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.

Little boy holding his baby sister and smiling

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.

Two little boys lying on a white rug next to their baby sister and grinning happily

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!

 

Child and Family Photography Sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography

Child and family photography sessions are so important! And every age and stage is precious. Some people tend to save professional photography for big events, like holidays, birthdays, or weddings. But what about all the moments in between?

I’m a big believer in the idea that moments are fleeting and memories need to be captured along the way. And I don’t know of any better way to do that than with a family photo session!

While newborn and cake smash sessions usually take place in the studio, there’s a little more flexibility when working with groups and with kiddos who are past the infancy stage. So, while we can certainly do your family pictures in the studio, we also have the option to enjoy the great outdoors! I like to schedule outdoor family shoots for an hour or two before sunset so we can get the best light possible.

Mother kissing son as an example of child and family photography sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography

If you’re wondering what constitutes a child or family photography session, a lot of that is up to you. I can capture portraits of just one child, do a mommy-and-me session, your immediate family, or a big extended family session. All will take about the same amount of time (usually around an hour), and will provide you with beautiful images! I offer multiple collections so you can choose the best fit for your family.

Above all, I want your child and family photography sessions to be fun! Your session should be a great memory in and of itself, so I’ll make it genuine and real so your portraits reflect how truly unique and beautiful your family is!

If you’d like to learn more about extended family photo sessions, find out why mommy-and-me sessions are so great, or need to help deciding what to wear for your family pictures, I’ve got you covered! And of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! Can’t wait to hear from you!

Baby Boy Blue | New Jersey Newborn Photography

This year has been so crazy. Although in some ways it feels like it’s been incredibly long (especially when I look back at all the changes that have happened with the coronavirus), in other ways it seems like it’s flown by so fast—like when I realize I did these newborn photos back in June!

Northern New Jersey Newborn Photographer baby boy wrapped in blue

We had actually scheduled this newborn photography session for April…but with all the COVID shutdowns and precautions we had to delay for a few weeks. Little guy was ten weeks old by the time he finally made into my northern New Jersey photography studio. Photographing older newborns can present some special challenges: older babies tend to be more wakeful, and they’re not quite as flexible as brand new babies, so some of the cute newborn poses just aren’t possible after those first couple of weeks. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still get beautiful pictures!

Even though he was older, this little man was still a wonderful sleeper. Lucky parents! He was so good for me, and such a chunk! I loved those rolls and chubby cheeks!

Some of the most popular poses for newborn photography involve swaddles and wraps. Fortunately, wrapped poses are easy to do even with babies who are two or three months old. We decided to do lots of swaddles so we could still get that newborn look even though we’d had to delay our session. I think it turned out great!

I’m so glad we were able to work things out so that we could still capture memories of this sweet little boy. Love the images we were able to create. He was such a sweetheart!

Newborn Photography New Jersey, baby boy photo session

NJ Newborn Pictures

If you’re interested in professional newborn photography for your little one, I hope you’ll contact me! My cozy studio in northern New Jersey is the perfect place for you and your new baby to have a comfortable and memorable session. I would love to help you capture memories of your precious bundle!

Baby Boy J's Studio Newborn Session | Northern New Jersey Newborn Photographer

Baby Boy J was born right around Christmas and he joined my in our studio located in Hewitt, about 3 weeks later for an amazing session. We had everything out for mom and dad to choose from… Whether is would be something grey, blue or cream, and they decided to go with a nice light blue and cream.

He arrived quietly sleeping and I couldn’t wait to start cuddling him and start the session right away.

He snuggled in pretty well and preferred to be wrapped right away. How can you blame him, to be nice and snuggled up in a warm and fuzzy wrap.

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After doing a variety of poses it was time to unwrap this little squish and get some adorable photos unwrapped. He just loved being wrapped, but he did fall asleep not long after and we got some adorable shots!

He was such the perfect little guy! I loved creating these memories for his mom and dad. <3

I am so happy they chose Jennifer Parrello Photography, LLC. to capture these amazing memories.

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Ready to book your Newborn Session? Contact us here!

Valentine's Day is almost here! - Northern New Jersey Newborn, Child & Family Photographer

I will be the first to admit I just never really celebrated Valentine's Day.  Growing up it was just another day to me and even in to my college years I felt the same way.  This all ended when I had little ones of my own.  Now, no matter the holiday, big or small.... it is huge to my girls.  They think it is the best thing ever.  Seeing the look on their face and in their eyes when my oldest writes out her cards to her friends is just adorable and pure.  Gosh, now that Valentine's Day is tomorrow, I can't wait to see the look on my girls' faces when they wake and get in their cute outfits.  When my oldest gets home from school to show me all of her cards from her friends.... <3

This little cutie was photographed back in the fall and couldn't help but post it today... maybe its the color of her outfit which reminded me of Valentine's Day or was it the pure, innocent and captivating look in her eyes that she will get to have the same joy as my girls' do on holidays.  

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Pregnancy Announcement and Family Session. <3 - Northern New Jersey Newborn, Child and Family Photographer.

This family had one big announcement for everyone. . .  Baby #2 was on the way!  Big brother had to announce the big news too!

Wenzel Family Session - Northern New Jersey Family Photographer - West Milford

Oh how I love my job.  Spent some time with this momma and her littles for some fun in a field chasing "dinosaurs" and "spaceships".  I think they might of had some fun. . . What an awesome family session! 

Extended Family Session in Northern NJ

I had the absolute please of meeting this beautiful extended family 2 weeks ago.  They wanted to have a family session before some members of the family moved away.  Well, they were such an amazing family to meet and work with!  Here are some shots from that day. 

Baptism session with a beautiful family!

Had an amazing session with this gorgeous family.  This little guy was baptized in Spain and his family decided to have a session when they came back to the states.  Also, his outfit was incredible and custom from Spain.  LOVE!!!

A Wonderful 1st Birthday Session!

Nothing better than turning the big ol' 1!  Such an exciting time for families and for the birthday girl/boy as well.  This birthday girl absolutely LOVED hanging out and getting her photos taken.  Her big brother wasn't camera shy either.  <3

Summer Lifestyle Session

Gosh, I love the summertime and everything that goes along with it.  Just the relaxed atmosphere, the sun shining and all of the amazing things that summer brings about.  I had this amazing lifestyle session and boy was it perfect. 

New Years Eve Baby Girl Session (12-31-15)

Better late than never!

New Years Eve morning I had the privilege of photographing a gorgeous 9 day old baby girl and her beautiful family.  Baby girl "R' basically slept the entire time and was so content the few hours I was there.  Her "fur sister" even got in on some of the shots!  What an amazing way for me to end my year.  Enjoy!  

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