My Number ONE Cake Smash Prop for Baby’s 1st Birthday

I’m well known in the tri-state area for my themed and customized cake smash sessions, and I love doing them! They are seriously SO much fun. But what if you want to celebrate baby’s first birthday with something a little more simple?

The Sweet and Simple ONE

I hear you! That’s exactly why I decided to offer an easy cake smash choice for parents. No need to figure out a theme or decide a dozen details on how you want the cake decorated. There are no busy cutouts. No crazy colors. No over-the-top props. Just a beautiful celebratory setup, soft colors, and the cutest little face stealing the entire show.

I have been totally obsessed with this simple cake smash setup lately. It keeps things clean and streamlined by using just my popular ONE prop, a simple cake, and all the balloons! And that keeps the focus right where it should be. Honestly, these classic sessions have my whole heart.

Because this right here is the perfect way to celebrate that important little one. It’s classic, sweet, timeless, and it makes baby the shining star, with no busy props or backdrops to distract from the birthday boy or girl. (Or both! As you can see, I did a twinsies session with this prop recently and it turned out so adorable.)

Birthdays don’t get much better than this! If you’ve been looking for a sign to book a cake smash, this is it!

On Sale Now! Book Your Spot

I am so excited to share the joy, the ease, and the fun of these simple sessions using this popular prop and setup. These Number ONE sessions are on a super sale right now, so give me a call or get in touch with my contact form as soon as possible. Let’s get you and your little one into the studio soon for the perfect photo party to celebrate their big milestone!

Introducing: Personality Portraits from NJ/NY Child Photographer

Personality Portrait Mini Sessions are officially here and I am SO excited about these!

As a New Jersey photographer and a mom of three, I believe so strongly in the importance of capturing memories. I know just how fast time flies, and how much you’ll cherish every moment—especially the ones you took time to preserve with photographs.

But I also know that life is super busy. Budgets are tight. And kiddos don’t always want to pose for an hour.

That’s why I designed Personality Portrait Minis!

Introducing Personality Portraits!

These sessions are quick, easy, affordable, and SO MUCH FUN!

Personality Portraits are one of my favorite ways to capture kids exactly as they are right now. These sessions are designed to be ultra-simple: No props. No distractions. And definitely no stiff poses or pressure. All we focus on is having a fantastic time so that your kiddo’s true personality can come shining through.

It’s that simplicity and honesty that make these black and white portraits so timeless and powerful, and parents are absolutely loving them.

Why? Because these sessions are all about capturing the real expressions that make your child who they are. The silly looks, the sweet smiles, the mischievous little smirks, the big laughs, and those moments that make you say, “That is SO them!”

Personality Portrait Quick Facts

Simple. Timeless. Beautiful.

• 10 minute session

• 6 digital images

• Print release

• $199

Book Your Child’s Personality Portrait

I’ve only just started doing these child portrait sessions this spring, but they have been absolutely the best! I am loving every minute photographing all of these amazing little personalities, and the feedback from families is that they’re loving both the experience and the finished images. Makes my heart so happy!

I’m hoping I’ll be able to open up more of these sessions soon, but in the meantime, these are perfect for updated portraits and they go QUICK, so don’t wait to grab your spot! Contact me today and let’s celebrate your incredible kiddo and all that makes them unique!

Cutest Little Koala Bear | Newborn Studio Session in New Jersey

March is an extra special month for me because it marks the anniversary of my photography business. For 12 years now I’ve been photographing the most beautiful babies and families. How amazing is that!? I am so incredibly grateful to all of the families who have trusted me with these precious memories over the years.

Some of the parents who walk through my door come in as strangers—but they always leave as friends! And some of the families I photograph I’ve known forever. In either case, there is something so magical about these early newborn days, and being able to capture that is one of the best things about what I do.

This little cutie comes from a family I know well. Mom is a good friend of mine and I was so excited when she and her husband asked if I would photograph their sweet baby. Dad is from Australia, so of course we had to include Mom and Dad’s passports and an adorable little koala cuddly.

I always love personalizing my sessions and including little touches that highlight baby’s heritage and unique legacy. For me, a newborn session is never just about taking a picture. It’s about preserving the beginning of a story. And I’m so grateful to be part of the story of this beautiful family!

Book Your Newborn Session

If you are expecting or recently welcomed a new baby, now is the perfect time to reserve your newborn session. I would absolutely love to create these memories for your family, and this month, I am offering a special sale on newborn sessions.

These first days go by so quickly. The tiny fingers. The sleepy smiles. The way baby curls up so perfectly in a basket like they were just in mom’s belly yesterday. So much has changed, and in the midst of that incredible change we can create something that will last forever! Can’t wait to welcome you and your little one to the Jennifer Parrello Photography family!

Baby Girl Newborn and Family Photos | West Milford, NJ

Absolutely loved doing this newborn photography session for the sweetest ever family!

Newborn sessions are always my fave, but this little one and her family are extra special to me because they are my new neighbors! They moved in next door to me not long ago and it’s been so great getting to know them. They remind me of my own family when we moved in with the little ones…who are not so little anymore! It’s been fun to be reminded of those early days with my own kiddos.

Time really does fly, which is one of the reasons I love capturing as many moments as possible for New Jersey babies and families!

This baby girl was so incredibly sweet. Her session took place close to Christmas, so of course we had to do a few holiday photos, but mostly we used some lovely whites and greens that would work for any season. She looked great in everything!

We also wanted to get plenty of family photos, which were so much fun! Big sis was a total rockstar and seriously the best-behaved little one ever. So easy and fun to work with and just loved snuggling with her new baby sister. The pictures of these two beautiful girls are enough to melt your heart!

It was such a pleasure to create these newborn photos for such a wonderful family—people who are not only my neighbors but have become good friends too. I’m honored that they asked me to preserve their memories of this precious time, and I hope it will be the first of many sessions we have together!

I’m so excited to watch this little one grow up surrounded by love. Life doesn’t start out any better than this!

If you’re interested in a session, I hope you’ll be in touch! I would be delighted to get to know you and to create cherished keepsakes for your family. Chat soon!

Twin Newborn Photography Session | Ridgewood, NJ

Happy Friday, everyone—and Happy New Year! Yes, I know January’s almost over, but since this is my first blog post of the year I wanted to start it off with some sweet baby smiles. We’re expecting some wintry weather here in New Jersey and I think the best way to head into a snowy weekend is to slow things down and enjoy a calm and cozy newborn twin photography session!

These two little sweethearts—twin brother and sister—came to visit me in my photo studio recently and they absolutely lit the place up. Photographing twins always requires an extra set of hands but it also opens up the cutest opportunities for poses. I just can’t get over these two snuggled up side by side!

Dad is a member of the Ridgewood police force and it was so fun to include his uniform in some of our shots. I have such a huge respect and appreciation for our first responders, so whenever I have families who are part of one of these important professions I always like to highlight their service. Who knows what kind of careers these twins will decide to pursue when they grow up—but I have to say, they look awfully good in their little pink and blue police outfits!

It was such a pleasure to spend time with this sweet couple and their adorable twin babies, and I love the images we were able to capture.

Remember, the newborn chapter deserves more than just phone photos! Those first days don’t last long, but they can be remembered forever.

From the tiny fingers to the peaceful little poses, newborn sessions are all about preserving the moments you’ll wish you could freeze in time. If you’re expecting or know someone who is, now is the perfect time to reserve a newborn session. These sleepy, snuggly days are best captured within the first two weeks, so let’s get you on the calendar now so we’re ready as soon as baby arrives! Can’t wait to hear from you.

NJ/NY Christmas Photographer | Holiday Minis 2025

Every year I say to myself, “That was the best year for holiday mini sessions yet!”

And guess what? Every year…I’m right! And 2025 was no exception. Honestly, these sessions couldn’t have gone better or been more magical. What a delight to help kids and families get ready for the most wonderful time of the year with three different kinds of Christmas photo options.

Every year I do something a little different, since holiday minis at the studio have become an annual tradition for so many of my clients. I keep the same basic themes, but I play around with new setups and backdrops for a unique experience every time.

For 2025 I did:

Christmas PJ Sessions

These are always so lighthearted and fun—not to mention absolutely adorable! This year I created a cozy couch setup with pillows and blankets and some rustic décor. The kids were too cute posing for these!

Holiday Formals

For something a little more formal, I used a green velvet couch with some whimsical Christmas décor and generated the background scene with trees, garlands, and of course, lots and lots of presents!

Santa Sessions

No Christmas would be complete without Santa! I think these are the highlight of my holiday sessions. Watching little ones believe with their whole hearts is exactly why I love these Santa sessions so much! The magic is real…you can see it right in their eyes!

Huge thank you to all of my amazing clients for another successful season of beautiful Christmas minis! You are the reason I do this and you and your sweet kiddos are the reason it becomes more magical and meaningful with each passing year.

Santa is already booked for the studio in 2026! If you’d love to be on his list for next year, sign up on the bottom of the home page for email notifications so you can be the first to know when Santa Claus is coming to town. We can’t wait to see you!

Sweet Baby Girl Newborn Session | NJ/NY Newborn Photographer

If there’s anything better than a newborn session, it’s a newborn session where I already know the family! I did mom and dad’s maternity session when they were pregnant with their oldest and also photographed their son as a newborn, and I have loved being able to do the same with their daughter.

Baby Girl Newborn Session

This baby girl was amazing! She slept the entire time and really was a dream baby. So beautiful! And I loved the colors mom and dad picked out for her as well. Pink is always a classic, and the deep navy blue paired with pretty corals and creams was gorgeous.

I always love seeing kiddos as they grow, so it was extra special to have big brother back in the studio—now as an adorable toddler with the cutest baby sister! He was the best! He did such a great job with the photoshoot and was absolutely beaming as he loved on his new little sis. It’s so fun to capture those sibling relationships. It’s such a precious bond—not to mention flat-out adorable!

So glad I got to spend time with this beautiful family again as they welcomed a new little one! One of the best parts of my job is getting to know my clients so I can capture their memories in the most authentic way possible and give them a personalized, relaxing, and fun experience at my studio! And it’s always extra fun when clients come back again and again so we can continue telling their story together.

NJ/NY Newborn Photographer

I’m currently booking newborn sessions into 2026. If you are expecting please get in touch as soon as possible so we can circle a date on my calendar! I would love to see you in the studio next year and celebrate a brand new life being added to your family.

Milestone vs. Cake Smash Photos: Which Is Right for You?

Milestone vs. cake smash photos—which type of session is better?

As a NJ/NY baby photographer, I absolutely love both these types of sessions! Neither one is better than the other—it just depends on what kind of experience and finished product you’re looking for. So let’s talk a little bit about the differences between these two sessions:

Milestone Sessions

Milestone sessions are designed to capture memories at any point during baby’s first year. 3, 6, 9, and 12 months are popular points for milestone pictures, but you can really do them anytime! They last about an hour and include a simple setup with the use of my studio props and accessories. (And yes, you can choose your favorites to customize!)

These sessions tend to be pretty laidback and relaxed (although honestly, all my sessions are that way!) Mostly we’ll just let your little one play and explore the set while I capture all those sweet moments.

Cake Smash Sessions

Cake smash sessions are a celebration of the big one-year mark! (They usually take place a bit before your baby turns one and should be scheduled well in advance.)

All of my cake smash sessions are fully customized and designed from scratch. I love putting together fun themes to create a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your baby.

Like milestone sessions, cake smashes last about an hour. They include your custom setup, an outfit to match your theme, and use of the studio’s props and accessories. We also usually wrap up the session with some splash photos in my mini tub, which are so fun!

So…which session is right for you?

A Milestone Session Might Be Right for You If:

• You want a simple session

• You want to capture those fun memories in between newborn and one year

• You want more neutral photos that can serve as gifts or home décor

A Cake Smash Session Might Be Right for You If:

• You’re celebrating your little one’s birthday

• You want to use your images as party invitations, birthday announcements, or as birthday memories in a scrapbook or other format

• You want a themed photo session

The good news is, you really can’t go wrong! No matter which type of session you choose, you will end up with a fantastic gallery of fun or beautiful photographs that perfectly capture your little one’s blossoming personality.

If you’re still not sure, feel free to reach out to me anytime! I’d be more than happy to answer your questions and help you create the perfect session to capture these memories of your little one. Can’t wait to see you and your baby in my New Jersey studio soon!

Most Popular Studio Props for Newborns

As a New Jersey photographer, I absolutely love designing sessions for my littlest clients! And one of the things that can really make a session special are the props. Of course, the focus is always your sweet baby, but the right prop can give your images that extra element that can take it from a nice baby picture to a beautiful one that really reflects your style.

At my studio in North Jersey I have a whole collection of props and accessories for you to choose from. There are so many items, from swaddles to buckets, that you’ll be able to use as we create a newborn portrait session for your little one. With that in mind, I thought I’d highlight just a handful of my most popular studio props for newborns.

A wicker basket is a classic newborn photography prop. Swaddled babies look like they’re sleeping in a cozy little nest when I pose them in this simple but beautiful setup.

Baskets come in all shapes and sizes, and for something that looks a bit more like a crib I love using my rattan basket. So sweet and comfy, especially when I layer it with blankets to give us some added texture.

Bowls have become an increasingly popular newborn photography prop over the years. There are lots of different shapes (round, heart-shaped, crescent moon) but one of my clients’ favorites is this antique long bowl, just the right size for a new baby.

Cribs may be a more practical solution for modern parenting, but there’s something so nostalgic about a lovely wooden cradle. I love using my antique cradle to give a timeless vibe to newborn photos.

What do you think? Any favorites from this list? There are plenty more where these came from! Be sure to check out my newborn portfolio or Facebook and Instagram pages to see more of my newborn photography props in action. And when you’re ready to book your newborn session, just fill out this quick form and I’ll be in touch!

Why Moms Need to Be in Photos

I love when moms come to me to capture memories of their little ones. But you know what I love even more? When moms are brave enough to make sure that they are in some of those pictures too. Here’s why I feel that it’s so important that moms need to be in photos:

Mom is Usually the One Taking the Picture

Think about it. Who is the one who is usually snapping pics of everything from the family vacation to those adorable everyday moments? It’s mom! And while you absolutely want to capture those memories of your little ones, you might be surprised as you look through your photos just how few there are of you.

Your Kiddos Will Want Pictures of the Two of You Together

If you’re absent from most of the family photos, that’s a problem, because believe me, your kiddos will want pictures of the two of you together. They’ll want to look back and remember the great mom you were, the love you showed them, and the fun memories you helped them build.

It’s Important to Capture Family Connections, Not Just Portraits

While individual portraits are beautiful, I can’t tell you how important it is that you capture not just individual family members, but the love and connections between each of you. And mom, in so many ways, is the heart of that family unit, the one that keeps so many things running smoothly and makes sure everyone feels loved and cared for.

You Are Beautiful and Worth It!

That effort—the amazing, nonstop, endlessly rewarding and yes, sometimes messy work of motherhood, deserves to be captured! To your family, you are the embodiment of motherhood and all that it means.

So do yourself and your loved ones a favor: Set aside those fears and insecurities and that idea that you have to be perfect, and make sure that you are part of your family’s photo legacy. You’re a huge part of the picture in every other way—you need to be in the photos too! Whether you book a professional session or just hand off the camera to your spouse or a friend for a few shots, your children will thank you for making sure that their family memories are complete with one of the most important people ever to be part of their lives!

How to Choose the Perfect Cake Smash Theme

One of the best things about a first birthday cake smash with Jennifer Parrello Photography is that the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing your theme! I love creating custom, one-of-a-kind photoshoots for my little clients. Many photographers use a single set that they alter slightly for each session, but I create every one of my cake smashes from scratch: the set, outfit, and props are all totally unique and made especially for you!

Of course, I know having that many options can be a little overwhelming too, which is why I’m here with a few tips for how to choose the perfect cake smash theme for your sweet baby. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Your Favorite Things

It’s so much fun when parents choose a theme based on something that’s important to them and that they want to pass on to their child! I’ve done cake smashes based on a parent’s hobby, favorite TV show, career path, and more. Doesn’t matter if you’re into road trips, Harry Potter, surfing, or NASCAR—I can build the perfect cake smash based on your interests!

Your Kiddo’s Favorite Things

If you want your cake smash photos to bring back vivid memories of this time in your little one’s life, choose a theme based on something they love right now. Do they love hearing you read a particular book over and over again? Are they fascinated by dinosaurs or can’t get enough of water play? A cake smash theme built on your child’s current interests is sure to make everyone happy!

Theme to Match Their First Birthday Party

If you’re throwing a party for baby’s first birthday, why not choose a cake smash to match? Remember, anything goes! Maybe you’ve planned a teddy bear picnic with their friends, a barnyard bash, or a proper afternoon tea. No matter what kind of party you have in mind, there’s a cake smash for that!

A First Birthday Pun

Another fun and popular way to choose a cake smash theme is with a pun. Berry First Birthday, Winter One-derland, One-der Woman—I’ve honestly probably done them all! We can put a fun and unique spin on it so that it’s perfect for you, and everyone will enjoy the extra layer of meaning almost as much as an extra layer of cake!

I hope these suggestions give you a place to start as you choose the perfect cake smash for your little one. Remember, the most important thing is to think outside the box and do something that truly sounds fun to you! There’s no need to stick to tradition or keep it simple unless you want to. After all, it isn’t every day somebody turns one, so let’s pull out all the stops and have a party to remember!

If you need more ideas, just reach out—I’m always happy to chat!

Please note: Because each of my cake smashes is completely customized, they do take time to create. I recommend reaching out at least 3 months before your child turns one—the earlier the better!

How to Choose the Perfect Colors for Your Newborn Session

Are you getting excited for your newborn session yet? I sure am! I try to make every one of my sessions as relaxing and hassle-free as possible so you can just sit back and enjoy the process. However, there are a few decisions you’ll need to make to ensure that your newborn photos are everything you hoped. And one of those decisions is…which colors to use.

It's a decision only you can make, but hopefully these tips will make it easy (and fun) to choose the perfect colors for your baby’s newborn session.

Get Inspired

Finally! A legitimate excuse to spend some extra time scrolling on Pinterest or Instagram. You’re welcome. 😉 Seriously though, it really helps to spend some time seeking out images and inspiration so you can figure out what color combinations you love. If you’ve already found a photographer you’re leaning towards, their site will also probably be a great source of new ideas. (You can check out my newborn page here for just a few!)

Use Your Creativity

I love it when parents choose color combinations you wouldn’t usually think of. Or when they go with non-traditional options, like blue, green, or yellow for their baby girl. Remember, the sky’s the limit here, and there are so many ways you can use color creatively to make the session truly your own. So use that inspiration we talked about, but don’t be afraid to put your own twist on it!

Think About Display Options

Baby photos are meant to be shown off and enjoyed! When choosing colors, it can help to think about where you’ll be displaying your newborn photos. You don’t necessarily have to strictly match your home’s décor (after all, you probably won’t have that furniture forever) but it is a good idea to pay attention to what colors you tend to use in your home, so you can choose a complementary palette for your baby pictures.

Ready to create an amazing newborn gallery with all the perfect shades? Get in touch with me and let’s start planning your little one’s session. I can’t wait to hear about your thoughts and ideas—and then bring that vision to life!

Why You Need Milestone Photos of Your Little One

A few weeks ago I posted on Facebook and Instagram why I feel like newborn photography is the BEST! And I totally stand by that. But the more I’ve been thinking about it, the more I’ve realized that…there’s more than one best!

As a New Jersey photographer who specializes in documenting baby’s first year, I’m here to tell you: Yes, you absolutely need newborn photos. But you need more than that! You need photos celebrating all the big milestones, all the tiny moments, and everything in between. Because every story deserves to be told, and every memory deserves to be captured!

Here are just a few reasons why you need milestone photos of your little one:

You Need Milestone Photos of Your Little One Because…

It’s a Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment

We often recognize this when our babies are newborns and it feels like the whole world has changed. But the older your kiddos get, the more you will realize that every moment is once in a lifetime. It’s so important to capture every stage, with all of its ups and downs, silly moments, tears, smiles, and laughter.

Even the Tiniest Details Matter

Photography preserves those chubby toddler cheeks, toothy (or gummy!) smiles, and that mischievous sparkle in their eyes in a way that memory alone just can’t. With milestone photos, these details will continue bringing you joy long after your babies are grown.

A Legacy of Love and Laughter

Just like with newborn or family photos, milestone photos become heirlooms that can be passed down for generations. Imagine how loved your child will feel as they look back at their portraits through the years, knowing how loved they’ve been every step of their lives.

Book Your Child’s Milestone Photos with Jennifer

No matter if your child is approaching their big one-year milestone or one of the many milestones in between, let’s capture these precious moments before they slip away! Booking milestone sessions now—let’s create something beautiful together.

Best Places to Display Baby Pictures in Your Home

I believe a newborn session is an essential! Every parent should have photos of their little one from their very first days. But, while scheduling your session is a great first step, what do you do with those adorable pictures once you have them?

I believe the best way to treasure these memories is to share them. And there’s no easier way to do that than by displaying your favorite family images where you’ll see them every day. Here are some of the best places to display baby pictures in your home.

Living Room

The living room is one of the most popular places to hang family photos. One of my favorite ways to showcase photos here is with a gallery wall, where you arrange several pictures of varying sizes on one section of wall (maybe above the couch or fireplace). A baby picture is the perfect addition!

A variation on this is the grid display. Photos in this arrangement are usually a bit smaller and of uniform size. Place them in a grid pattern to create a single focal point that almost looks like a single image, but is actually made up of many.

Bedroom or Nursery

Another fantastic place to hang baby pictures is in the bedroom or nursery. A baby picture here can often be a more prominent piece of décor. A canvas or large matted print might be the perfect option to wake up to each morning.

Hallway or Stairwell

While transition spaces like hallways and stairwells may not be the first that springs to mind, they can actually be great places to hang baby pictures! These areas tend to get lots of traffic, so you’ll have a reason to smile many times each day as you pass those cute portraits.

Remember, if you don’t have a lot of wall space, you can still keep your baby pictures and other family photos accessible with a small framed print on the bedside table or mantel, a simple photo album that will slip onto a bookshelf, or even a pretty keepsake box filled with your favorite prints.

I hope these ideas of the best places to display baby pictures in your home help you know exactly what to do with these sweet portraits after your session!

If you haven’t already booked your newborn photoshoot, please get in touch! I’d love to help you create wonderful memories to treasure forever!

4 Must-Have Items for Your Baby Registry

Expecting your first baby? I’m SO excited for you! And chances are, so are a whole lot of other people, who want to express their excitement by buying something cute and useful for your little one.

It’s easily to get totally lost in all the options available for baby care. How do you know which ones you’ll use and which ones will seem like a great purchase up-front…only to end up in the donation pile a few months down the road?

I’m a simple gal and I don’t go in for too many fancy-schmancy gizmos. Most of the time, the basics are all you need. That said though, there are just a few must-have items for your baby registry that you may not have thought of (or may be unsure about) that I swear by!

1. LOTS of Zip-Up PJs

Traditional PJs come with snaps or buttons. Nothing wrong with this per se, but let me tell you, with the number of diaper changes you’re going to be doing, zip-up PJs are an absolute essential!

Zippered sleepers make late-night diaper changes so much easier. Nobody wants to be fumbling around in the dark, half-asleep, trying to align tiny snaps so you can get yourself and your baby back to bed.

My favorite zip-up pajamas are those made with soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo. And I really like the ones with a double-zipper that opens from both the top and the bottom for extra convenience.

2. A Classic Baby Bouncer

I highly recommend an old-school baby bouncer. These provide a safe, comfy place to set your baby down throughout the day. No need to go for a fancy model with extra gadgets and vibrations: a basic bouncer is designed keep your baby relaxed with nothing more than the gentle bounces from baby’s own movements.

Another reason I prefer the simple, old-school baby bouncer is that it’s lightweight and portable so you can easily move it from room to room. Unlike bulky swings, bouncers don’t take up much space and are easy to store when not in use. Although, if you’re anything like me, your bouncer will be in use A LOT!

3. LullaVibe Vibrating Pad

The LullaVibe is a game-changer for soothing a fussy baby. This portable vibrating pad can be placed under a crib mattress, bassinet, or even in a stroller to provide gentle vibrations that help calm little ones. Unlike traditional vibrating baby seats, the LullaVibe is compact and battery-operated, so it’s perfect to take on the go.

This is a great option for babies who are comforted by movement but don’t always need to be rocked or held.  I actually use it in all of my newborn sessions!

4. Zipadee-Zip Sleep Sack

Once your baby starts transitioning out of the swaddle phase, the Zipadee-Zip is a lifesaver. This wearable blanket provides a cozy, enclosed feeling similar to a swaddle but allows for more movement, making it a great choice for babies who are starting to roll. It also helps your baby stay asleep by reducing the startle reflex while still being safe for independent movement.

Tons of my clients swear by this sleep sack as a key tool for improving their baby’s sleep. And as a new parent, there is nothing more important than a good night’s rest!

I hope these must-have items for your baby registry give you a good starting point as you design your little one’s wish list!

And don’t forget to add a newborn photography session! I offer gift certificates in any amount which makes it super easy for family and friends to help with the cost of a session, since I’m a firm believer that there’s no better gift for a new parent than the gift of memory!

Baby Girl Studio Session with Family | NJ/NY Newborn Photographer

This newborn and family session in my NJ photo studio was the BEST! I always have the hardest time narrowing down which pictures to share with you all on Facebook, Instagram, and here on the blog, and this session was no exception. I don’t know how Mom and Dad managed to choose from their gallery, but they selected such a fantastic variety of photos for their final images. I am OBSESSED and so excited to share with you all!

We chose soft pinks and creams for our baby-only portraits. Lil Miss slept the entire time and was so precious!

For our newborn and family portraits we went with a more gender-neutral color scheme with blacks, creams, and browns. The two color schemes balanced each other perfectly and look so great together.

Baby girl wasn’t the only one who was a star in this session! Mom and Dad were awesome—we had so much fun together—and big bro totally knocked it out of the park. I have tons of experience working with littles and lots of tricks up my sleeve if your toddler isn’t quite sure about the whole photoshoot thing. But this little man was seriously the most well-behaved 2-year-old I ever met! He was amazing with his little sister and I know he’s going to be rockstar helper for his parents!

I love every newborn photography session I do, but I have to admit, I especially love the ones where parents and siblings jump in there too. Don't be afraid to get in those photos and create those forever memories with the ones you love. It’s so important to have these moments to look back on because time really does fly.

So what are you waiting for!?!? Get in touch and let’s make some memories with a beautiful session designed just for you and your family!

Why You Need to Book Your Cake Smash When Baby is 6 Months Old

Did you do a double-take when you saw the title of this post? If it seems crazy to book your little one’s cake smash with months to spare, read on to find out why it’s so important.

A Customized Cake Smash Takes Time

I believe that every baby is unique, which is why I don’t do a one-size-fits-all kind of experience. Instead, every single one of my cake smashes is fully customized with whatever theme you choose.

And when I say customized, I’m serious. There’s no sifting through my props closet to see what I can cobble together. I spend some time dreaming up ideas until I have a clear idea that excites me—and that I know will thrill you! Then I order everything I need, make the entire set by hand, and buy the perfect outfit.

And that takes time! I like to say that you can rush perfection—and perfection is exactly what I’m aiming for.

How Strict is the 6-Month Timeline?

So, what happens if you really want a customized cake smash, but you’re a tiny bit late to the game?

The good news is, we do have a little bit of wiggle room. I like to give parents the 6-months-out date because, let’s face it, life is busy and we all end up procrastinating a little, right? If your baby is 7 or 8 months old by the time you get around to scheduling their birthday smash, I can usually accommodate.

But if they’re 9 months old or more…I just won’t have enough time to put together the kind of top-of-the-line, customized cake smash that is my specialty. (Plus, my cake smash schedule books up really fast, so I probably won’t even have a spot on the calendar by that point.)

Book Your Custom Cake Smash in New Jersey

Bottom line: The time to book your baby’s cake smash is probably right this minute! Fill out my contact form here, or give me a call and let’s chat. I’m so excited to plan the perfect celebration for your sweet kiddo!

My Favorite Poses for Newborns | Adorable Baby Photography in New Jersey/New York

Need some inspiration for your newborn photography session? New parents often focus on colors or themes that they love when planning a baby photoshoot. And these are definitely important elements. But just as important are the poses!

There are tons of adorable ways to pose a newborn, but these are definitely my favorites! I use these in just about every newborn session because they are simple and classic—and they can be customized in so many ways!

So here you go: my favorite poses for newborns!

Side Lying Pose

A baby asleep on their side looks so natural and peaceful that you might not even think of it as a pose. That’s what makes it so good! I love to do this pose with a little blanket draped partway over the little one, but the side lying pose also makes an adorable position for naked baby pictures.

Bum Up Pose

This pose looks so cute, with baby curled up comfortably with their tushie sticking in the air, propped up on their feet. Again, we can totally go naked baby or wrapped for this one.

Forward Facing Pose

I always love to get a straight-on shot that emphasizes baby’s delicate features and chubby cheeks! This pose looks simple and sweet, but it does take practice and experience to get it right. I love to pair it with an artistically draped wrap or blanket for a bit of added shape and texture.

Wrapped Prop Pose

Props are so fun to incorporate into a newborn session! One of my favorite poses with props is to swaddle baby completely in a soft and cozy wrap before placing them in a tiny basket, bed, or other prop.

Parent and Baby Silhouette

Parent and baby pictures are the best, and this is probably my favorite way to capture all that love! Backlighting gives this pose more of a silhouette vibe without obscuring faces, and baby being held safely by both their parents just gives me all the feels!

What are your favorite newborn poses? Get in touch and let’s chat about how we can make your baby’s session absolutely perfect—right down to the last detail! Can’t wait to see your sweet little bundle in the studio. :)

Welcoming the New Year with a New Baby!

You guys—it’s 2025! When did that happen!? Seriously, I can’t believe how fast the entire year of 2024 went. And before we get too far into the new year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you, my amazing clients, for your trust and support.

It’s been the most incredible privilege to capture sweet moments for families in New Jersey and New York, from those tiny newborns to holiday magic with the big kids. It makes it easier moving into January knowing that all those precious memories are preserved and that each new year is just a continuation of an exciting journey!

Okay, now on to some adorable baby pictures! Mom and Dad did a maternity session with me that included their cute pup! They are the sweetest couple and so great to work with. We had the best time so I was really excited to see them again and meet their baby boy!

Lil’ guy rocked his newborn session! He was the sweetest, sleepiest little man who loved to be swaddled and did amazing from start to finish. We got some gorgeous family photos, lots of baby-only portraits, and of course, we couldn’t resist turning him into a little snowman bundle as a nod to the season. Too cute!

I thought his photos would be the perfect way to kick off the new year and go into it with a smile!

I hope that 2025 brings warmth, love, and cherished moments with the people who matter most. Thank you SO much for letting me be a part of capturing your special memories in the past. Here’s to many more beautiful moments in the coming year! I hope you’ll be in touch soon so we can get your session on the calendar. I’m so excited to see you!

Baby Girl Newborn Session NJ/NY with All the Flowers

If December’s wintry weather has you down, I’ve got exactly the touch of spring you need! This sweet baby girl came to my New Jersey photo studio recently for her newborn session and we did all the pretty flowers and spring colors for her photoshoot! Florals and a newborn? Yes please! I’m so excited to show this beauty to the world and hope you enjoy her gorgeous photos!

I have photographed this adorable baby’s family a few times before her arrival and have known mom for a while. They are an amazing family and super sweet. It was great to get together with them again, this time to celebrate the new arrival! Isn’t she just the prettiest little wildflower?

I have a ton of fun props and outfits for clients to choose from at my studio, but I always say there’s nothing like the personal touch, so if you have a special something from home that you want to include, please feel free to bring it! In these baby pictures, you’ll spy an adorable sunflower bonnet handmade by grandma. SO cute! Little heirloom treasures like this add an irreplaceable touch to your baby pictures.

So happy I got to photograph this lil lovely! She was one of so many precious babies and families who came through my studio door this year and every single one of them has been so special and fun! HUGE thank you to the hundreds of clients that have chosen me to capture their forever memories. I sometimes say it is like hitting the lottery each time a client books with me and trusts me with documenting a new chapter of their story—and I truly mean that!

Very best wishes to you and your family for this coming year. I hope I will see you and your littles for an incredible photoshoot of your very own! My schedule books up fast, so reach out as soon as possible and let’s put you on the calendar for 2025!