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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Choosing Props for Your Newborn Session

If you’re expecting a new little one, I’m guessing you’ve spent a fair bit of time scrolling through photo inspiration on social media. Isn’t it fun to see all those adorable babies with those cute props and setups? But, if you’re choosing props for your own newborn session, it might start to feel a little overwhelming too. How can you possibly decide?

Planning Your Newborn Session

Planning a newborn session is so much fun, and I want to make sure that the setups I create are in line with your vision. I also want to keep things as simple as possible for you. So rather than have you show up for your session and be faced with choosing from my (kind of huge!) collection of newborn props, I’ll send you a questionnaire prior to your session which will help me plan the perfect session for your baby.

Gathering Inspiration

Before filling out the questionnaire, I recommend that you spend some time scrolling through my Facebook and Instagram pages to see what you like. You’re welcome to send me inspiration photos too! One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is the color scheme you’re going for. I have swaddles, hats, and headbands in every color you can imagine, so the sky is the limit! As you’re planning your colors, just make sure that they fit well with wherever they’ll be displayed (nursery, living room, etc.)

Choosing Props

If you have any specific prop requests, let me know! Otherwise, I’m happy to choose the props for you based on your color scheme and what I think will work well for you. I do three props poses during a newborn session, so parents often find it’s easier to just give me a general idea (like, “We love bucket poses!”) and let me make a selection from there. That way you don’t have to stress about decision-making, but you can feel confident that you’ll end up with images you love!

I can’t wait to help you create the perfect session for your new little one! From choosing props for your newborn session to making sure baby is comfy cozy during the photoshoot itself, I’m here to make this a relaxing and beautiful experience for you! Contact me today to book your spot for next year!

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!

Booking Your NJ Newborn Photography Session ~ When and How

There’s so much to think about when you’re getting ready to welcome a new member of the family. If booking your NJ newborn photography session is one of the things on your list (and I hope it is—there is nothing better than having pictures of your little one in all their adorable newness) than you’re probably wondering when to book and how to go about it. I got you. Here’s what you need to know!

When to Book Your Newborn Photo Session

As far as the when, I love babies at any age, so I’m not going to say you have to book by any specific time in your pregnancy. That said, newborn pictures are easiest when baby is brand new and still sleeping a lot, so you’ll want to book your session as soon as possible (and while you’re still pregnant.)

Why Book Early?

There are several reasons for booking your NJ newborn photography session early:

Sleepy babies make for relaxed newborn photo sessions—which is the experience I want you to have! And brand-new babies usually sleep a ton and aren’t as likely to be disturbed by outfit changes as older babies. Win-win.

Newborn photography is one of the most popular types of portrait photography there is. As a NJ photographer who specializes in capturing babies through their first year of life, my schedule fills up fast! I also customize all of my sessions. Making your session exactly what you’ve dreamed of takes extra time, and booking your session early ensures you a place on my calendar.

Babies don’t always stick to schedules. You may think baby is going to arrive on such-and-such a date, but the little one may have other plans. The last thing you want is to be stressed out about baby pictures when your little bundle is delivered earlier or later than expected. I allow some wiggle room in my schedule so that even if baby decides to surprise us, we’ll still be able to do your session.

Forgot to Book Your NJ Newborn Photography Session Early?

Get in touch anyway! While I can’t guarantee a spot, it never hurts to check, and I’m always happy to accommodate last-minute bookings if my schedule allows.

How to Book Your Session

If you’re ready to book your NJ newborn photography session, or just want to learn more, it’s as easy as filling out this quick and easy form. I’ll be in touch as soon as possible to discuss all the details. Can’t wait to help you document these precious memories with your little one!

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!

Baby Girl Photo Session in Studio

Okay, people. This is a lot of cuteness, so brace yourselves! (Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)

Seriously, baby Annabelle was adorable and a total dream to photograph! I did her parents’ maternity session, so I’ve known for a while that she would be coming to the studio and have been looking forward to it! She was so good. Slept like an angel—which was great except that it made her newborn photo session zip by faster than I would have liked! Could have spent all day with this sweet baby girl. She even gave me some of those cute, sleepy baby smiles. (As a New Jersey newborn photographer, those are kind of what I live for!)

We did a pretty color scheme of pink, white, and gray. She loved being swaddled, so—since my goal is to keep baby happy while we capture your beautiful images—we did lots of wrapped shots. I love these anyway. A precious baby bundle is pretty much the best thing ever!

Mom and Dad also chose to get some family shots with their new arrival, which I definitely recommend! They are a super sweet family and it was such a treat to create those baby pictures with all of them together. I love it when my newborn clients first book a maternity session with me! It allows us to get to know each other better, and it’s so special to have pictures at each stage of your baby’s journey—including when you were still anticipating their arrival!

It was so fun to spend a couple of hours in my cozy Passaic County newborn photo studio with this precious baby girl and her parents. I’m really hoping she’ll be coming back to see me in a year for a cake smash! Love watching these little ones grow!

When to Book Your Newborn Photography Session

Are you expecting? I’m so stoked! Seriously, I absolutely LOVE babies, and I know how important it is to have photos documenting that precious newborn stage. That’s why I want to make sure you know when to book your newborn photography session—so you can get it all lined up and not have to stress about whether you’ll be able to get on the schedule once baby arrives.

The Earlier the Better

You definitely want to book your newborn photoshoot while you’re still pregnant. And if you’re wondering where on the continuum—let’s just say it’s best to be closer to the “OMG, I’m pregnant!” side of things rather than the “This baby is coming any day now” side.

Why It’s Important to Book Your Newborn Photo Session Early

The biggest reason is that newborn photographers are always busy! Because it’s important to choose a professional for both safety and aesthetic reasons, newborn photos are one of the most popular kinds of photography out there. And most newborn photographers only take a limited number of sessions per month, because they know that aside from the session itself, they also need to give themselves enough time to edit your images so that they’re exactly what you’ve hoped for.

Another reason you should book your session early is that babies only stay little for so long. We want to capture them in that brand new stage, while they’re tiny, sleepy, and still extra flexible, so we can get those adorable poses. And ideally, that means getting baby to the studio within the first couple weeks after birth.

The third major reason I encourage booking early is that babies don’t always stick to a schedule—especially when it comes to their arrival date! Most newborn photographers, myself included, make sure to leave some flexibility in their schedules so that if baby arrives late or early it’s easy to adjust their session date accordingly.

What If I’m Super Late in My Pregnancy, or Baby is Already Here?

I’m not just a New Jersey newborn photographer—I’m also a mom myself. So I know that when you’re expecting a baby, you’ve got a lot on your mind! If you’ve left booking a little late, don’t hesitate to reach out anyway. Booking early is certainly best, but I’m always more than happy to work in last-minute appointments if my schedule allows. It never hurts to check!

Again, congratulations on your new little one! I hope you to see you both in my NJ photography studio soon!

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!