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!

Different Types of Photo Sessions | Northern New Jersey Photographer

Just wanted to post a quick update on the different types of photo sessions I offer here at Jennifer Parrello Photography. As a New Jersey photographer I specialize in capturing baby’s first year, which means most of my sessions are newborn and cake smash—which works out well since they’re my absolute favorite! I love working with babies! But I also offer lots of other types of photoshoots so we can capture your family’s memories at every stage of life.

Here’s a quick peek into the different types of photo sessions you can book with Jennifer Parrello Photography:

Baby’s First Year NJ Photographer

Maternity Sessions

Before baby even arrives, let’s capture that exciting stage of pregnancy! You can choose from studio or outdoor options depending on what feels comfortable for you and how many people you’re inviting to join in.

Fresh 48 Sessions

We can create beautiful, intimate birth photos right at the hospital. Fresh 48 sessions are perfect for remembering every moment of those precious first hours with your little one.

Newborn Sessions

There’s no better place for newborn photos than in my comfy New Jersey photography studio! With hundreds of props and outfits to choose from (plus a place for Mom and Dad to relax while I do what I do best) you can create forever portraits of your little bundle that will last long after babyhood is over.

Cake Smash Sessions

Celebrate the big one-year mark with a special cake smash session! I go all out and customize every single one of my cake smashes so you can have a theme and style that’s totally unique to you. (I love doing custom cake smashes so much that I also offer cake smash mentoring for other photographers who are wanting to

Milestone and Sitter Sessions

There are so many other moments that you’ll want to hold on to forever. We can book a milestone or sitter session to capture any and all of those wonderful in-between stages as baby grows.

Northern NJ Family and Professional Photographer

Other Types of Photo Sessions

In addition to documenting all the big moments in baby’s first year, I also offer limited family sessions, specialty sport photos, and headshot and branding sessions. Family sessions usually take place outdoors, so I hold these only during months when the weather is nice. (My West Milford studio is the perfect size for intimate photos, but it’s a little too cozy for big groups!) And be sure to keep an eye out for my holiday and Santa mini sessions. I offer these on just a few select dates in October/November and they are always so much fun!

Whatever stage of life you’re in, and whichever of the different types of photo sessions you’re considering, I’d love to capture those memories for you! Please get in touch for more details. Can’t wait to hear from you!

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 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!

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!

NJ Newborn Photo Session | Police Baby

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

Police Baby Pictures

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

Baby-Led Photo Sessions

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

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

NJ Newborn Photographer

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

Bergen County Newborn Photographer | Baby Boy and Family

I was excited to be the Bergen County newborn photographer for this sweet baby and his family! Although Mom and Dad wanted a few baby-only and prop photos, they wanted most of our session to focus more on baby pictures that incorporated the rest of the family too. I think this is great! The arrival of a new little one is the perfect time to get updated family pictures that record this amazing change. And one of my favorite things about photographing newborns with family is that I get to record those brand new relationships.

Big Bro with Little Bro

Including older siblings in newborn photos is always fun…and usually unpredictable! Some kids love being in pics with their new little brother or sister, and others really don’t want anything to do with it. Luckily for all of this, this big brother was a dream! He clearly adored his baby brother and was happy to snuggle and kiss him. (If you feel like your kiddo may be a reluctant participant in photos, it sometimes helps to practice poses like cuddles and kisses at home with a baby doll or teddy before baby arrives. And hey, if all else fails, there’s nothing wrong with bribery!)

Personal Props

Most of the props we used were from my New Jersey photography studio, but Mom and Dad brought an Emerson Police Academy shirt to use as well, in honor of a family member. Personal items like this are always a wonderful touch, and I definitely encourage you to bring heirlooms or other treasured items to make your photos even more special and meaningful.

Book Your New Jersey Newborn Photo Session

Ready to book your own newborn photography session? The earlier you book, the better, so get in touch as soon as possible! I can’t wait to start planning your session!

Baby Boy Photo Session with Heirlooms from Grandparents

Including Grandparents in Your Newborn Photo Session

This little guy was such a sweetie. And his baby boy photo session was even more special because it included heirlooms from the grandparents. I love including family members in a newborn photography session. But often it just isn’t a possibility to have everyone in the studio that you’d like to—sometimes just because of distance or logistics, and sometimes because we have family members who have passed on. Including heirlooms is a great way to include grandparents or others who can’t be at the session in person for whatever reason.

Stars, Stripes, and Snuggles

This family wanted to represent their son’s grandpas on both sides (he’s actually named after his grandpa too!) and I loved the creative ways they came up with! Mom had an adorable teddy bear made with one grandpa’s plaid shirt, which I think is the best idea ever. And baby boy’s other grandpa was born on the fourth of July, so an American flag made perfect sense!

Both the American flag and the plaid teddy also went perfectly with our blue and white color scheme. I guess it was meant to be! Combined with some of my many studio swaddles and props, these fun reminders of grandpa made such a great theme for this baby boy’s newborn photo session!

This lil darling was absolutely adorable, slept great for me, and had the best squishy cheeks! I’m so glad his family chose me as their New Jersey newborn photographer to capture these irreplaceable memories!

New Jersey Newborn Photography

If you’re looking for newborn photography in New Jersey, nothing would make me happier than to welcome you to my comfy studio! We’ll customize everything just for you so you can have perfect photos of your little one to treasure forever. And if you’re still shopping, that’s fine too! I even have some tips on how to choose a newborn photographer that can help you in your search. Feel free to get in touch with any questions!

Baby Boy | New Jersey Newborn Photographer

Oh so cute! I loved being the New Jersey newborn photographer for this sweet baby boy. I did mom’s maternity pictures when she was pregnant with him, and I’ve been looking forward to meeting the little man ever since. He was everything I hoped and more! Such a sweetie!

Earthy Newborn Session

I love the dark colors mom and dad picked out for these baby pictures. Lots of black, deep browns and grays, and a little splash of color with some green and blue. It gave our photos a very deep, earthy feel that is great for a little boy.

Smile!

I also love when babies give me funny little expressions or smiles during their newborn photography session. This guy gave me a couple of adorable half-smiles in his sleep—aren’t those cute?—and I had my camera at the ready! We also got some closeup details shots of that precious face, because, um…look at it!

I had such a great time capturing memories of this precious baby boy and his parents! He did a wonderful job for me and was just so fun to snuggle and pose. I know these photos of his very first days will be a treasure to him and his parents always. Congratulations to this growing—and beautiful—family!

Maternity and Newborn Photographer in New Jersey

Are you expecting? I’m absolutely thrilled for you! If you’re planning on doing newborn pictures with me (and I highly recommend newborn pictures—that new baby stage goes by so quickly!), ask me about doing maternity photos as an add-on. I offer these for a very special price when you book a newborn session at the same time. It’s the perfect way to capture both your pregnancy and your new little bundle of joy! Can’t wait to meet you and your little one!

Newborn Girl | New Jersey Photography

Newborn Girl Photo Session

What’s the saying? “Sugar and spice and everything nice—that’s what little girls are made of.” That was definitely true of this this newborn baby girl—with an extra spoonful of sugar thrown in! She was just the sweetest. I’m pretty sure she loved being photographed because she was so good about it! She slept pretty much the entire time, and wasn’t the least bit bothered by outfit changes or new poses. And so snuggly! (Baby snuggles are one of the many reasons I love being a newborn photographer!)

Posed Newborn Sessions

We kept most of our setups pretty simple—with lots of pink! Posed sessions have a lot of flexibility, so it’s really up to you if you want lots of props or if you prefer to keep it simple with just one or two. We can also include family pictures or keep the whole session focused on baby. Baby girl looked so cute in flower crowns that we ended up choosing several of those. I still can’t decide which one I like best—what do you think?

New Jersey Newborn Photography

I hope you’ve enjoyed the photos from this session! If you’re looking for New Jersey newborn photography, please get in touch! When you choose Jennifer Parrello Photography you can be assured that it will be a great experience from start to finish. From your consultation (where we’ll figure out how I can customize your session to exactly match your preferences) through the session itself (prepare to sit back and relax in my cozy West Milford photo studio while I take care of everything) and all the way up to the moment when you see your beautifully edited baby pictures, I’m here for you every step of the way!

5 Things I Love About Being a Newborn Photographer

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Since it’s all about sharing the love today, I wanted to share 5 things I love about being a newborn photographer!

5 Things I Love About Being a Newborn Photographer

I Love Memories

Photos and memories play such a huge role in my own life. When I take pictures of these brand new babies, it’s amazing to think that this artwork will be cherished and passed on, possibly for generations. What an honor to capture these forever memories!

I Love Being Creative

If you’ve followed my work you know that I love the creative side of being a New Jersey newborn photographer! I want to make each session special. That’s why I provide an initial consultation so I can get an accurate picture of what you want. I have so much fun customizing setups in the studio, knowing that each one is totally unique to you and your baby.

I Love People

I am such a people person! Getting to meet someone new makes my day, and creating genuine relationships with my clients is a huge priority for me. I always tell parents to reach out anytime! Questions, concerns, ideas—I want to hear it all! I’m always available to chat about your newborn session!

I Love Snuggles

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that newborn photographers are in it for the snuggles! Is there anything better than that new baby smell? I don’t think so. Babies are so precious, and I can promise that I will care for your newborn like they were my own—and love every minute of it!

I Love the Challenge

Newborn photography can be challenging, but that’s actually one of my favorite things about it. Every single baby is so different, every family is unique, and every session holds an element of surprise. The challenge is part of what makes my job magical, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What Do You Love?

I hope these 5 things I love about being a newborn photographer have helped you get to know me a little better! How about you? What do you love about being a parent? About getting ready to have a baby? About your newborn pictures? I’d love to hear all about it!