Pompton Plains NJ Newborn Photography Session with Baby Girl and Family

This is not my first time photographing this beautiful family from Pompton Plains and I certainly hope it won’t be the last! I’m already looking forward to the next time. They are such an amazing family. It’s always a delight to welcome them to my New Jersey studio for a chat and some camera time. I was so excited when they reached out to let me know that they were expecting another little one and to ask if I could do their daughter’s newborn photos. Um…YES!!!

As a newborn photographer, I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve for soothing babies, and also for wrangling rambunctious siblings! But with this session, there was no need to pull out the bag of tricks. Baby was incredible for the entire session—not a peep out of her and she slept the whole time. Even gave us some sleepy smiles too! It’s like her parents read my guide on how to prep for a newborn session or something. ;)

And big sister was the absolute best! Seriously, she was so well-behaved and was just awesome about posing with her new little sis. Some siblings need a little coaxing to pose with baby, but not this girl. She’s clearly in love with the newest member of the family! And honestly, so am I!

Pompton Plains NJ Newborn Photographer

There’s nothing like parenthood to remind you just how quickly time flies. As a mom myself, I can tell you—you will always be grateful you invested in beautiful portraits of your little one. I’m already booking well into the year, so if you want to capture memories of those earliest days with your newborn, be sure to get in touch as soon as possible so we can get you on the calendar. Can’t wait to create memories together!

Words of Wisdom for New Parents from a Mom and Newborn Photographer in Passaic County

Someone recently asked me if I had any words of wisdom for them as they get ready to welcome a new baby. I guess they knew that, being a parent myself, as well as a newborn photographer serving families in New Jersey and New York, I’ve seen parenthood from a lot of different angles!

In answering them, I realized that there are probably lots of expecting parents out there wondering the same things, so I thought I’d jot down my thoughts on the blog. So here you go, a few words of wisdom for new parents from a mom and professional baby photographer in Passaic County:

Embrace the Journey

Parenthood is a remarkable adventure. And like any adventure, it’s filled with ups and downs. I know it can be hard, especially when you’re in the thick of it, but cherish each moment, even the challenging ones. They are irreplaceable and contribute so much to the growth and relationship of both you and your baby.

Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial. And it isn’t selfish in the least! Find time for rest, nourishment, and relaxation. If you feel well cared for, you’ll be better equipped to care for your child too—and both of you will be happier for it.

Trust Your Instincts

You know more than you think you do. You’ll probably receive a lot of childrearing advice from well-meaning people. Accept it graciously, but ultimately, trust your own intuition as a parent. You know your baby better than anyone, and your instincts will guide you as you make decisions for their well-being.

Seek Support

I don’t know where the old saying came from, “It take a village to raise a child.” But it’s true! Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or support groups for help or guidance. Parenting is incredibly rewarding, but it's also a tough gig. Building a support network of fellow parents can provide reassurance and give you a sense of community.

Nurture Your Relationship with Your Partner

If you have a partner (and I hope you do, it makes life so much easier!) remember to prioritize your relationship with them. Set aside quality time together, communicate openly, and support each other. You’ll both need time to adjust to the new dynamic of being parents, so be there for one another.

Embrace the Mess

Last but not least, realize that things are going to get messy. Don’t sweat it, embrace it! Clutter and stains are normal. The spit-up, dirty diapers, and occasional chaos is all part of the experience of having a little one (and makes for great stories later on). And if things get emotionally messy sometimes, that’s normal too. You’ll make a few parenting mistakes. Everyone does. Just do your best to clean up the mess and keep moving forward, knowing that your love for your little one is the most important thing.

Congratulations on this incredible life change! I hope these few words of wisdom help as you prepare for this exciting next step in your adventure. And if you need anything along the way, know that I’m here for you. Just get in touch!

Looking Back on 2023...and Forward to 2024 with Jennifer Parrello Photography

I hope everyone is having an amazing holiday season!

This week between Christmas and New Year’s is always one for me to take a second to reflect on the past year and wonder what the future holds. 2023 has been a great year, filled with so many of my favorite things. Like…

Baby snuggles

It is such a beautiful experience to welcome new babies and their families to my New Jersey studio. Those new little lives are so precious, and I’m always honored to capture a few of those very first moments!

Cake

Birthday and cake smash sessions are my all-time favorites! If you know me, you know I’m always up for a party—and I love helping little ones celebrate that first birthday with a fun, customized cake smash all for themselves!

Pictures

As a New Jersey photographer, I can’t help but love photos. And it’s been exciting to be part of creating so many great ones this year!

And a little bit of magic

I tried something a little different for my holiday sessions this year and they all went amazing! I always feel that those magical Christmas sessions are such a good way to start wrapping up the year.

Can’t Wait to See You at the Photo Studio in 2024

And what does 2024 hold? I don’t know, but I have a feeling it’s going to be amazing! I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces in my studio and welcoming many new ones, and I hope this next year will be one of making lots of connections and memories. Most of all, I hope that YOU will be a big part of my 2024! I would love to get to know you better and help you document the best of your family’s moments. Let’s connect now, and start making memories that will last a lifetime!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Jennifer Parrello Photography Session Types

As a New Jersey photographer, I specialize in capturing baby’s first year, which means most of my sessions are either newborn or cake smash (to celebrate that big one-year mark!) I’ll admit, photoshoots with babies are my fave! But that doesn’t mean I don’t offer other options as well. Baby’s first year is only part of the picture, and I’m happy to capture your family’s memories no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Here's a quick peek into the different types of sessions you can book at Jennifer Parrello Photography:

Newborn

There is nothing like capturing those first precious days of infancy. I recommend booking your newborn session a few months in advance to guarantee availability. You can choose from a few different collections based on your needs and personal preferences. My newborn sessions last up to 3 hours, just to give us some wiggle room in case baby is fussy or needs a feed or diaper change at the studio. You’ll get to choose colors, props, etc. from my extensive studio collection!

Cake Smash

Possibly my favorite type of session! Cake smash sessions are also booked a few months in advance, to give me time to fully customize your setup (which can take 6-8 weeks). I create all the sets myself to ensure that you have a unique first birthday photoshoot and the flexibility to choose any theme you’d like! You’ll be able to choose a collection based on your wants and needs—we can even include family photos at your baby’s cake smash session.

Child and Family

Every age and stage is precious! If your family is past the babyhood stage, I would still love to help you create portraits documenting your journey together. I only offer a select number of family sessions each year, so if you’re interested in these, get in touch as soon as possible! While most of my sessions take place in my New Jersey photo studio, family sessions can also be done outdoors. I have many different locations I can recommend. We’ll probably schedule your session for an hour or two before sunset for optimal light. Again, I offer a few different collections. And yes, I do offer extended family sessions, which are very popular right now!

Headshot and Branding

I also offer basic headshot sessions, which are a really quick and easy way to update your business cards or web page. Headshot sessions only take 20 minutes and are super relaxed and fun! The package includes 2 digital images for a set price, and from there you can add on whatever you want.  

Whatever your portrait photography needs this year, I hope you’ll choose Jennifer Parrello Photography to capture those lasting memories. Please feel free to contact me for more details!

Beautiful Newborn Photography Session New Jersey

Oh my goodness, I can’t get over this precious baby girl and her beautiful newborn photography session! I was so excited to see this family again. I photographed big sister as a newborn almost three years ago now, and also did her cake smash session. I love when my little clients come back! It’s a chance for me to see how much they’ve grown and enjoy their fun personalities! We had such a wonderful time together during this session, full of love, laughter, and lots of snuggles!

Baby girl was an absolute DREAM. She slept the entire time, and we got so many great pictures that I had a hard time choosing just a few for this post. And watching baby girl and her older sister together—I can already tell they’re going to be BFFs! What a couple of cuties!

Mom wanted colors that would coordinate well with big sister’s newborn photos. (If you’re planning to put sibling photos together in an album or hang them on the same wall in the living room or nursery, it’s a great idea to make sure the colors/themes look good side by side.) We did all pink for first baby’s session, so we decided to include some pink and florals for the newest member of the family, as well as some deep purples and shades of berry. SO pretty! For whatever reason, purple isn’t a color that gets chosen much for baby girls, at least not at my studio, so I loved the chance to use a color I don’t often get to work with.

Hard to believe this was one of my last sessions for the year. Times goes by so fast—something I’m constantly reminded of as a newborn photographer. If you’re expecting a little one in the new year, I would love to help you document those precious memories. Be sure to book as soon as possible—I’m already scheduling into May!

How to Get Ready for Your Newborn Session

I love welcoming brand new little ones to my photography studio! I want to make sure you and your baby have the best possible experience when you choose me as your New Jersey newborn photographer, and I believe knowing what to expect goes a long way towards feeling prepared and relaxed when it comes time to capture those photos. So, here’s how to get ready for your newborn session!

What to Bring

Before your newborn session, you’ll want to get ready by packing a few items to make sure you’re prepared for any eventuality. Babies can be unpredictable, after all! I recommend bringing:

• Extra diapers and wipes in case of accidents. (This happens all the time, and everything at the studio is washable, so don’t worry!)

• At least 3 receiving blankets.

• A change of clothes for yourself. (Depending on baby’s mood, you may need to feed him/her at the studio, and again, accidents can happen! I want to make sure you have something clean and comfy to change into if needed so you can enjoy the full session.)

• Extra bottles of formula or pumped breast milk. (Newborn sessions last from 2.5 to 3 hours, which allows time for feeding during the session if baby gets hungry.)

• A pacifier. (Even if your baby doesn’t normally use one, a pacifier is super helpful if baby is fussy and needs some distraction.)

The Day of Your Newborn Session

We want baby to be sleepy at their session, so it’s a good idea to keep them awake for a while right before picture time.

About 45 minutes to an hour before you leave the house, keep baby awake with playtime or a bath.

About 20 minutes before you leave, feed them so they have a nice full belly.

When it’s time to go, dress baby in button-up or zip-up PJs (so it’s easy to change them at the studio.) Baby should fall asleep in the car on the way to the studio.

What to Expect at the Studio

When you get here, leave baby in their car seat. I’ll take the car seat from you and start getting baby ready. When you come in, you’ll hear white noise playing in the background, as this recreates a womb-like environment for baby and helps keep them calm. You’ll also notice that it feels tropical! I keep my newborn photo studio very warm to keep baby comfortable and sleepy. Dress in layers so you don’t get too hot!

And that’s it! Unless you’re participating in pictures or feeding baby, you can just sit back and relax with some bottled water and your favorite show on Netflix or Hulu while I capture images of your sleeping newborn.

Still have questions about how to get ready for your newborn session? Get in touch. I’m here for you! Can’t wait to see you and your newborn in the studio!

Booking Your NJ Newborn Photography Session ~ When and How

There’s so much to think about when you’re getting ready to welcome a new member of the family. If booking your NJ newborn photography session is one of the things on your list (and I hope it is—there is nothing better than having pictures of your little one in all their adorable newness) than you’re probably wondering when to book and how to go about it. I got you. Here’s what you need to know!

When to Book Your Newborn Photo Session

As far as the when, I love babies at any age, so I’m not going to say you have to book by any specific time in your pregnancy. That said, newborn pictures are easiest when baby is brand new and still sleeping a lot, so you’ll want to book your session as soon as possible (and while you’re still pregnant.)

Why Book Early?

There are several reasons for booking your NJ newborn photography session early:

Sleepy babies make for relaxed newborn photo sessions—which is the experience I want you to have! And brand-new babies usually sleep a ton and aren’t as likely to be disturbed by outfit changes as older babies. Win-win.

Newborn photography is one of the most popular types of portrait photography there is. As a NJ photographer who specializes in capturing babies through their first year of life, my schedule fills up fast! I also customize all of my sessions. Making your session exactly what you’ve dreamed of takes extra time, and booking your session early ensures you a place on my calendar.

Babies don’t always stick to schedules. You may think baby is going to arrive on such-and-such a date, but the little one may have other plans. The last thing you want is to be stressed out about baby pictures when your little bundle is delivered earlier or later than expected. I allow some wiggle room in my schedule so that even if baby decides to surprise us, we’ll still be able to do your session.

Forgot to Book Your NJ Newborn Photography Session Early?

Get in touch anyway! While I can’t guarantee a spot, it never hurts to check, and I’m always happy to accommodate last-minute bookings if my schedule allows.

How to Book Your Session

If you’re ready to book your NJ newborn photography session, or just want to learn more, it’s as easy as filling out this quick and easy form. I’ll be in touch as soon as possible to discuss all the details. Can’t wait to help you document these precious memories with your little one!

Sweet Newborn Boy Photography Session | New Jersey

We’re starting to feel a nip in the air here in New Jersey, but it’s always cozy in my newborn photography studio! While I’m loving helping folks gear up for December with some magical holiday photos, it was so fun to take a break and capture this sweet boy’s newborn photography session. Give me all the newborn snuggles!

One of the Boys in Blue

How cute is this little man? His daddy is a policeman, so of course we had to use a pint-sized policeman’s cap in our photoshoot. Gahhh! So adorable! It also tied in perfectly with the other shades of blue we were using, which looked so cozy with the gray and natural wood tones.

Mom loved wrapped images (and so did baby!) so we did lots of those. Most babies love to be swaddled, so these can be perfect if little one is a bit fussy—or not! This baby boy was the sweetest thing ever and did amazing for his newborn session. The wraps were purely aesthetic for this little guy!

The Importance of Booking Your Newborn Session Early

So glad I could spend some time with this little man in my studio even in the midst of all the holiday preparations. He’s a perfect example of why you want to book your newborn photography session nice and early! This gives me time to plan, so I can provide the customized session you’ve been dreaming of, and also guarantees you a place on my calendar—no matter what else is going on! If you’re expecting a baby in 2023, now is the time to get in touch with me! I would love nothing better than to welcome you and your precious bundle to my New Jersey newborn photography studio! Let’s make some memories!

Baby Girl Photo Session in Studio

Okay, people. This is a lot of cuteness, so brace yourselves! (Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)

Seriously, baby Annabelle was adorable and a total dream to photograph! I did her parents’ maternity session, so I’ve known for a while that she would be coming to the studio and have been looking forward to it! She was so good. Slept like an angel—which was great except that it made her newborn photo session zip by faster than I would have liked! Could have spent all day with this sweet baby girl. She even gave me some of those cute, sleepy baby smiles. (As a New Jersey newborn photographer, those are kind of what I live for!)

We did a pretty color scheme of pink, white, and gray. She loved being swaddled, so—since my goal is to keep baby happy while we capture your beautiful images—we did lots of wrapped shots. I love these anyway. A precious baby bundle is pretty much the best thing ever!

Mom and Dad also chose to get some family shots with their new arrival, which I definitely recommend! They are a super sweet family and it was such a treat to create those baby pictures with all of them together. I love it when my newborn clients first book a maternity session with me! It allows us to get to know each other better, and it’s so special to have pictures at each stage of your baby’s journey—including when you were still anticipating their arrival!

It was so fun to spend a couple of hours in my cozy Passaic County newborn photo studio with this precious baby girl and her parents. I’m really hoping she’ll be coming back to see me in a year for a cake smash! Love watching these little ones grow!

When to Book Your Newborn Photography Session

Are you expecting? I’m so stoked! Seriously, I absolutely LOVE babies, and I know how important it is to have photos documenting that precious newborn stage. That’s why I want to make sure you know when to book your newborn photography session—so you can get it all lined up and not have to stress about whether you’ll be able to get on the schedule once baby arrives.

The Earlier the Better

You definitely want to book your newborn photoshoot while you’re still pregnant. And if you’re wondering where on the continuum—let’s just say it’s best to be closer to the “OMG, I’m pregnant!” side of things rather than the “This baby is coming any day now” side.

Why It’s Important to Book Your Newborn Photo Session Early

The biggest reason is that newborn photographers are always busy! Because it’s important to choose a professional for both safety and aesthetic reasons, newborn photos are one of the most popular kinds of photography out there. And most newborn photographers only take a limited number of sessions per month, because they know that aside from the session itself, they also need to give themselves enough time to edit your images so that they’re exactly what you’ve hoped for.

Another reason you should book your session early is that babies only stay little for so long. We want to capture them in that brand new stage, while they’re tiny, sleepy, and still extra flexible, so we can get those adorable poses. And ideally, that means getting baby to the studio within the first couple weeks after birth.

The third major reason I encourage booking early is that babies don’t always stick to a schedule—especially when it comes to their arrival date! Most newborn photographers, myself included, make sure to leave some flexibility in their schedules so that if baby arrives late or early it’s easy to adjust their session date accordingly.

What If I’m Super Late in My Pregnancy, or Baby is Already Here?

I’m not just a New Jersey newborn photographer—I’m also a mom myself. So I know that when you’re expecting a baby, you’ve got a lot on your mind! If you’ve left booking a little late, don’t hesitate to reach out anyway. Booking early is certainly best, but I’m always more than happy to work in last-minute appointments if my schedule allows. It never hurts to check!

Again, congratulations on your new little one! I hope you to see you both in my NJ photography studio soon!

Newborn and Family Photo Session | Baby Boy in Green

Everyone loves a sweet baby boy in blue—but how about green? I think it’s so fun when parents pick out less traditional colors that really match their style! Not that I don’t love the traditional blues and pinks too—because I totally do! (It’s babies, after all. They look great in anything!)

I was really excited to do this little guy’s newborn photography session since I know his family. They live locally and I was thrilled when they asked me to help them welcome baby number three (a boy, after two girls) with a session at my NJ photo studio.

His big sisters were the best with him! We dressed the girls in matching outfits (so perfect for big sisters that, yes, I provide these at the studio) and got the cutest shots with these three siblings together. We also did some beautiful backlit portraits of baby boy with mom and dad, as well as some family pictures.

For our baby-only newborn pictures, we played around with several different textures as well as some props to add height. The magic of digital photo editing software means that as a newborn photographer, I can create images of baby sitting or lying atop something, while in reality your little one is safely supported at all times.

While composite images are fun, I’ll admit that all I really need are those closeup detail shots—like those little lips and chin. Gah!

This was such a fun newborn photo session and I loved spending time with this absolutely adorable family. You know what I love even more though? That they live near me, so I’ll get to continue to see this little guy and his sisters as they grow!

Are you expecting? Congrats! I recommend booking your session as early as possible, so get in touch and let’s talk baby pictures!

NJ Newborn Photo Session | Police Baby

This new baby boy was so cute and just the sweetest! Loved his full head of hair and that look of intense concentration he had when he was asleep. Hey, sleeping is serious business! Especially, when, like this little guy, you have to devote more than half your day to it. (The amount of time newborns sleep is actually one reason I encourage parents to get their new baby in to my New Jersey photography studio nice and early. That sleepiness makes it easy to get all the adorable poses!)

Police Baby Pictures

Mom and Dad wanted all neutrals for this NJ newborn photo session—except, of course, for our police baby pictures! Dad is a police officer and wanted to incorporate that into the newborn photos. I thought it was a great idea! I love personalizing each and every photo session I do, and it makes it even more meaningful when parents come with ideas or items that are especially significant to their family. If you’re a first responder, I’d love to incorporate that into your little one’s baby pictures and help pass on that legacy of service to them!

Baby-Led Photo Sessions

We did lots of swaddle shots with this little boy, since that seemed to be his happy place! He let us get some tummy poses and bucket poses too though, so we were able to get a fun variety. I always make sure that my newborn photography sessions are baby-led. I want your session to be a fun and genuine experience for everyone—especially the new little star of the show!

Loved spending some time with this wonderful family! Mom and Dad were just the nicest people, and baby boy was a total sweetheart!

NJ Newborn Photographer

Looking for a NJ newborn photographer? I love serving families throughout New Jersey, and would love to welcome you and your little one to my comfy studio, so get in touch today and let’s start planning! You’ll love your experience—check out what others have to say here!

Baby Boy Photo Session with Heirlooms from Grandparents

Including Grandparents in Your Newborn Photo Session

This little guy was such a sweetie. And his baby boy photo session was even more special because it included heirlooms from the grandparents. I love including family members in a newborn photography session. But often it just isn’t a possibility to have everyone in the studio that you’d like to—sometimes just because of distance or logistics, and sometimes because we have family members who have passed on. Including heirlooms is a great way to include grandparents or others who can’t be at the session in person for whatever reason.

Stars, Stripes, and Snuggles

This family wanted to represent their son’s grandpas on both sides (he’s actually named after his grandpa too!) and I loved the creative ways they came up with! Mom had an adorable teddy bear made with one grandpa’s plaid shirt, which I think is the best idea ever. And baby boy’s other grandpa was born on the fourth of July, so an American flag made perfect sense!

Both the American flag and the plaid teddy also went perfectly with our blue and white color scheme. I guess it was meant to be! Combined with some of my many studio swaddles and props, these fun reminders of grandpa made such a great theme for this baby boy’s newborn photo session!

This lil darling was absolutely adorable, slept great for me, and had the best squishy cheeks! I’m so glad his family chose me as their New Jersey newborn photographer to capture these irreplaceable memories!

New Jersey Newborn Photography

If you’re looking for newborn photography in New Jersey, nothing would make me happier than to welcome you to my comfy studio! We’ll customize everything just for you so you can have perfect photos of your little one to treasure forever. And if you’re still shopping, that’s fine too! I even have some tips on how to choose a newborn photographer that can help you in your search. Feel free to get in touch with any questions!

Baby Boy | New Jersey Newborn Photographer

Oh so cute! I loved being the New Jersey newborn photographer for this sweet baby boy. I did mom’s maternity pictures when she was pregnant with him, and I’ve been looking forward to meeting the little man ever since. He was everything I hoped and more! Such a sweetie!

Earthy Newborn Session

I love the dark colors mom and dad picked out for these baby pictures. Lots of black, deep browns and grays, and a little splash of color with some green and blue. It gave our photos a very deep, earthy feel that is great for a little boy.

Smile!

I also love when babies give me funny little expressions or smiles during their newborn photography session. This guy gave me a couple of adorable half-smiles in his sleep—aren’t those cute?—and I had my camera at the ready! We also got some closeup details shots of that precious face, because, um…look at it!

I had such a great time capturing memories of this precious baby boy and his parents! He did a wonderful job for me and was just so fun to snuggle and pose. I know these photos of his very first days will be a treasure to him and his parents always. Congratulations to this growing—and beautiful—family!

Maternity and Newborn Photographer in New Jersey

Are you expecting? I’m absolutely thrilled for you! If you’re planning on doing newborn pictures with me (and I highly recommend newborn pictures—that new baby stage goes by so quickly!), ask me about doing maternity photos as an add-on. I offer these for a very special price when you book a newborn session at the same time. It’s the perfect way to capture both your pregnancy and your new little bundle of joy! Can’t wait to meet you and your little one!