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!

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.

Your Newborn Photography Session: What to Expect

Newborn photography sessions are one of my most popular session types. And one of my favorites too! I’ve done hundreds of these and have the process just about down to a science. But if you’ve never done a newborn shoot before you may have questions about how it’s all going to work. Here, I’ll give you a quick overview of what to expect at your newborn session. (Spoiler alert: You really don’t have to stress about it. I’ll walk you through every step before you get to the studio, and once you’re here, all you have to do is sit back and relax!)

Before You Come to the Studio

Once you’ve scheduled your date, I’ll send you my newborn prep guide, which goes over all the details of how you can prepare for your session. This includes ideas on what to wear, what to bring so we keep baby happy, and what to do on the day of the session itself so that you and your little one are feeling relaxed and ready. Seriously, if you have questions, the answer is probably in the prep guide! (You can get a little sneak peek on how to prep for your newborn session here.)

When You Arrive

When you get to the studio, your only job is to relax. My newborn sessions are totally stress-free. Really! I take care of everything. You don’t even have to get little one out of their carseat when you get to the studio. This is a time for you to sit back and watch memories being made. Just enjoy it!

During Your Newborn Photoshoot

To begin, I’ll get baby undressed (I keep my studio very warm and cozy) and then start with my posing workflow. I generally do baby-only poses first, then move on to baby photos with props, and wrap up with family poses if you choose to do that.

After Your Newborn Photography Session

I know you don’t want to wait any longer than necessary to see those adorable baby pics, so I work fast! I’ll send you your proof gallery right after the session and you’ll have 48 hours to select your favorites. I can’t wait to see which ones you choose!

Book Your New Jersey Newborn Photo Session

Do you have questions or are you ready to do this? Either way, drop me a line and let’s connect!

Newborn Girl Photoshoot | New Jersey Newborn Photographer

Samantha’s Newborn Girl Photoshoot

This newborn girl photoshoot was amazing! Little Samantha was the cutest thing ever and mom and dad even brought a couple of custom props with her name. I’m always up for incorporating special items from home during our time in the studio!

I can’t resist babies, especially when they’re this gorgeous (are you seeing that hair!?) but I’m all about getting to know the families too. As a New Jersey newborn photographer, I know that a photoshoot is about more than just the pictures. I want you to have a great experience and feel totally comfortable from start to finish. You can expect lots of chatting, laughter, and maybe some good 90s jams.

I loved chatting it up with this mom and dad and learning how they met (cutest love story) and felt such a connection with them. They were really the sweetest people, and I was so honored to capture the memories of this next step in their journey together: parenthood!

Mom and Dad were very open to the idea of a variety of props and colors for their little one’s newborn girl photoshoot, so we went to town! We used purple (I thought it would look great with Samantha’s coloring, and not to brag, but I was right!), several shades of pink (because how can you not with a baby girl?), and then the cutest plaid for baby pictures with parents.

I love that she woke up during our parent pictures. It was so fun to capture the interactions between mom, dad, and daughter. Loved spending time with this wonderful group!

Your New Jersey Newborn Photographer

Looking for a New Jersey newborn photographer? I combine a fun, energetic (and baby-besotted) personality with a warm and relaxing studio environment. The result? A newborn photoshoot that feels more like hanging out with friends than anything else. I’m already taking bookings into fall, and I want to see you! So reach out soon and let’s get together and make some memories!

How Long is a Newborn Session? | Jennifer Parrello NJ Newborn Photographer

How long is a newborn session with Jennifer Parrello Photography? Don’t ask me, ask your newborn. Haha, okay, I’m kidding…but only a little.

The Long…

Your newborn session can take up to three hours—that’s the amount of time I set aside when you schedule a newborn shoot with me. This is definitely the longest type of photo session I offer, because babies are unpredictable and sometimes these sweet little ones need a little extra soothing, a diaper change, or a break for feeding. And I don’t want you to feel rushed or stressed!

…and the Short of It

However, it’s important to note that your newborn session won’t necessarily be this long. No baby is the same when it comes to the length of the session. If your baby needs more snuggles or more frequent feeding, three hours gives us plenty of time to accommodate that. But if your baby sleeps like a dream and doesn’t make a peep the whole time (read my tips for how to make this scenario more likely to happen) you could be in and out of my New Jersey photo studio in an hour flat.

Your Newborn Session

When you schedule your newborn photography session, it’s not the time you’re paying for—it’s the forever memories. I never ever book more than one newborn session in a day, whether it takes one hour or three, because I want to give one hundred percent to you and your baby. We may use up all of your session time or you may be able to go home earlier than you anticipated, but either way, please be assured that you will have a wonderful experience and photos you can treasure forever.

For more about newborn photography, including when and how to book, how to plan your session, and what to bring, feel free to explore the blog! And as always, please contact me if you have any questions. I’m happy to help!

Newborn Photography Sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography

There is nothing better than having photos of your baby’s earliest days. That newborn stage is so precious—and it goes by SO fast! I love welcoming these tiniest of little ones to my studio, and am honored to be entrusted with documenting those amazing memories.

If you’re expecting a little one, here’s what you should know about newborn photography sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography:

When to Book Your Newborn Session

Early! I recommend booking a few months in advance to guarantee a spot on the calendar. This also makes it easier to get in shortly after baby is born, which is when we can get the cute curly poses. You can learn more about when and how to book your newborn session here.

How to Get Ready for Your Newborn Photography Session

Before your session, I’ll give you all the info you need to get ready, including how to help baby feel nice and sleepy at their session time, and what to bring. I customize each of my sessions, so you can also get ready by giving some thought to what colors and props you’d like to use.

What to Expect at Your Newborn Session

Honestly, expect to sit back and relax! You don’t even need to get baby out of the car seat at the studio—I’ll take care of all of that so baby stays as sleepy and calm as possible. Unless you’re participating in the pictures or your newborn needs to be fed, you can just chill with Netflix while I capture gorgeous images of your little one.

After Your Session

After you head home, I’ll spend time editing your images. Once they’re all picture-perfect, you’ll be able to choose your favorites and create your own collection of beautiful newborn pictures from your session—pictures you can treasure forever!

Are you excited?! I am! Can’t wait to welcome you and your little one to my New Jersey studio and help you capture those memories!

Beautiful Newborn Photography Session New Jersey

Oh my goodness, I can’t get over this precious baby girl and her beautiful newborn photography session! I was so excited to see this family again. I photographed big sister as a newborn almost three years ago now, and also did her cake smash session. I love when my little clients come back! It’s a chance for me to see how much they’ve grown and enjoy their fun personalities! We had such a wonderful time together during this session, full of love, laughter, and lots of snuggles!

Baby girl was an absolute DREAM. She slept the entire time, and we got so many great pictures that I had a hard time choosing just a few for this post. And watching baby girl and her older sister together—I can already tell they’re going to be BFFs! What a couple of cuties!

Mom wanted colors that would coordinate well with big sister’s newborn photos. (If you’re planning to put sibling photos together in an album or hang them on the same wall in the living room or nursery, it’s a great idea to make sure the colors/themes look good side by side.) We did all pink for first baby’s session, so we decided to include some pink and florals for the newest member of the family, as well as some deep purples and shades of berry. SO pretty! For whatever reason, purple isn’t a color that gets chosen much for baby girls, at least not at my studio, so I loved the chance to use a color I don’t often get to work with.

Hard to believe this was one of my last sessions for the year. Times goes by so fast—something I’m constantly reminded of as a newborn photographer. If you’re expecting a little one in the new year, I would love to help you document those precious memories. Be sure to book as soon as possible—I’m already scheduling into May!

How to Get Ready for Your Newborn Session

I love welcoming brand new little ones to my photography studio! I want to make sure you and your baby have the best possible experience when you choose me as your New Jersey newborn photographer, and I believe knowing what to expect goes a long way towards feeling prepared and relaxed when it comes time to capture those photos. So, here’s how to get ready for your newborn session!

What to Bring

Before your newborn session, you’ll want to get ready by packing a few items to make sure you’re prepared for any eventuality. Babies can be unpredictable, after all! I recommend bringing:

• Extra diapers and wipes in case of accidents. (This happens all the time, and everything at the studio is washable, so don’t worry!)

• At least 3 receiving blankets.

• A change of clothes for yourself. (Depending on baby’s mood, you may need to feed him/her at the studio, and again, accidents can happen! I want to make sure you have something clean and comfy to change into if needed so you can enjoy the full session.)

• Extra bottles of formula or pumped breast milk. (Newborn sessions last from 2.5 to 3 hours, which allows time for feeding during the session if baby gets hungry.)

• A pacifier. (Even if your baby doesn’t normally use one, a pacifier is super helpful if baby is fussy and needs some distraction.)

The Day of Your Newborn Session

We want baby to be sleepy at their session, so it’s a good idea to keep them awake for a while right before picture time.

About 45 minutes to an hour before you leave the house, keep baby awake with playtime or a bath.

About 20 minutes before you leave, feed them so they have a nice full belly.

When it’s time to go, dress baby in button-up or zip-up PJs (so it’s easy to change them at the studio.) Baby should fall asleep in the car on the way to the studio.

What to Expect at the Studio

When you get here, leave baby in their car seat. I’ll take the car seat from you and start getting baby ready. When you come in, you’ll hear white noise playing in the background, as this recreates a womb-like environment for baby and helps keep them calm. You’ll also notice that it feels tropical! I keep my newborn photo studio very warm to keep baby comfortable and sleepy. Dress in layers so you don’t get too hot!

And that’s it! Unless you’re participating in pictures or feeding baby, you can just sit back and relax with some bottled water and your favorite show on Netflix or Hulu while I capture images of your sleeping newborn.

Still have questions about how to get ready for your newborn session? Get in touch. I’m here for you! Can’t wait to see you and your newborn in the studio!

Sweet Newborn Boy Photography Session | New Jersey

We’re starting to feel a nip in the air here in New Jersey, but it’s always cozy in my newborn photography studio! While I’m loving helping folks gear up for December with some magical holiday photos, it was so fun to take a break and capture this sweet boy’s newborn photography session. Give me all the newborn snuggles!

One of the Boys in Blue

How cute is this little man? His daddy is a policeman, so of course we had to use a pint-sized policeman’s cap in our photoshoot. Gahhh! So adorable! It also tied in perfectly with the other shades of blue we were using, which looked so cozy with the gray and natural wood tones.

Mom loved wrapped images (and so did baby!) so we did lots of those. Most babies love to be swaddled, so these can be perfect if little one is a bit fussy—or not! This baby boy was the sweetest thing ever and did amazing for his newborn session. The wraps were purely aesthetic for this little guy!

The Importance of Booking Your Newborn Session Early

So glad I could spend some time with this little man in my studio even in the midst of all the holiday preparations. He’s a perfect example of why you want to book your newborn photography session nice and early! This gives me time to plan, so I can provide the customized session you’ve been dreaming of, and also guarantees you a place on my calendar—no matter what else is going on! If you’re expecting a baby in 2023, now is the time to get in touch with me! I would love nothing better than to welcome you and your precious bundle to my New Jersey newborn photography studio! Let’s make some memories!

Newborn and Family Photo Session | Baby Boy in Green

Everyone loves a sweet baby boy in blue—but how about green? I think it’s so fun when parents pick out less traditional colors that really match their style! Not that I don’t love the traditional blues and pinks too—because I totally do! (It’s babies, after all. They look great in anything!)

I was really excited to do this little guy’s newborn photography session since I know his family. They live locally and I was thrilled when they asked me to help them welcome baby number three (a boy, after two girls) with a session at my NJ photo studio.

His big sisters were the best with him! We dressed the girls in matching outfits (so perfect for big sisters that, yes, I provide these at the studio) and got the cutest shots with these three siblings together. We also did some beautiful backlit portraits of baby boy with mom and dad, as well as some family pictures.

For our baby-only newborn pictures, we played around with several different textures as well as some props to add height. The magic of digital photo editing software means that as a newborn photographer, I can create images of baby sitting or lying atop something, while in reality your little one is safely supported at all times.

While composite images are fun, I’ll admit that all I really need are those closeup detail shots—like those little lips and chin. Gah!

This was such a fun newborn photo session and I loved spending time with this absolutely adorable family. You know what I love even more though? That they live near me, so I’ll get to continue to see this little guy and his sisters as they grow!

Are you expecting? Congrats! I recommend booking your session as early as possible, so get in touch and let’s talk baby pictures!

NJ Newborn Photo Session | Police Baby

This new baby boy was so cute and just the sweetest! Loved his full head of hair and that look of intense concentration he had when he was asleep. Hey, sleeping is serious business! Especially, when, like this little guy, you have to devote more than half your day to it. (The amount of time newborns sleep is actually one reason I encourage parents to get their new baby in to my New Jersey photography studio nice and early. That sleepiness makes it easy to get all the adorable poses!)

Police Baby Pictures

Mom and Dad wanted all neutrals for this NJ newborn photo session—except, of course, for our police baby pictures! Dad is a police officer and wanted to incorporate that into the newborn photos. I thought it was a great idea! I love personalizing each and every photo session I do, and it makes it even more meaningful when parents come with ideas or items that are especially significant to their family. If you’re a first responder, I’d love to incorporate that into your little one’s baby pictures and help pass on that legacy of service to them!

Baby-Led Photo Sessions

We did lots of swaddle shots with this little boy, since that seemed to be his happy place! He let us get some tummy poses and bucket poses too though, so we were able to get a fun variety. I always make sure that my newborn photography sessions are baby-led. I want your session to be a fun and genuine experience for everyone—especially the new little star of the show!

Loved spending some time with this wonderful family! Mom and Dad were just the nicest people, and baby boy was a total sweetheart!

NJ Newborn Photographer

Looking for a NJ newborn photographer? I love serving families throughout New Jersey, and would love to welcome you and your little one to my comfy studio, so get in touch today and let’s start planning! You’ll love your experience—check out what others have to say here!

NJ New Baby Photography

It was great to see this beautiful family again—this time for some NJ new baby photography! I photographed big sister’s one year cake smash session a few years ago (she’s gotten so big!) and have also been their family photographer for all their holiday photo sessions. I’m already booking those again this year, by the way, so be sure to get on the schedule before it fills up!

Two Beauties

This newborn girl had so much amazing dark hair. I absolutely loved it! We did lots of pinks and creams for her colors, and the contrast with that gorgeous brown hair was picture perfect! What a gorgeous little gal. We also made sure to get some new baby and sibling photos with big sister. It’s always so fun to see my little clients back in my New Jersey photography studio when they’re not so little anymore. I love seeing how much they’ve grown and getting to know their personalities. Big sister was the best helper and clearly very proud of “her” new baby. I think these two sisters are going to look a lot alike, don’t you?

Outfit Fun

We kept most of this NJ new baby photography session pretty girly, but it never hurts to throw some variety in there too. In this case, the family are Star Wars fans (who isn’t!) and so we decided to do something fun to incorporate that. Don’t you love that little crocheted light saber and Jedi outfit? Cutest Padawan learner ever!

Baby girl was so good for me. She slept like a dream and really was just an angel throughout the entire session. I love every single one of my sessions as a professional newborn photographer, but when they’re super easy like this it’s even better! Loved spending some time with this sweet family and I hope I’ll see them again in the studio before too long!

Best New Jersey Newborn Photography

This was the best New Jersey newborn photography session! We had so much fun together! This was my first time meeting this sweet family, and I fell in love with them immediately. Just the nicest, most amazing people—and with the cutest little boy ever! He was so adorable, and slept like a dream for me.

Best New Jersey newborn photography, Photo collage of baby boy in studio with parents

Stars Wars

As I’m sure you can tell from the pictures, this mom and dad (and Grandpa too!) were big Stars Wars fans. We included “Baby Yoda” in their session and they even brought a Star Wars quilt too. I love the personal touch, which is why every one of my newborn photo shoots is different from the next. Each one is fully customized so it reflects the personalities and tastes of my clients. And while I have lots of props and fun stuff in my West Milford NJ photography studio, parents are always welcome to bring special items from home to make their photos even more unique and individual.

Of course, it wasn’t all Star Wars. We also made sure to get some more classic baby shots that will make beautiful home décor, gifts, or memories for an album. Deciding how to use your newborn pictures is one of the many fun decisions you’ll get to make!

Personalized baby photography NJ, Star Wars theme baby boy photo session with parents

Newborn Photographer NJ

Speaking of decisions: If you’re expecting, I hope you’ll get in touch with me so you can learn more and decide if my services are right for you. Some of the things that allow me to provide the best New Jersey newborn photography are my passion for capturing that brand new stage of life, my experience with newborns, attention to detail and commitment to customizing every session, and a studio that has absolutely everything you’ll need! I hope to see you and your little one there soon!