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!

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!

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!

When to Book Your Photo Session

If you’re coming up on one of those exciting life events, like expecting a baby or getting ready to celebrate your little one’s first birthday, you’re probably wondering when to book your photo session. My shooting schedule fills up very quickly, so I want to make sure you know the best times to book so you can plan ahead and not have to deal with the stress and disappointment of not being able to find a photographer who can accommodate you!

While some sessions aren’t super time-sensitive, there are a few (like newborn, maternity, cake smash, and holiday pictures) that have a limited window for perfect photos. Let’s take a quick look at each of them:

When to Book Your Newborn Session

Babies only stay little for so long. My favorite time to capture newborn photos is when they’re between 7 and 21 days old. I’ve taken photos of babies as old as 6 weeks, but I don’t necessarily consider those to be newborn pictures. If you don’t get baby in before they’re 4 weeks old, it makes it a lot more difficult (and sometimes impossible) to get certain poses. Plus, baby probably won’t be as sleepy and cooperative!

Because you really do want to have newborn pictures taken right away (and because I only take a limited number of newborns each month) I recommend booking your session at least 3-4 months before your due date.

When to Book Your Maternity Session

If you’re pregnant, the best time to capture images of that beautiful bump is right around the 30-35 week mark. We want your belly to be nice and big, and for you to still be comfortable enough to enjoy your photoshoot. And we don’t want to get too close to the due date because babies sometimes decide they’re ready NOW!

With these considerations in mind, I recommend booking your session about 2-3 months before that ideal 30-35 week window.

When to Book Your Cake Smash Session

Another type of session you’ll want to book early is a cake smash! Honestly, the earlier the better with this one, because I create your custom set completely from scratch and it takes at least 6-8 weeks to create your unique setup. I also like to photograph baby about 3-4 weeks prior to their first birthday. So, once your baby gets to be about 6 months old, hop on the phone and let’s start planning their milestone celebration!

What About Holidays?

I usually hold my holiday sessions in October and November so you can have pictures in time for Christmas cards and gifts. But you’ll want to be thinking about scheduling your session well before then! I announce my holiday sessions in July and they sell out FAST! If you haven’t done it already, be sure you get in touch for one of my magical holiday sessions later this year.

I hope this information helps you in planning your photoshoot. If you have any questions, get in touch sooner rather than later! I want to capture those beautiful memories and can’t wait to reserve a spot for you on my calendar!

New Jersey Photography Studio: A Quick Tour

As a parent, you learn pretty quickly just how important environment is for a happy kiddo! Babies are all about comfort, and I am behind that 100%! I’ve designed my New Jersey photography studio to be a cozy place where both babies and parents can relax and feel comfortable. If that sounds like the place for you, read on for a quick peek into my studio.

Studio Location

My photography studio is located in West Milford, NJ. And it’s okay if you’ve never heard of West Milford. :) We’re a pretty small town, with a relaxed and friendly vibe, just like my studio! And even though it has the small-town feel, West Milford is also located within easy driving distance of larger cities like New York, Hoboken, and Jersey City. A lot of my clients come from busy towns and love the warm and friendly atmosphere when they visit me.

Family-Friendly Vibe

My work as a baby photographer is very family-focused, and I want every member of the family to feel at home during their time in my space. I have a seating area with TV and some toys for siblings so that everyone can enjoy the time while we’re working with baby. Parents can relax with some coffee or tea while older siblings play or watch a show.

Designed for Memories

From the studio space itself (with my collection of props and different walls for shooting) to the family area (which provides a much-needed chance for parents to unwind), I’ve designed my studio to be the perfect place for making and documenting memories. When you bring your little one to my studio it’s more like getting together with a friend than anything else. I love hanging out with my clients and chatting like we’re family!

What do you think? If you’re ready to experience the studio for yourself, you can book your session here. I would love to welcome you to this special haven I’ve created for babies and families. We are going to have so much fun together!

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: The Best Baby Shower Gift

Trying to find the right gift for an expecting mother can be tough. Baby clothes? Fun to shop for, but outgrown in the blink of an eye. Diapers? Practical, but a little boring. Nursery furniture? Um…what was their color scheme, again? Don’t worry, there’s no need to keep searching. I’ve got the perfect present for every mom right here. Gifting a newborn photoshoot is easy for the giver—and thrilling for the recipient! Learn more about why newborn photography makes the best baby shower gift!

Meaningful

While stuffed animals are cute and a diaper bag is super practical, nothing is as meaningful as memories. To have beautiful photos of their new little one—memories they can hold onto as their little one grows—is truly the best gift any new parent can receive!

Lasting

Newborn clothes are adorable…but baby will outgrow them in a matter of weeks. Newborn photos, on the other hand, are a gift will stand the test of time! Parents won’t believe how fast that little bundle grows up. But with professional newborn photography, they will have all the details of those precious first days to treasure forever.

Surprise!

One of the things that makes newborn photography the best baby shower gift is that it’s almost always a surprise. (I love surprises!) Professional newborn photos are something every new parent would love, but that few would think of adding to their registry. If you love gifting the unique and unexpected, then newborn photography is the best baby shower gift!

How to Gift a Newborn Photoshoot

If you’d like to gift a newborn photography session, please get in touch! I offer gift certificates that can be purchased in any amount and put towards the cost of a session, so if multiple people want to get in on the fun, we can absolutely do that! Just give me a call or contact me here and we’ll go over all the details.

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!