"Where the Wild Things Are" Cake Smash

Baby’s first birthday is the perfect excuse for one wild party—and that’s exactly what we did for this little man! His mom requested a “Where the Wild Things Are” theme. I was so excited to create this custom setup! I love the story of Max and his monster friends, and the classic artwork made the perfect backdrop for our cake smash photography session!

This was actually the birthday boy’s second visit to my photography studio in West Milford, NJ. I photographed him as a newborn as well, so when his mom booked a cake smash session I couldn’t wait to see him again! He is a super sweet boy who was just as amazing for his first birthday photos as he was for his newborn pictures. All it takes is a glance at those smiles to see that this is one happy baby!

In addition to our Wild Things theme, we also wanted to personalize these photos further with some favorite toys, like his tractor and teddy bear. I love including special items like this!

Since cake can get a little messy (that’s kind of the point, when you’re a year old) we started off with our baby and family portraits first. Can I just say that I don’t think there’s anything cuter than a baby in blue jeans? Once we had a great selection of portraits, we got the birthday boy all dressed up in his bow tie and tails (okay, just one tail) and “let the wild rumpus start!” As you can see, he loved his cake—and the tub time to follow up.

Thinking of booking a cake smash for your little one? Check out more information on the blog, or get in touch with any questions. I’m here for you, and can’t wait to help you plan the perfect birthday celebration!

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!

Cupcake Cake Smash | New Jersey Cake Smash Photography

What’s even better than birthday cake? Birthday cupcakes, of course! I had so much fun creating a one-of-a-kind cupcake cake smash to celebrate this baby girl’s first birthday!

Whether you’re talking about ponies or cupcakes, there’s something extra special about the miniature version of just about anything. And this little sweetheart and her mama know all about how special the tiniest things can be! Why? Well, let’s just say that I first met baby girl for her newborn photography session when she was right around three months old.

Wait, what?

Yep, this little one was born three months premature, so she was tiny and needed lots of TLC before she was strong enough to come home (or come to the studio). She’s obviously doing fantastic though, and she knows that sometimes tiny is code for amazing! That’s exactly what she is—and it’s also the perfect word to describe her cupcake cake smash!

Mom had always wanted to do a cupcake session so I created a custom setup especially for her. It’s super important to me that your photos—and the whole photo experience—are totally unique to you and exactly what you’re looking for. I’m always happy to design something new and special for your photography session!

The birthday girl absolutely LOVED her cupcakes—just the right size for her hands! She had a blast getting frosting all over her face and her ruffly dress. And such big smiles during bath time too! It was so much fun to see this little lady again and help celebrate her big day!

Jennifer Parrello Photography is a New Jersey photographer specializing in newborn, child, and family portraiture. And yes, that includes cake smashes! Thinking about booking a cake smash for your own little one? Check out these tips or get in touch! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

Ladybug Cake Smash | New Jersey Cake Smash Photographer

This ladybug cake smash was so special! Okay, all my cake smashes are special…after all, I take the time to customize every single one and I never get tired of celebrating with these adorable little ones! But this one was extra meaningful.

Some of you know that I lost my mom recently. She loved ladybugs and all throughout my life she would tell me that ladybugs were a sign of someone who had passed who you loved very much. This session was booked months ago, and it ended up taking place just two days after my mother passed away. You can imagine how I felt! I took it as a huge sign from my momma that she was still with me and loved me immensely and that everything was going to be okay. I really feel like this session was meant to be.

Baby girl was so cute and did amazing! She was a little bit shy at first, but once she warmed up (with some help from Mom and Dad showing her what to do) she got right into it! And the fact that it was chocolate cake instead of white made it even better! She grabbed that cake with both hands (and from both ends of the spoon) and got it all over the place. So much fun!

A big thank you to this little cutie and her parents for choosing me to be their New Jersey cake smash photographer—and for picking such an awesome ladybug theme! I loved being able to give this family the gift of a truly memorable first birthday celebration. And it was certainly a gift to me in return!

New Jersey Photographer

Looking for someone to capture your family’s memories? Please get in touch! I can hardly wait to see you and your little one in the studio!

Extended Family Photo Sessions | New Jersey Family Photographer

As a New Jersey family photographer, I’d be hard put to say what type of session is my favorite. Family, newborn, maternity…I love them all! One of my faves though, are extended family photo sessions. These are always so much fun and it’s such a privilege to capture the love and precious relationships that give us a sense of belonging.

 What Is an Extended Family Photoshoot?

 Most family photo sessions are with immediate family—you, your partner, and your kids. But with an extended family photoshoot, you can include your own siblings and children’s cousins, grandparents, etc.

How Does an Extended Family Photography Session Work?

If we’re doing multiple families (such as your family and your sister’s) I photograph each family individually so they can have pics of their own family unit. After that we’ll do individual portraits of each child. Then we’ll move on to group portraits (your entire extended family, all the cousins, pictures of individual children with their parent or grandparent, couples, etc.)

Because there are so many people to work with, family photos with extended family tend to be action-packed and fast-paced so we keep everybody’s attention. (And by everybody I mean those little ones!)

I have these sessions down to an art, so even though we get a huge variety of shots I make sure sessions only run about an hour long. And I always plan these sessions for about an hour to an hour and a half before sunset for the best lighting. I have permits for many beautiful parks and locations around New Jersey, so there are lots of options!

Why Choose an Extended Family Photo Session?

Professional extended family portraits with Jennifer Parrello Photography are magical and so much fun! The experience itself is a wonderful gift, allowing your family to come together and create memories you will cherish forever. And of course, those finished photos make absolutely beautiful home décor and gifts that will be truly treasured.

Book Your Session

We are coming into peak outdoor portrait photography season! Spring through fall we have so many amazing backdrops for your extended family photos, so book now and let’s create those special memories for you! I can’t wait to be your New Jersey family photographer!

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.

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.

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!

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?)

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!

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?

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

And now—drumroll, please—after!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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!

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!

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!)

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!

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!)

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!

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.

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?

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.

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!

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!