Meet Your Photographer: New Jersey Newborn and Baby Photographer

Hey there! I’m Jennifer Parrello, the face behind the camera here at Jennifer Parrello Photography. Yes, I know you’ve got the About page where you can get to know me a bit, but I wanted to jump on and introduce myself on the blog as well so you can learn a little more if you want to!

It’s super important to me that you know who I am and feel comfortable with me. Why? Because when you book a session with me you instantly become family in my eyes! I am capturing memories for you that will last generations, and I want us to connect and get to know each other! So, here goes!

About Jennifer Parrello

One of the reasons I decided to become a New Jersey photographer is because family is everything to me! I’ve been married for almost fourteen years. My husband and I now have three amazing kiddos…and a dog! My family are my favorite people to hang out with and I feel so lucky every day to share my life with them.

As far as personality goes, I am super outgoing and energetic and very much a people pleaser. I love making people happy and I’m never more satisfied than when I know I’ve made someone else’s day!

Aside from family and photography, a couple of my other passions are:

Softball! I played in college and continue to play in a women’s league now, and I also coach my oldest kiddo’s travel softball team. I love the camaraderie, the energy, and just the good clean fun of being part of a sports team.

Video games! I’ve been playing competitively since the late 90’s, so…yeah. If you’re into video games, we’re going to have a lot to talk about!

About Jennifer Parrello Photography

And now…to the business! Every photographer starts somewhere. For me, the journey began in 1999 when I took a photography class in high school. Photography looked a little different back then, let me tell you! I learned how to develop film in a dark room and that is where my love of photography began. I continued to photograph through the years because I enjoyed it, but it was always just a hobby.

It wasn’t until my oldest was born eleven years ago that I got more serious about photography. As a mom I found myself picking up the camera more and more because I now had an adorable model! Finally, I realized I could combine my love of kiddos and my love of pictures. I took the plunge, quit my job (teaching), and started my photography business full-time. One of the biggest and scariest decisions of my life, but also one of the best and most exciting! I have never looked back!

Let’s Get to Know Each Other

I absolutely love being a New Jersey photographer. As a mom of three myself, I can relate on so many different levels with my families. And I love kids! I know how much you want to hang on to not just the memories of your child, but the very essence of who they are right now. And that is what I’m here for!

I truly cannot wait to get to know you and to help you preserve these memories for yourself and your family. Are you excited yet? ‘Cause I am!

Photo by Twig & Olive Photography

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.

How to Choose the Right Photographer

With photography, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your family is unique, and your artwork should be too! But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know how to choose the right photographer for you. Here are the questions I recommend you ask as you search for the perfect photographer.

Do They Offer the Type of Session You’re Interested In?

Some photographers specialize in just a few types of portrait photography. Make sure you know what kind of pictures you want and that your potential photographer offers those sessions. Just because they do great family portraits doesn’t mean they can pull off an amazing cake smash!

Do They Have Training and/or Experience?

For newborn photography, training is crucial. (I’ve got more specific information on choosing a newborn photographer here.) Your photographer should be fully qualified in infant safety and posing, so be sure to check their credentials or ask if they’ve taken classes. And for any type of photography, the more experience your photographer has, the more likely it is that your session will go smoothly and your pictures will be exactly what you hoped for.

What Type of Photoshoot Experience Do They Offer?

Are you interested in a studio session? Want the photographer to travel to your home? Prefer outdoor photos? Check the kinds of experience a potential photographer offers to see if it matches what you’re looking for. You can also read reviews to see what other people are saying about their experience with that photographer.

Does Their Style Appeal to You?

Take a look at their gallery. Do they gravitate towards bright colors or neutrals? Do they use lighting equipment or rely on natural light? Are their portraits more posed and formal or do they go for lifestyle/candid shots? While some variety is good and indicates that they are willing to customize each session to fit client needs, there should also be elements of their style that are consistent, and that you can count on for your own photos.

Will Your Personalities Work Well Together?

You want your photo session to be a great memory in and of itself, so it’s worth learning a bit about your photographer to figure out if they’re the right photographer for you. Read their About page, follow them on Facebook or Instagram, or give them a call to get a better feel for their personality.

I hope these tips on how to choose the right photographer are helpful as you search for that perfect someone to capture your family’s memories. If you are considering Jennifer Parrello Photography for your portrait needs, I’m absolutely thrilled, and would love to answer any questions you may have! Please get in touch and let’s find out if we’re a great fit for each other!

Jennifer Parrello Photography Session Types

As a New Jersey photographer, I specialize in capturing baby’s first year, which means most of my sessions are either newborn or cake smash (to celebrate that big one-year mark!) I’ll admit, photoshoots with babies are my fave! But that doesn’t mean I don’t offer other options as well. Baby’s first year is only part of the picture, and I’m happy to capture your family’s memories no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Here's a quick peek into the different types of sessions you can book at Jennifer Parrello Photography:

Newborn

There is nothing like capturing those first precious days of infancy. I recommend booking your newborn session a few months in advance to guarantee availability. You can choose from a few different collections based on your needs and personal preferences. My newborn sessions last up to 3 hours, just to give us some wiggle room in case baby is fussy or needs a feed or diaper change at the studio. You’ll get to choose colors, props, etc. from my extensive studio collection!

Cake Smash

Possibly my favorite type of session! Cake smash sessions are also booked a few months in advance, to give me time to fully customize your setup (which can take 6-8 weeks). I create all the sets myself to ensure that you have a unique first birthday photoshoot and the flexibility to choose any theme you’d like! You’ll be able to choose a collection based on your wants and needs—we can even include family photos at your baby’s cake smash session.

Child and Family

Every age and stage is precious! If your family is past the babyhood stage, I would still love to help you create portraits documenting your journey together. I only offer a select number of family sessions each year, so if you’re interested in these, get in touch as soon as possible! While most of my sessions take place in my New Jersey photo studio, family sessions can also be done outdoors. I have many different locations I can recommend. We’ll probably schedule your session for an hour or two before sunset for optimal light. Again, I offer a few different collections. And yes, I do offer extended family sessions, which are very popular right now!

Headshot and Branding

I also offer basic headshot sessions, which are a really quick and easy way to update your business cards or web page. Headshot sessions only take 20 minutes and are super relaxed and fun! The package includes 2 digital images for a set price, and from there you can add on whatever you want.  

Whatever your portrait photography needs this year, I hope you’ll choose Jennifer Parrello Photography to capture those lasting memories. Please feel free to contact me for more details!

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 Choose a Newborn Photographer

How to Choose a Newborn Photographer

Need some advice on how to choose a newborn photographer? After seven years in the business, I know how important it is that you find the right match. As a mom, I also know that you have a ton on your plate! So before you type “newborn photography near me” into the computer and get overwhelmed with thousands of options, here are some tips to narrow down your search:

Tips for Choosing a Newborn Photographer

The Basics

You are putting the most precious thing in your life into someone else’s hands. So make sure those hands are experienced! Newborn photography is a highly specific art that requires training in newborn safety and posing as well as skill with a camera.

The Experience

What kind of an experience are you hoping for during the session? Does the photographer have a studio where you can relax while they provide all the cute props and setups? Are they okay with including other family members in the session? Think about how you want the session to feel, and see how photographers in your area align with that vision.

The Photos

There are so many styles of newborn photography! Take a look at your potential newborn photographer’s gallery. Some variety is good (and often indicates that they customize each session for their clients). But there should be elements of their style that are consistent and that you can count on seeing—and loving!—in your own finished photos.

The Photographer

How you feel about the photographer themselves is super important! Check out their About page. Do they sound like the kind of person you’d like to get to know better? Also, see what other people are saying about them. Reviews can be very revealing and give you more insight into what you can expect.

Before you even get started, take some time to jot down what you want in each of these areas. This will make the task of choosing your newborn photographer way easier. Knowing exactly what you’re looking for can simplify the search and make it even more exciting when you find exactly the right person to trust with your baby’s pictures!

5 Things to Bring to a Newborn Photo Session

There are so many adjustments as a new parent! One that you don’t always hear about? Remembering to pack that diaper bag with everything you’ll need! Don’t worry, you’ll get to the point where it will be a breeze, but usually your newborn photo session takes place in the first couple weeks of baby’s life—when you’re still getting used to being a parent. It’s okay, I’m here for you! Here are 5 things to bring to a newborn photo session that will make your session easy and relaxing.

Wipes and diapers. I know, seems obvious. But I have had instances where clients have forgotten this crucial duo. A fresh clean diaper makes for a happy baby, so be sure you have some extras packed for your session.

A pacifier. Even if you don’t normally use one, a pacifier can be really helpful if baby needs a distraction or a little something extra to settle down. I only use them for a few seconds at a time (if baby needs it), and I definitely recommend that this is one of the 5 things you should bring to your newborn photo session.

A receiving blanket or two. I like to use these to cover the baby during certain poses to help keep them cozy. Although I have blankets at my New Jersey photo studio, it’s nice for baby to smell the familiar scents of home on their very own blankie.

Extra bottles of milk. I’ll have you feed your little one right before you come, but sometimes baby needs a little top off during the session. An extra bottle of milk, whether formula or breast milk, can be just the ticket for soothing a fussy baby and getting them back to sleep.

Something to do. This is for you! Bring a book, tablet, coloring stuff—whatever fun thing you haven’t had time to do since bringing baby home. This is on my list of 5 things to bring to a newborn photo session because your baby’s session is time for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy some “me time.” You really don’t have to worry about a thing while you’re at the studio. I’ll take care of all of it!

Can’t wait to see you and your little one in my New Jersey newborn photo studio sometime soon! If you’re ready to book your session or would like more information you can fill out the contact form here and I’ll be in touch shortly.

When to Book Your Newborn Photography Session

If you’re expecting, let me be one of the first to congratulate you! And I really do mean one of the first—if you’re wondering when to book your newborn photography session, the answer is “now!” regardless of where you’re at in your pregnancy. A lot of times, your newborn photographer will know you’re getting ready to welcome a little one before family and friends do!

Why Book Your Newborn Photography Session So Early?

There are a couple of reasons it’s important to get your professional baby pictures scheduled as early as possible.

First, New Jersey newborn photographers book up fast! Sessions take time—not just in terms of the photo shoot itself, but also in sanitizing the studio, setting up before and cleaning up afterwards, and editing all of your photos to perfection. So most photographers limit the number of sessions they’ll do each month to give themselves time to give each client the detailed attention they deserve.

The second reason you should know when to book your newborn photography session is that we’ll want to get baby into the studio very soon after birth—usually within a couple of weeks. The best newborn pictures are so much easier to get when baby is still sleeping a lot and is also flexible enough for all those cute poses you see on Instagram.

If you’re worried about baby not arriving exactly on the due date, don’t be. As both a mom and a newborn photographer, I know better than anyone that babies live by their own schedules! I always allow wiggle room so we can adjust your little one’s session date as needed.

Didn’t jump on the baby picture bandwagon early enough? Reach out anyway! While I encourage booking early, I’m always happy to accommodate last-minute appointments whenever my schedule allows. Hope to see you and your baby in my New Jersey newborn photo studio soon!