Floral Boho Cake Smash Photography Session | New Jersey Photographer

Happy Birthday Photo Session

Happy birthday, baby girl! I loved working with this little cutie. She was super sweet, but a little shy, so I pulled out a few of my baby whisperer tricks! Not all babies are sure about being in front of the camera, but I have lots of experience helping them to feel comfortable, and it usually isn’t too long before they warm up to the idea. Creating a welcoming environment for you and your baby is a top priority for me, and my clients have commented on my patience and ability to help kiddos feel relaxed and calm during their session.

Floral Boho Cake Smash Setup

We created a boho floral setup for this baby girl’s one year baby pictures. The flowers, greenery, and lights (plus some fun mushroom and bunny props) were the perfect combination for spring baby photos. In addition to this boho floral cake smash photography session, Mom and Dad chose the optional add-on for sitter milestone pictures and photos with parents. You always have the option to do just a cake smash, but I definitely recommend checking out the add-ons. They’re super popular and I think it’s great to get a few milestone photos and updated family pictures during your session.

one-year-old girl in pink dress eating birthday cake against boho floral backdrop in New Jersey studio

New Jersey Cake Smash Photography

Interested in a cake smash photoshoot for your own little one? I’d love to help you celebrate! I recommend booking your session 3-4 months prior to baby’s first birthday. That way we can discuss options ahead of time and I can get everything ready for the big day. I customize all of my sessions and make sure the whole process is as stress-free as possible for you. From the outfit to the setup, I’ve got you covered! You can learn more about cake smash sessions at my Northern New Jersey photography studio here. And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions—I’m here for you!

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.

New Jersey Newborn Photography Baby boy

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!

New Jersey Newborn Boy Photography

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.

Baby boy in earth-toned swaddles in New Jersey photo studio

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!

New Jersey parents and newborn baby boy in photographer studio

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!)

Newborn girl on pink backdrop wearing flower crown, New Jersey photography

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?

Newborn girl in swaddle and bucket in New Jersey photo studio

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!

Cookie Monster Cake Smash | New Jersey Cake Smash Photographer

C is for…Cake Smash!

C is for cookie—or cake smash—or both! When we were planning this session, Mom told me the birthday boy LOVES Cookie Monster! So we decided a Cookie Monster cake smash would be perfect. She also wanted the set to be unique—which I was happy to do! I designed and made everything so it could be truly one-of-a-kind. This is one of the things that sets me apart from a lot of other photographers: When I tell you your session is fully customized, I mean it! I want everything to be perfect for you, and I go above and beyond to ensure that your pictures are exactly what you’d hoped for.

A Custom Cookie Monster Cake Smash

These pictures are good enough to eat, don’t you think? A custom Cookie Monster setup, an incredible cake, and the cutest suspenders-and-bow-tie outfit ever. No wonder our session went so well! Our handsome little birthday boy had a fantastic time—the frosting between the toes proves it! (No worries, we cleaned that up in the bath afterwards. With some kids, cleaning up afterwards is half the fun! Bubbles, anyone?)

First birthday portraits of baby boy in bow tie and suspenders with Cookie Monster backdrop

Family and Birthday Pictures

Before our Cookie Monster cake smash, we also did family pictures and formal one year birthday photos for him. These are add-ons to my cake smash collections, so if you want a few cakeless pictures as well, just let me know! We can totally do that!

Cookie Monster cake smash for baby boy's first birthday from New Jersey cake smash photographer Jennifer Parrello

New Jersey Cake Smash Photographer

Does your little one have a birthday coming up? There’s no better way to celebrate than with a super fun cake smash at my New Jersey photo studio! If you’re wondering when is the best time to book your cake smash, check out my previous blog post for some tips on when to book and how to get ready. And then, let’s get you on the schedule! I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

When Should You Book a Cake Smash Session?

Remember when you brought your new baby home in your arms? And now look at them! Can you believe their first birthday is just around the corner?

Baby girl in white dress smiling during cake smash session

When to Schedule Your Session

When it comes to booking a cake smash session (or any type of session for that matter!) I always say earlier is better! Definitely plan to book 3-4 months prior to your little one’s first birthday. Why so early? Because every one of my cake smashes is fully customized, and I need time to get everything and make sure it’s perfect for the big day!

African American toddler with chocolate cake and pink and gold fall backdrop

When to Photograph Your Baby

Although this is a first birthday celebration, anytime between 11 and 12 months is a great time to capture this milestone.

Including Milestone and Family Photos

If you want to get portraits of your birthday boy or girl without the cake, we can absolutely do that! Usually I’ll start off the session with non-cake photos on the set before we break out the cake. Family members are welcome to get in on the fun too! I’m happy to provide photos with parents or siblings during our time together with certain collections you can choose from!

One-year-old portrait of boy in bow tie with backdrop of elephants

How to Customize Your Cake Smash

I provide the outfit and all the props, so all you need to worry about is ordering the cake (I have an amazing bakery I recommend) and getting your little cutie to the studio! I can do pretty much any theme, so let your imagination run wild and we’ll chat about the theme, colors, and/or general vibe you’re looking for.

Lion cake with backdrop of zoo animals for first birthday cake smash setup

Getting Baby Ready

I always encourage a practice run at home about a week prior to the session. A good way to do this is to put some whipped cream in front of your little one and let them play with it. Stage fright is a thing with cake smashes and some kiddos can get nervous, but don’t worry—I’ll work my magic and we will get fantastic photos!

Another thing I advise parents to do is bring your little one’s favorite food to the studio. Chicken nuggets, cheese…whatever they love! Cake is great, but little ones who aren’t used to a lot of sugar will appreciate something else to snack on instead.

1-year-old girl in pink dress sticking out her tongue to lick cake

I can’t wait to celebrate with you! You can get more info about booking your cake smash session here, or reach out with questions. Let’s make this first birthday one to remember!

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!

baby girl in wooden heart bowl with flowers and pink cap

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!

photo collage of black family with newborn baby

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.

sisters in pink tulle dresses holding swaddled baby on their laps

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!

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.

closeup of newborn baby's face

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.

little girl in white dress lying on rug and hugging baby sister

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.

photo collage from NJ newborn photographer of African American family with new baby

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!

Preemie Newborn Photography | 8 Week Baby Pictures

This little lady was such a sweetheart—and in a hurry to get started with life! She arrived 9 weeks before her due date and had to spend a couple of months in the NICU. Mom and Dad were so worried that by the time she was released from the hospital and they could do the newborn photo shoot that she would be too big. As a photographer, I do have to take a different approach when I do preemie newborn photography, but as you’ll see, I worked my magic and got them some beautiful shots!

When baby is born around their due date, I recommend getting them into the studio for baby photos within a couple of weeks. (One of the reasons I encourage booking early!) But it’s a different story with a premature baby. Often they’ll be a month older or more for “newborn” pictures. Yes, this does rule out some poses, but it certainly doesn’t mean it’s too late for beautiful baby pictures!

Instead of swaddles, we used some bed and rug props for this preemie newborn photography session.  This allowed our 8 week old baby girl to stretch out and kick around a bit. She was much more awake than a typical newborn, but we kept her happy and took advantage of that wakeful state to capture her big dark eyes and some super cute expressions! She did doze off for some of the session too, so we got some sleepy newborn pics as well.

I’m so glad baby girl is doing well, and that mom and dad finally have her home with them! Congratulations to this wonderful family!

As a newborn photographer, I know that every stage of your baby’s life is special and deserves to be recorded! No matter how old your little one is, contact me and let’s get them into my NJ photo studio for an amazing session!

Newborn Photography Studio | Northern New Jersey

Last year I had quite the project going on—a brand new newborn photography studio! Exhausting? Yes. Totally worth it? Absolutely! Thought I’d share a few of the before and after pics here so you can get an idea of just how much work it was and what an amazing studio space it is now!

exterior shot of newborn photography studio window in Northern New Jersey

First, some before pics of the new studio under construction:

Now that it’s done, I’ll admit there were times I thought this stage would never end! Don’t get me wrong, I love buckets in my photo studio—just not that kind!

interior shot of new photography studio under remodeling in New Jersey
New Jersey newborn photography studio undergoing remodel

It was really exciting as things finally took shape though. More storage space for all my props, fresh paint and pretty curtains—it was starting to feel like not just a space I could work in, but a place my clients could feel comfortable and at home.

newborn photo props on shelf in NJ studio

And now—drumroll, please—after!

brick building with newborn photos displayed in window in West Milford New Jersey

What a thrill when it was finally finished! With all my equipment and backdrops ready to go, favorite pictures hanging on the wall, and a beautiful sign out front. It’s official!

My newborn photography studio is perfect for babies, of course, but it’s also an ideal space for the other types of photography I specialize in. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re getting ready for maternity pictures, a cake smash photoshoot, or milestone photography of the important stages in your little one’s life.

interior of newborn photography studio in Northern New Jersey with lights and equipment

And, just as important as being a place with great lighting, a beautiful collection of props, and setups for every occasion, my newborn photography studio is a place to relax and enjoy the experience. As a newborn photographer and a mom, I know all too well that parents don’t often get a chance to unwind. So I wanted to make sure that when you’re at the studio, you get that chance! I was careful to include a comfortable sitting area for parents so you can kick back, watch some TV, or enjoy a snack, knowing your baby is in the best of hands.

cozy parent sitting area in newborn photo studio NJ

I absolutely love my new studio space and I know you will too! If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact me. I can’t wait to welcome you to the new studio!

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.

5 things to bring to your newborn photo session, baby boy sleeping on white background

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.

closeup of baby feet at New Jersey newborn photo studio, what to bring to your newborn photo session

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.

 

5 Cake Smash Photography Ideas for Baby Girls

5 Cake Smash Photography Ideas for Baby Girls

Creating customized cake smash setups is one of my favorite things to do as a baby photographer! I love gathering ideas and materials and seeing it all come together! In this post I’ll be sharing 5 cake smash photography ideas for baby girls, just to get you started. (If you’re planning a celebration for a boy, be sure to check out my previous post for ideas just right for the little man.)

Baby girl in princess crown, Northern NJ cake smash photographer

Princess

Every baby girl is a princess to her parents—so why not play up the theme for her birthday celebration? A pretty dress and a sparkly crown are the perfect ensemble!

5 cake smash photography ideas for baby girls

Bowers of Flowers

Flowers are always a sure bet for baby girls! I have tons of fun bouquets and garlands in my Northern NJ photo studio for you to choose from. So just let me know if you have favorite colors or flower varieties and we’ll put together a gorgeous indoor flower bower just for the birthday girl!

Cake smash for baby girl with lemonade stand theme

Lemonade Stand

A super fun option for summer is to go with a lemonade stand theme. I love the bright colors and fun flair! And of course, if your daughter isn’t a summer baby, there are plenty of other great seasonal themes we can brainstorm. (Watermelon could be another summer cake smash photography idea, a harvest theme for fall, butterflies in the springtime, winter wonderland…the possibilities are endless!)

Cake smash ideas, Alice in Wonderland 1st birthday cake smash New Jersey

Wonderland

Speaking of wonderland, what do you think of this adorable Alice in Wonderland first birthday cake smash? Too cute, am I right? I had a blast setting this one up!

Outdoor cake smash photography baby girl NJ

Garden Party

Depending on the weather, another fantastic option is to do your baby girl’s cake smash outside. Yes, it means I miss out on the fun of creating the perfect studio setup, but I can still bring some fun props, and the birds and squirrels take care of most of the cleanup. ;)

Hopefully these 5 cake smash photography ideas for baby girls have given you a starting point as you plan for baby’s first birthday. But don’t limit yourself to these. Let your imagination run wild, and when you settle on one you love, get in touch so I can make it happen!

5 Cake Smash Photography Ideas for Baby Boys

Did you know that one of my favorite parts of being a cake smash photographer is setting up the studio for the main event? It’s true! I absolutely love customizing each and every session for my clients. So please feel free to bring your ideas! However, you may find that you’re drawing a blank—and that’s okay too. If you need a little inspiration, here are 5 cake smash photography ideas for baby boys. (Stay tuned for 5 more cake smash theme ideas—next time for baby girls!)

5 cake smash photography ideas for baby boys, baby with ocean setup

Set Sail

You can’t go wrong with a nautical theme for a baby boy. Maybe it’s because they look so freakin’ cute in a sailor suit!

Wild One firt birthday cake smash, New Jersey cake smash photographer

Go Wild!

We all know boys are a little wild—that’s one of the reasons we love ‘em! A jungle theme or even something more specific, like this Wild One cake smash—is the perfect way to celebrate baby boy’s first birthday.

Baby boy NJ studio cake smash with racecar backdrop

On the Right Track

Boys are fascinated by things that go. Usually the faster the better! So why not a racecar theme for a truly winning cake smash photography session?

Baby boy cake smash travel and adventure theme

Next Stop: Adventure!

I’ve never met a boy who didn’t love airplanes. And it starts young! Bring out your little guy’s sense of adventure with an aviation-themed cake smash.

New Jersey one year cake smash photographer, baby boy with cake and farmyard background

Farmyard Fun

Mud pies, anyone? It doesn’t get much cuter than a tiny farmer in overalls (or suspenders and a cow print bow tie!) partying it up with all his barnyard friends.

If you weren’t sure where to start with planning your little one’s first birthday photos, I hope these 5 cake smash photography ideas for baby boys has given you some direction! I’m always creating fun new setups for all ages, so be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram so you catch all the great photo inspiration!

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!

when to book your newborn photography session

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.

NJ newborn photo studio, photo collage of baby girl

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.

Best New Jersey newborn photographers

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.

newborn baby girl on pink backdrop with floral headband

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!

NJ Newborn Photography ~ Sweet Baby Boy

Loved photographing this precious baby boy over the summer at my West Milford NJ newborn photography studio! I hope you enjoy peeking at this small collection of his photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Sleepy Baby

This little guy was such a sweetie! He was very sleepy—and as a newborn photographer, that’s exactly what I want! It’s one of the reasons I encourage people to book their sessions early so they can bring baby in sometime during the first couple weeks after birth. This is the time when these little ones are easiest to photograph since they’re usually sleepy and cooperative, as well as flexible for those cute newborn poses. This little man did a great job and slept through almost the entire session. But he did wake up long enough for us to get a shot of those gorgeous eyes!

Another thing I loved about this baby boy was his hair. So much of it! And such a beautiful dark color. We didn’t do a lot of hats with him because we wanted to show it off!

NJ Newborn Photography, studio photos of baby boy

I had such a great time with this family and their newest addition. It’s always a pleasure to meet these sweet little ones and capture memories of those first days of life. There’s truly nothing like the wonder and love you feel as you hold your newborn in your arms, and I love helping people hold on to that forever through NJ newborn photography.

Newborn Photographer in New Jersey

If you’re looking for professional newborn photography in New Jersey, I hope you’ll be in touch! Feel free to scroll through the newborn gallery for more examples, or follow me on Facebook to get a better idea of my style. I’d love to welcome you and your family to the studio!

What to Wear for Your Photography Session

What to wear for your photography session? As a New Jersey photographer, this is something I get asked a lot! I’ll start off by saying that outfits are mostly a matter of personal preference. Remember, taking pictures is about capturing memories of your family—and you’re unique! So as you’re thinking about what to wear, think about what you’re comfortable in and what styles and colors reflect your family’s personality.

That said, here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you love both your photography experience and your pictures.

what to wear for your photography session, husband and wife in a field

Make Sure You’re Comfortable in What You Wear

My goal is to make your photoshoot a memorable experience. And I want you to remember that it was so much fun, not that your shoes were too tight! Choose clothes you like, that feel comfortable, and that are easy to move and pose in.

Take Location into Consideration

Photos or no photos, it never hurts to dress in layers! This is especially important if your photography session is going to take place outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather and wear clothing that will work with whatever Mother Nature decides to do. And think about the vibe you want. An elegant, flowing dress and leggings, boots, and a sweater both work beautifully for an outdoor autumn photoshoot—it just depends on the style you’re going for.

Focus on Coordination Instead of Matching

If you’re doing a family photography session, it can be tempting to dress everybody in matching outfits. While you absolutely can do this, it isn’t necessary to wear the same thing—or even the same color—for everyone to look good. Think of coordinating multiple outfits in a similar way to coordinating a single outfit. Choose complementary colors and patterns rather than a monotone look for the best results.

Sisters, NJ outdoor photography

I hope these ideas on what to wear for your photography session help! If you need more ideas or have any other questions, feel free to reach out—that’s what I’m here for!

Northern NJ Cake Smash Studio ~ King of Rap

It was so fun to see this family again—this time in my Northern NJ cake smash studio! I photographed them for a holiday session earlier in the year, so it was wonderful to welcome them back for another special occasion. For this session, the big event was their little one’s first birthday, and we went all out to celebrate!

Customized Cake Smash Sessions

I love seeing the different themes clients choose for their kiddos’ one year photo shoots. Customizing sessions—collecting ideas, gathering the perfect props, designing the setup—is one of my absolute favorite things, and one of the things that sets me apart as a baby and child photographer. If you have an idea, I want to make it happen!

NJ-Cake-Smash-Photographer-1.jpg

Biggie Smalls Party

These parents decided on a Biggie Smalls theme for their little guy’s first birthday cake smash, which was awesome! I had so much fun getting my Northern NJ cake smash studio ready with gold chain balloons, a “King of Rap” backdrop, and a mic—All the essentials! Little man wore the cutest (sorry, coolest) outfit, complete with bling, and definitely kept us all entertained with his big toothy smile and the enthusiastic way he dug into his cake.

And That’s a Rap!

As I usually do (for reasons of both cuteness and practicality) we finished up the party with bath time so we could get our little rapper squeaky clean after his performance. He did a great job for me and I love the fun, creative images we were able to get as we celebrated baby’s first year!

I’d love to get my Northern NJ cake smash studio all ready for your little one. Just tell me what you’re thinking and let’s get this party started!

NJ New Baby Photography

It was great to see this beautiful family again—this time for some NJ new baby photography! I photographed big sister’s one year cake smash session a few years ago (she’s gotten so big!) and have also been their family photographer for all their holiday photo sessions. I’m already booking those again this year, by the way, so be sure to get on the schedule before it fills up!

NJ-Newborn-Photographer-1.jpg

Two Beauties

This newborn girl had so much amazing dark hair. I absolutely loved it! We did lots of pinks and creams for her colors, and the contrast with that gorgeous brown hair was picture perfect! What a gorgeous little gal. We also made sure to get some new baby and sibling photos with big sister. It’s always so fun to see my little clients back in my New Jersey photography studio when they’re not so little anymore. I love seeing how much they’ve grown and getting to know their personalities. Big sister was the best helper and clearly very proud of “her” new baby. I think these two sisters are going to look a lot alike, don’t you?

Outfit Fun

We kept most of this NJ new baby photography session pretty girly, but it never hurts to throw some variety in there too. In this case, the family are Star Wars fans (who isn’t!) and so we decided to do something fun to incorporate that. Don’t you love that little crocheted light saber and Jedi outfit? Cutest Padawan learner ever!

Baby girl was so good for me. She slept like a dream and really was just an angel throughout the entire session. I love every single one of my sessions as a professional newborn photographer, but when they’re super easy like this it’s even better! Loved spending some time with this sweet family and I hope I’ll see them again in the studio before too long!

Cake Smash Photo Session | West Milford, New Jersey

Another great cake smash photo session in my West Milford, New Jersey photography studio! I love doing these! There’s just no better way to celebrate baby’s first birthday than with professional pictures—and creating a special photoshoot for their special day is one of the highlights of my job as a New Jersey baby photographer.

New-Jersey-Cake-Smash-Photographer-1.jpg

This little man was such a cutie! He had great expressions, and I loved capturing every single one of them for the camera. We wanted tons of balloons for these cake smash pictures, and he absolutely LOVED those balloons—and really everything about his session! I was glad he had so much fun. That’s what it’s all about!

New-Jersey-Cake-Smash-Photographer-2.jpg

I enjoy customizing my sessions, and always work closely with my clients to determine what it is they want. I had worked with this family before (for a holiday session) and I was delighted to have them back in the studio. Mom had this vision in her mind for her little guy’s one year birthday pictures, so I went all out to make it come to life! It really is my pleasure to make every session special.

Like I said, this little guy was a huge fan of balloons! He also loved the cake—and the splash! One of the things I love about being a children’s photographer is how genuine kiddos are and how they just embrace the emotions of each moment. It was so fun to spend a bit of time with this birthday boy and create images of this first birthday celebration that he and his family can treasure for years to come.

NJ Cake Smash Photographer

If you’re thinking of booking a cake smash photo session for your own little one, I hope you’ll get in touch with me! It’s my honor to provide some of the best cake smash photography in New Jersey, and I would love to create an amazing milestone photo experience for your baby!

Best New Jersey Newborn Photography

This was the best New Jersey newborn photography session! We had so much fun together! This was my first time meeting this sweet family, and I fell in love with them immediately. Just the nicest, most amazing people—and with the cutest little boy ever! He was so adorable, and slept like a dream for me.

Best New Jersey newborn photography, Photo collage of baby boy in studio with parents

Best New Jersey newborn photography, Photo collage of baby boy in studio with parents

Stars Wars

As I’m sure you can tell from the pictures, this mom and dad (and Grandpa too!) were big Stars Wars fans. We included “Baby Yoda” in their session and they even brought a Star Wars quilt too. I love the personal touch, which is why every one of my newborn photo shoots is different from the next. Each one is fully customized so it reflects the personalities and tastes of my clients. And while I have lots of props and fun stuff in my West Milford NJ photography studio, parents are always welcome to bring special items from home to make their photos even more unique and individual.

Of course, it wasn’t all Star Wars. We also made sure to get some more classic baby shots that will make beautiful home décor, gifts, or memories for an album. Deciding how to use your newborn pictures is one of the many fun decisions you’ll get to make!

Personalized baby photography NJ, Star Wars theme baby boy photo session with parents

Personalized baby photography NJ, Star Wars theme baby boy photo session with parents

Newborn Photographer NJ

Speaking of decisions: If you’re expecting, I hope you’ll get in touch with me so you can learn more and decide if my services are right for you. Some of the things that allow me to provide the best New Jersey newborn photography are my passion for capturing that brand new stage of life, my experience with newborns, attention to detail and commitment to customizing every session, and a studio that has absolutely everything you’ll need! I hope to see you and your little one there soon!