Best Newborn Photographers New Jersey

Starting your search for the best newborn photographers in New Jersey? Well hit the brakes—you’ve arrived!

In all seriousness, I can’t tell you if I’m the right baby photographer for you. That is a decision only you can make (although I’ve got some tips to help you here). But I can tell you that I live and breathe newborn photography, and I give 100% to each family who comes to my studio.

I don’t want to brag, but…ask any of my past clients and they will tell you that they loved their experience with me. (Which sends me over the moon every time!) There’s nothing mysterious about my approach though. If I had to boil it down, I’d say it comes down to a combination of passion, experience, and connection.

Passion

Have I mentioned that I LOVE babies? And not just babies—the whole family! Everyone who comes to me comments not just on my baby whispering skills, but on how comfortable they felt in the studio. I love meeting new people and getting to know them. It’s an honor to document these special memories for you. I truly view you as family, and I’ve created a comfy studio space where you can feel like you’re just hanging out at home, talking to a good friend.

Experience

I’ve been doing this for years (which is something you should always take into consideration when hiring a newborn photographer!) But I’m not just talking about the training and experience under my belt. I’m talking about your session experience. I want it to be AMAZING!

As a parent myself, I know that the most amazing thing is simply having everything taken care of for you. Which is why I provide everything you need. You literally just need to show up and relax. I have a beautiful sitting area with a coffee bar so you can chill…but honestly, most of my clients just come hang out with me in the shooting area because by that time we’ve gotten to chit-chatting about all kinds of fun things and we don’t want to stop!

Connection

My very favorite thing? When families come back to me again and again to capture special milestones. Because once we’ve had a session together, we are family! I want to watch your babies grow, chat with you about life, and be there for all the special memories. In a busy world like this, there is no replacement for slowing down, taking time to connect, and embracing the beauty of your life.

Best Newborn Photographers NJ

If you think the best New Jersey newborn photographers are the ones who combine artistry and professionalism with a healthy dose of fun, then we’re obviously soulmates and I’m so glad we found each other! Contact me here and let’s create some memories.

What is an All Inclusive Photographer?

What is an All Inclusive Photographer?

Great question! Essentially, an all-inclusive photographer is a photographer who includes digital files in the price of your session.

But wait, doesn’t everyone do that?

Nope. There are several different pricing models that photographers use. As you’re shopping for a New Jersey photographer, you’ll want to make sure you know the fine print before booking your session. One of the questions you’ll want to ask is what’s included in the session fee.

An all-inclusive photographer (like Jennifer Parrello Photography) includes the session and all digital images in one flat fee. But some photographers only include the session (you’ll have to purchase digital files and other artwork separately), or they may have packages that include certain pieces of artwork.

Here's why Jennifer Parrello Photography uses the all-inclusive pricing model and what it means for you:

Flexibility

Digital is everywhere! Digital files are nice because you have such a huge variety of ways in which you can use them. Professional printers can use your digital files to create custom wall art or prints, and there are also tons of businesses that create unique custom gifts (like blankets, mugs, or Christmas ornaments) with your digital images. With digital, you can use your photos in an infinite number of ways!

Affordability

Photographers who include artwork build their wall art or albums into the package pricing. While that’s great if you want that particular type of artwork, what if you want to do something different? I don’t want you to pay for something that isn’t exactly what you would have chosen for yourself. That’s why I include digital files so you can use them in whatever way works best for you.

Physical Artwork

Just because your collection includes digital files doesn’t mean you can’t also order physical artwork if you want it! Once I send you your gallery, I’ll also open up a store with your photos, so you can purchase products if you would like them. (A lot of my clients order prints.)

To recap: Your digital files are included in all of my photo collections, and you always have the option to create tangible artwork with them as well, either through Jennifer Parrello Photography or your own choice of photo lab. These are your forever memories, and I want you to have the option to share them in whatever way is most meaningful for you!

Interested in a photo collection? Get in touch and let’s start planning that all-inclusive photography session!

When to Book Your Photo Session

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

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

When to Book Your Newborn Session

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

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

When to Book Your Maternity Session

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

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

When to Book Your Cake Smash Session

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

What About Holidays?

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

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

New Jersey Photography Studio: A Quick Tour

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

Studio Location

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

Family-Friendly Vibe

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

Designed for Memories

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

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

What to Expect at Your Cake Smash Photoshoot

Cake smash photoshoots can be a little unpredictable because…babies are a little unpredictable! I love working with these little ones and know how to get great pictures regardless of whether they’re all about digging in or want nothing to do with their cake. No matter which category your kiddo falls into, here’s a bit about what to expect at your cake smash photoshoot.

Before You Come In

Read over the cake smash prep guide! I’ll send this to you after you book your photoshoot so you know exactly what to do to get your little cutie ready for their big day. The guide will detail what to bring (like favorite snacks and toys) and also how to prepare your kiddo. (I recommend doing a practice cake smash at home just to get them used to the idea of tackling a ridiculously large portion of food while sitting on the ground!)

When You Arrive

When you get to the studio, we’ll take things slow. One-year-olds can be a little tricky since they’re often wary around strangers and new surroundings. Instead of diving right in, we’ll just sit and chat for a bit so they can see it’s all okay. I’ll go over what the session will look like and everyone’s role. Be prepared to take an active part in your kiddo’s cake smash! If baby is mobile, then Mom might be corralling the little one. If they’re not happy, we might do the entire smash with Dad sitting two feet away making silly faces. It’s a little more work on your part, but totally worth it!

During the Cake Smash

I usually get some milestone portraits first. This helps baby warm up to the camera and also allows us to get some super cute shots before things get messy!

Once we break out the cake, like I said, be prepared to get involved…and possibly smeared with whipped cream. You just never know! The most important part here is that you, as the parent, are relaxed. Your baby will probably take their cue from you. Don’t worry, even if we have tears and tantrums (it happens) I will make it look like they had a blast!

If you’ve included a splash session with your cake smash, we’ll wrap up with some tub time!

After the Party

I don’t waste any time, because I know you can’t wait to see those cake smash photos! Right after your cake smash session I’ll send you your gallery proof and you can select your images. (You’re going to have a hard time choosing, I can tell you already!)

Book Your Cake Smash Photoshoot

A cake smash photoshoot is the perfect way to celebrate your little one’s first big milestone: Turning ONE! Are you ready to party? ‘Cause I am!

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!

Jennifer Parrello Photography Special Offers and Events

I hope you had fun learning about the different types of sessions I offer here at Jennifer Parrello Photography! Throughout the year, I also do model calls, giveaways, and other special offers and events—and I don’t want you to miss out on those! So here’s just a bit more about some of the great stuff you can expect from my New Jersey studio.

Newborn and Cake Smash Collections

Every family’s needs are different, which is why I’ve designed a variety of collections for my newborn and cake smash sessions. Rather than one-size-fits-all, these collections allow you to choose the right fit for your family, such as whether you want your session to be baby-only or include family. You can also choose to bundle certain services (like a maternity and newborn session) to capture multiple stages in a more affordable way.

Model Calls and Giveaways

I love doing model calls when a spark goes off in my brain and I want to make some magic happen! Keep an eye on Instagram or Facebook. I always post model calls on social media and you’ll be able to fill out an application if you’re interested. I sometimes offer giveaways throughout the year too—also posted on social.

Holiday Photo Events

I offer holiday sessions every year, so mark your calendars for those! (They book up fast and are absolutely magical!) Santa sessions happen in November and are such a fun and memorable opportunity for kiddos to spend some time with St. Nicholas. Formal minis take place in October, and I’m super excited about this year! I’m doing two different sets, so you’ll be able to choose your favorite, on two separate weekends. For the first time ever, one set will be all neutrals and whites. I have never done this before (since I love doing traditional sets with holiday colors) but I know that neutrals are another really popular option and I want clients to be able to choose!

Giving Back

I am a firm believer in the importance of community and giving back, so I enjoy donating sessions to local organizations when they host fundraising events. I’m also a photographer with The Gold Hope Project, which provides photo sessions for children with cancer to raise awareness and funds.

Referral Program

Of course, none of this would be possible without my wonderful clients, so I also want to give back to YOU! Word-of-mouth referrals are so important to me as a photographer, not least because it means so much to know that people love my work and what I do for them. I’m currently working on a referral program so that I can give back to you whenever you do me the incredible honor of sending family and friends my way. I’ll announce that once I’ve gotten the logistics worked out (hopefully this summer).

In the meantime, let’s connect on Instagram and Facebook, or you can feel free to contact me directly with any questions. I can’t wait to chat with you!

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!

Announcing: Maternity Studio Sessions | New Jersey Photo Studio

Earlier this year I posted about all the different types of photoshoots I offer, and I’m so excited to expand my list to include maternity studio sessions!

Pregnancy is such a beautiful and exciting time, and I want to offer moms the chance to celebrate their bodies and the new life they’re carrying inside. Which is why I’m thrilled to tell you all about what you can expect when you book studio maternity photos with Jennifer Parrello Photography.

What is Included in a Maternity Studio Session

There is so much to do to get ready for a new baby, which is why—as fun as it is—you don’t want your maternity shoot to take forever. These sessions are simple and focused on YOU. My maternity studio sessions are up to an hour, and you can choose between an all-black backdrop or a light and airy window backdrop (featured in these photos).

What to Wear

I have a few select pieces such as body suits (like the one in these photos) and black fitted dresses available in my New Jersey photo studio. I encourage you to wear what you love and feel beautiful and comfortable in. We’ll typically do two outfits per session, so feel free to bring your own outfits or mix and match with what’s in the studio so you can get a couple of different styles for your maternity photos.

Who Can Participate?

My studio maternity sessions are designed especially for mom—to capture that pregnancy glow and beautiful baby bump! My studio is small and perfect for intimate portraits, so if you want to include a close family member, such as your spouse, we can absolutely do that! If baby has an older sibling, they are welcome to join too. If you have multiple children or extended family you’d like to include, I recommend an outdoor session simply so we can accommodate everyone comfortably. (Yes, I do offer outdoor maternity sessions as well. Bear in mind that New Jersey weather can be unpredictable!)

Book Your Maternity Studio Session

I want you to have memories of this irreplaceable time in your life. If you have questions or are ready to schedule your session, please get in touch! And a quick note: While you can book a maternity session only, you’ll get a discount when you bundle your maternity session with your newborn session--just something to consider as you get ready to welcome that little one! I hope to see you in the studio soon, and congratulations on this exciting time!

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.

Baseball Cake Smash New Jersey

Batter up! Can’t wait to show off a few of the photos from this baseball themed cake smash in my New Jersey studio a few weeks back! This cute lil guy is a former newborn client of mine, and I couldn’t believe how much he’s grown. (I never can. You’d think I’d be used to it by now!) It is seriously the best feeling when a client books me again for a future session. Little man was amazing for his newborn session and I’d say his first birthday cake smash was a homerun too!

I always like to start out these milestone sessions with some traditional portraits and family pictures. You’re here, so we might as well, right? Doing these portraits before we really start swinging can also help little ones to feel more relaxed and ready to dive into cake when it’s time.

Since there’s nothing more American than baseball (and maybe apple pie, but we went with the cutest baseball cake instead), I set up the studio with lots of red, white, and blue balloons, plus a scoreboard as the backdrop and some genuine baseballs to finish it off. Customizing every session takes some extra work, but it’s so much fun and I get carried away with it every time! Totally worth it, don’t you think?

The birthday boy really knocked his session out of the park! He did great with his cake and loved his splash in the tub afterwards. These cake smash pitchers (sorry, pictures!) were so fun to create and this little all-star and I really had a ball together!

New Jersey Cake Smash Photographer

Ready to book a customized cake smash for your own little one? Don’t wait! The best time to book is at least four months prior to their first birthday, so get in touch now and let’s start planning!

How to Choose the Right Photographer

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

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

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

Do They Have Training and/or Experience?

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

What Type of Photoshoot Experience Do They Offer?

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

Does Their Style Appeal to You?

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

Will Your Personalities Work Well Together?

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

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

Why Hire a Professional Newborn Photographer?

Are you getting ready to welcome a little one to the family? I’m so excited for you! That newborn stage is precious, and of course you want photos so you can look back on those memories. But why hire a professional newborn photographer? What’s wrong with just asking your friend with a camera to take a few shots? Or why can’t you try to recreate some of the baby poses you’ve seen on social media and capture them with your phone?

First, please don’t ever try to recreate those baby poses yourself! (I’ll tell you why in a minute.) Here’s why, rather than go the DIY route, you want to hire a professional newborn photographer who can capture those memories in a way that’s safe, stress-free, and beautiful.

Safety

First and foremost, a professional newborn photographer has training in infant posing and safety. Those poses you see on social media? They were taken by professionals, and a lot of them are composite images (two or more pictures blended together to create a single image) and/or heavily edited.

Why? Many of those poses would be uncomfortable or unsafe for your baby if they were really done the way they appear to be in the finished product. For example, in many poses, someone’s hands are on the baby, supporting them and keeping them safe. The hands are edited out later so it looks like baby is doing the pose all by themselves.

By hiring a professional, you can get those adorable baby poses while keeping your precious newborn totally safe and comfortable.

Editing

Very few photos come out beautifully without some behind-the-scenes work after the shoot. New babies frequently have a little bit of jaundice, redness, flaky skin, or baby acne. A professional will edit your images so that there are no distractions like these, and make sure all your images are gorgeous!

Equipment

If you’re a first-time parent purchasing baby necessities, you’ve probably experienced that feeling of surprise that something so tiny requires so much equipment! The same holds true for a newborn photoshoot.

For a really successful experience, you’ll need a temperature-controlled studio to keep baby cozy; lighting equipment; a high-end camera; beautiful props that are staged to highlight, rather than distract from, your little one—and so much more! A professional will have all the equipment and know exactly how to use it to give you a great experience and a flawless finished product.

Quality Photos

Finally, you want to hire a professional newborn photographer because these are your forever memories. You and your baby deserve the best. Not just snapshots, but personalized artwork that you can look back on for years and that will become family heirlooms.

When you hire the right professional newborn photographer, you can rest assured that you are investing in your family’s memories. Your baby is in good hands, the experience will be a wonderful memory in and of itself, and at the end of it you will have beautiful pictures you can cherish forever.

Want to learn more? Please contact me. I’d be happy to share my experience and vision for your newborn session. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram to get a better feel for my style and decide if I’m the right newborn photographer for you. (I sure hope so—can’t wait to see you and your little one in the studio soon!)

Headshot and Branding Sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography

While most of my work focuses on documenting life’s milestones for babies and families, I also love helping professionals make a great impression with headshot and branding sessions!

If you’re looking to create new business cards or update your website, here’s what you should know about headshot and branding sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography:

Short, Sweet, and to the Point

You’re a busy professional, and I know it’s tough to take time out of your schedule. That’s why I keep my headshot sessions short and sweet. Just 20 minutes is all it takes to get some great shots that highlight your personality and business vibe.

Fun and Professional Can Go Hand-in-Hand

Your headshot is usually the first impression clients have of you—so it’s super important! I want you to feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera so that your photos help potential customers know that they’re in good hands with you. We’ll make your headshot and branding session fun so that your photos are both natural and professional.

All-Inclusive

Usually, you don’t need a ton of headshots. Just a couple can be used across a variety of media to help establish brand recognition. My headshot and branding packages include 2 digital images so that you can get the full package with one all-inclusive price. Of course, if you want more photos, you’re welcome to add on additional shots.

As a small business owner myself, I know how important it is to connect with clients and develop a relationship of trust with them. And I want to help you do the same thing! A headshot is an important tool that can put a face to your business name, create a great first impression, and instantly help clients feel comfortable with you. Plus, it’s fun and easy, so let’s get started!

Cake Smash Photo Sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography

When your baby is a newborn, you think there’s no way they can possibly get any cuter—and then they become toddlers, and guess what? They just keep getting more adorable! How do they do it? Your little one’s first birthday is a huge milestone and such a fun age! And there’s no better way to document it than with a cake smash photo session!

If your little bundle is growing up fast and approaching their first birthday, here’s what you should know about cake smash photo sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography:

When to Book Your Session

The first thing you should know is that I take my cake smashes seriously! Every single one of my sessions is fully customized with a one-of-a-kind set and outfit to match. And yes, that does take time. I recommend booking your cake smash about 3-4 months in advance, so there’s plenty of time to plan and create the perfect photoshoot. And don’t worry about hitting the first birthday exactly—anytime around the 11-12 month mark is a great time for a first birthday cake smash.

How to Get Ready to Party!

Cake smashes don’t require too much prep work on your part, but I do recommend a little practice with baby about a week before your session. A great way to do this is just to put some whipped cream in front of them and let them explore it. Stage fright can be a thing with cake smashes, and it really helps everything to go smoothly if kiddo already knows how fun it is to shmear themselves with edible goodness! (And don’t worry, I’ve got all kinds of tricks up my sleeve to help little ones relax and have fun!)

What to Expect at Your Cake Smash Session

I like to get some milestone portraits of your little one before we break out the cake. This can help them relax and it’s also a great time to get family photos if that’s something you’re wanting to do. Once we’ve gotten those milestone pictures and more traditional portraits, we’ll move on to the cake smash. I often follow this up with a quick splash in the tub so we can get baby all cleaned up afterwards—and yep, we’ll get photos of that too!

If you ask me, cake smash photo sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography are THE BEST way to celebrate your child’s first birthday. Cake, cuteness overload, and professional pictures so you can remember it forever. What could be better?

Child and Family Photography Sessions with Jennifer Parrello Photography

Child and family photography sessions are so important! And every age and stage is precious. Some people tend to save professional photography for big events, like holidays, birthdays, or weddings. But what about all the moments in between?

I’m a big believer in the idea that moments are fleeting and memories need to be captured along the way. And I don’t know of any better way to do that than with a family photo session!

While newborn and cake smash sessions usually take place in the studio, there’s a little more flexibility when working with groups and with kiddos who are past the infancy stage. So, while we can certainly do your family pictures in the studio, we also have the option to enjoy the great outdoors! I like to schedule outdoor family shoots for an hour or two before sunset so we can get the best light possible.

If you’re wondering what constitutes a child or family photography session, a lot of that is up to you. I can capture portraits of just one child, do a mommy-and-me session, your immediate family, or a big extended family session. All will take about the same amount of time (usually around an hour), and will provide you with beautiful images! I offer multiple collections so you can choose the best fit for your family.

Above all, I want your child and family photography sessions to be fun! Your session should be a great memory in and of itself, so I’ll make it genuine and real so your portraits reflect how truly unique and beautiful your family is!

If you’d like to learn more about extended family photo sessions, find out why mommy-and-me sessions are so great, or need to help deciding what to wear for your family pictures, I’ve got you covered! And of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! Can’t wait to hear from you!

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!