·         An extra couple of receiving blankets

·         Bottles of pumped breast milk or formula

·         A pacifier

How to Keep Baby Happy for Their Newborn Pictures

The other important thing is making sure baby is ready for camera time! Sleepy babies are the easiest to photograph, so that’s the goal. A good way to achieve this is to keep baby awake for about 45 minutes to an hour before their session. Playtime usually works great, but you can also do a bath if playtime just isn’t cutting it.

I also recommend feeding your little one shortly before the session so that we can get started right away when you arrive. A full belly will help them feel drowsy and they should hopefully fall asleep on the way to the studio.

Ready for Your Session?

And that’s pretty much it! Once you arrive at my New Jersey photography studio, I’ll take it from there. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and maybe snuggle with your little one if we’re doing family photos as part of your session.

If you have any other questions about how to prep for your newborn session, please be in touch! (And if you’re expecting, don’t wait to book! My schedule fills up fast and I recommend snagging a spot on the calendar at least 3-4 months before your due date.) Can’t wait to hear from you!

Best Newborn Photographers New Jersey

Starting your search for the best newborn photographers in New Jersey? Well hit the brakes—you’ve arrived!

In all seriousness, I can’t tell you if I’m the right baby photographer for you. That is a decision only you can make (although I’ve got some tips to help you here). But I can tell you that I live and breathe newborn photography, and I give 100% to each family who comes to my studio.

I don’t want to brag, but…ask any of my past clients and they will tell you that they loved their experience with me. (Which sends me over the moon every time!) There’s nothing mysterious about my approach though. If I had to boil it down, I’d say it comes down to a combination of passion, experience, and connection.

Passion

Have I mentioned that I LOVE babies? And not just babies—the whole family! Everyone who comes to me comments not just on my baby whispering skills, but on how comfortable they felt in the studio. I love meeting new people and getting to know them. It’s an honor to document these special memories for you. I truly view you as family, and I’ve created a comfy studio space where you can feel like you’re just hanging out at home, talking to a good friend.

Experience

I’ve been doing this for years (which is something you should always take into consideration when hiring a newborn photographer!) But I’m not just talking about the training and experience under my belt. I’m talking about your session experience. I want it to be AMAZING!

As a parent myself, I know that the most amazing thing is simply having everything taken care of for you. Which is why I provide everything you need. You literally just need to show up and relax. I have a beautiful sitting area with a coffee bar so you can chill…but honestly, most of my clients just come hang out with me in the shooting area because by that time we’ve gotten to chit-chatting about all kinds of fun things and we don’t want to stop!

Connection

My very favorite thing? When families come back to me again and again to capture special milestones. Because once we’ve had a session together, we are family! I want to watch your babies grow, chat with you about life, and be there for all the special memories. In a busy world like this, there is no replacement for slowing down, taking time to connect, and embracing the beauty of your life.

Best Newborn Photographers NJ

If you think the best New Jersey newborn photographers are the ones who combine artistry and professionalism with a healthy dose of fun, then we’re obviously soulmates and I’m so glad we found each other! Contact me here and let’s create some memories.