Welcome to Fall: Beautiful Baby Boy Newborn Photos

Happy fall, everybody! (Okay, so we still have another week or so of summer officially, but with the back-to-school craziness it feels like fall to me!)

Back from Summer Baby Pictures

I decided to take the summer off from blogging so I could revamp some things with my photography business and spend time with family, but it’s time to get back into the swing of things. And I can’t think of a better way to get started again than with some adorable baby pictures!

First Baby

I did Mom and Dad’s maternity session, so I was so excited to finally meet the little guy! This is their first baby and he was the absolute sweetest. Photographing him brought back memories of my own littles (back when they actually were little—time flies, I tell ya).

There is something incredibly magical about welcoming your very first baby to the family. It feels like the whole world has shifted, and there are so many changes and surprises—not least of which is the totally overwhelming love you feel for this little bundle! I loved being able to capture that for this beautiful family.

Warm and Peaceful

This little guy was a rockstar who slept the entire session. He was so peaceful and content, and even gave me some sleepy smiles. I love the warm color scheme of rich browns and navies, with some grays and creams thrown in. Just feels like a cozy evening, don’t you think?

New Jersey Newborn Photographer

It was so much fun to photograph this sweet little man and record these precious first days. I absolutely love helping families throughout the tri-state area create beautiful memories to treasure! If you are looking for someone to document your story in a way that’s warm, light-hearted, and completely personal, I hope you’ll be in touch. I’m so excited to hear from you!

Peaceful Baby Girl Newborn Session in New Jersey

Happy summer, everyone! It’s been a busy spring for me, filled with graduations, softball games, and time spent in the studio with new and returning families. I have loved every minute and I’m also excited for the (slightly) less hectic pace of summer. Anyone else feel like a lazy day is just what the doctor ordered?

I can’t guarantee a lazy summer day for you, but I can certainly invite you to slow down for a minute or two to enjoy the photos of this sweet baby girl! I feel more peaceful just looking at her!

This couple came to me for newborn photos of their first baby a few years ago, so it was fantastic to have them back in the studio again for baby number two! She was pure perfection! We had so much fun capturing her sweet sleepy poses and those beautiful baby blue eyes.

One thing I’ve been reminded of recently (especially this month as I watched two of my own babies walk across a stage—one heading off to middle school and the other to high school) is that life doesn’t slow down for anyone.

Someday, this tiny little baby will no longer fit perfectly in your arms. Those newborn stretches will disappear. The sleepy cuddles will get fewer and farther between. The tiny fingers and little details you never want to forget will change before you even realize it’s happening.

That is why newborn photos are so important. These moments are once in a lifetime. And the newborn images from your session become the memories you hold onto long after your baby isn’t a baby anymore. Take it from a mom: one day these photographs will mean absolutely everything.

So don’t wait! Whatever stage of babyhood or childhood your little one is at, let’s document those precious moments before they’re gone. Get in touch today and let’s set up a time to get together. I can’t wait!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Simple Tips to Help Baby Sleep Through Their Newborn Photoshoot

Figuring out baby’s sleep schedule is one of the many learning curves you go through as a new parent. If your littles are anything like mine were, then they probably like to wake up right when you most want them to stay asleep! Like when you’re about to grab a bite to eat, take a much-needed nap yourself, or…right as you pull up to the studio for your newborn session.

If you’re worried that your newborn will be one of those that fuss all through their session and make it impossible to get those dream baby pictures, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with these simple tips to help baby sleep through their newborn photoshoot.

Before You Get to the Studio

Babies usually don’t have much of an awake window before they’re ready for another nap, so try to keep them awake for a while before you leave the house to drive to the studio. If playtime just isn’t doing it, a bath usually works!

Babies also sleep best on a full tummy. Shortly before you get in the car, nurse them or give them a bottle so they have a nice full belly and are feeling content.

Good news: Most newborns are lulled straight to sleep with a car ride, so if they’ve been awake for a while and are full, they’re likely to drift off on the way to my photography studio. But what about when you stop?

To make it more likely that baby will stay asleep, I recommend dressing them in button-up or zip-up pajamas before you come. Makes it so much easier to change them at the studio without disturbing them! Also, don’t worry about getting baby out of the car seat when you arrive. I will take care of all that unbuckling. I’ve got a soft touch and a lot of practice!

Helping Baby Sleep Through Their Studio Photoshoot

Since a comfortable temperature is also key to helping baby to the land of nod, I keep my studio quite cozy so that little ones don’t get chilled. (Because of this, I recommend that parents dress in layers so you don’t get overheated!)

If baby is a little fussy, I’ll often try swaddle poses first. Newborns absolutely love to be bundled up snug, and often once they’re swaddled in a wrap they will float off to dreamland again almost instantly.

I also make sure to give us plenty of time during a newborn photoshoot, so that if baby needs to be soothed or fed, we can take the time to do that without anyone feeling rushed. When you’re at my studio, it’s your time to relax!

Finally, remember that part of my skill as a newborn photographer lies not only in helping your baby be safe and comfortable, but also in capturing moments that only last a second. On those rare occasions when baby seems to fuss through most of their session or be awake most of the time, parents are always amazed by the number of beautiful, peaceful images I manage to capture anyway. While these simple tips to help baby sleep through their newborn photoshoot are handy and can make for a smoother process, trust me, your newborn session will be a success whether your baby sleeps or not!

Contact Your New Jersey Newborn Photographer

Can’t wait to see you and your (hopefully sleepy) sweet bundle in my New Jersey studio soon! Contact me to book your session, request more information, or ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help!

Carpe Diem Baby | Metallica's Cutest 5th Member!

I think Metallica may have found their fifth member—and will she draw the crowds, or what!?

This baby girl newborn photoshoot in New Jersey was a special surprise session for Dad, who is a HUGE Metallica fan. (He actually worked with them for a bit!) Mama Said she wanted to wow him with these photos, and I think she succeeded! Combining two of his biggest loves—his new little cutie and heavy metal music—made for an amazing gift that is totally one-of-a-kind!

Not sure yet which role baby girl will take on in the band. We tried her out as a drummer and a guitarist, and of course, babies are never shy about auditioning as vocalists either. ;) No surprise, we loved everything she did! Seriously, she was super sweet and did awesome for her session. I love that she even woke up for a bit (decided to Dream No More, perhaps?) so we could capture those gorgeous eyes!

I love all the fun props we were able to use. Baby girl already has a whole collection of Metallica onesies happening, and the guitar we used was one Mom brought in. Don’t know the whole story behind it, but it was clearly a very important guitar, as it required two people to carry it into my New Jersey studio!

I’m sure Dad was beyond thrilled with these Metallica-themed baby pictures, and I sure had a blast doing this newborn photoshoot!

As a New Jersey newborn photographer, one of the things I love to do is customize every session for my clients. So if you have a special vision for your own little one’s photoshoot, it’s not Too Late Too Late. Get in touch and let’s start planning! I can’t wait to welcome you to the studio and capture those photos so that The Memory Remains as your little one grows!

Jennifer Parrello Photography: My Vision for You

As a New Jersey/New York photographer, I know how important it is to have a vision for each session. Having a vision keeps me on task, provides inspiration, and ensures a quality experience and products. But I believe it’s also important to have an overall vision for my clients. Because it’s not just about individual sessions. It’s about YOU! My vision for you is for you to come away with an amazing experience and timeless photos that can be displayed and treasured for years.

The goal of every session is twofold: I want to create forever memories for you, and I also want you to have a memorable experience. Sound like the same thing? It’s not! For me, creating forever memories is about the pictures. I want to create images that bring back this special time in your life, whether that’s cradling your newborn or laughing with your toddler. But a great photography session is about more than the finished product. I also want the experience itself to be enjoyable, fun, and relaxing. I love chatting with my clients and getting to know you in the cozy, home-like atmosphere of my New Jersey photo studio. I want you to feel like, by the end of your session, you are part of the family!

I also want you to come away from your photoshoot feeling beyond happy, thrilled, and excited for your photos! This should not only be a meaningful experience, but an exciting and celebratory one! That’s one of the reasons I pride myself on lightning-fast turnaround time. Once your shoot is over, I get right to work putting your proof gallery together, so you can choose your favorite images that same day.

There is nothing like the moment when you first see your images. It’s so amazing, beautiful, and special. Your photos are a treasure because they are a moment captured in time. For me, there is nothing more awesome than seeing gorgeous photos that will be cherished forever, and I know you will feel the same way as you look through the authentic, fun, and beautiful pictures of your loved ones.

If you’re looking for a baby and family photographer in the New York or New Jersey area and my vision for you sounds like the perfect fit, I hope you’ll be in touch! I can’t wait for you to become part of the Jennifer Parrello Photography family!

One of the (Little) Boys in Blue | NY/NJ Newborn Photographer

I feel like it’s been a while since I posted a session on the blog, so I thought I’d share some baby pictures from this little man’s AMAZING newborn photo session! He was seriously so good for me and such a cutie! Loved that he halfway woke up during posing. Big stretch and yawn! And then that look of deepest suspicion. :) Gah!

Mom and Dad were the sweetest couple. I really like visiting with my clients and just getting to know them when they arrive. Helps put us all at our ease and makes the whole experience better. I feel like, if you’re trusting someone to capture these important moments, it should feel just as comfortable as going to a friend’s and having a chat!

Dad is a police officer, so of course we had to incorporate that into the session. You’re always welcome to bring meaningful items from home. Little touches like this really make your photos more personal and can reflect your family’s legacy and what’s important to you.

We went with blue, brown, and gray for the baby-only pictures. With our baby and parent images, we switched to a more neutral setup. I often recommend this for the family portion of your newborn photography session. Neutrals are way easier to mix and match, so the parents don’t have to stress as much about finding complementary outfits. Plus, neutrals are classic and timeless!

Loved getting to know this sweet couple and capturing the essence of this special time as they welcome their little one!

Newborn pictures really do capture the memories and emotions of this precious time in your lives. They are also one of the few things that become even more precious and valuable as the years go on. So if you are in the New York/New Jersey area and expecting a baby, get in touch and let’s schedule a time to capture those incredible memories!