Holiday Photo Sessions 2023: Peek into This Year's Christmas Magic in New Jersey!

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Can you believe it’s almost Christmas? For me, the holidays always start extra early, because as a New Jersey photographer it’s my job to make sure that Christmas photo magic happens in time for holiday cards and gifts! This year was no different. My photography studio turned into a cozy nook for Santa and friends for a few days in October and November, and I’m so excited to share some of the photos with you!

I did a couple of different sets this year. One was full of dark wood tones, reds, and greens, and the other was an elegant white set that made for a bright, but still cozy and magical, look. They both turned out so beautiful!

Santa Sessions

And of course, no season of holiday photos is complete without some Santa sessions! Santa was insanely awesome (he always is) and the kiddos absolutely loved spending some one-on-one time with him, reading stories and taking a peek inside his bag.

It was so fun to have some of my favorite faces back in the studio for these holiday pictures! I love that this has become an annual tradition for many of my clients, and one that they look forward to just as much as I do!

Join Us Next Time for Our Magical New Jersey Holiday Photos

These Christmas photo sessions in New Jersey are pure magic, and the perfect way to get ready for the holidays! These holiday portraits have become my most popular seasonal offering, and if you want to be in on the festivities you have to move fast! I usually announce these sessions in the summer, so be sure to subscribe to my email list to be the first to know. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the blog and my Facebook and/or Instagram pages for all the fun sneak peeks as well!

I so hope I’ll be seeing you in the studio for some Christmas magic next year! In the meantime, if there are other memories I can capture for you in 2024, I hope I’ll be hearing from you very soon. I can’t wait for your session!

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!

Ways to Give Photos as Gifts

The holidays are coming up, and you know what that means. Lots of holiday shopping!

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes struggle to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list. Especially those people who don’t really need or want anything—and yet I still want to express my love and appreciation in some way.

For just about every situation, I’ve found that photos can be the perfect answer! Here are some ways to give photos as gifts that will work for just about everyone.

Artwork

There are so many gorgeous ways to display your photos. From framed prints and canvases to photo blocks and albums, creating a piece of art composed of special pictures is a gift anyone would treasure. This can be a single piece of wall art, perhaps for a grandparent, or an album focused around a theme like a relationship (you and your child, for instance) or event (like a family vacation).

Custom Photo Gifts

If your recipient’s tastes run more to the fun and whimsical, maybe a custom photo gift would make their day! There are a plethora of options for using your photos to create customized mugs, blankets, pillows, keychains, calendars, puzzles, coasters, etc. The list is almost endless!

Prints

And there’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple. Personally, I would be thrilled with a thoughtfully chosen selection of favorite prints that had special memories for both giver and recipient. A few ideas:

• Write a message on the back of each print expressing your love or a fond memory, then tie it all up with a pretty ribbon.

• Include a gift card to a favorite restaurant or other location and set a date to make some more memories there together.

• Give them a small, blank photo album along with the images so they can start their own photo collection.

• Buy a frame and include a selection of prints that they can rotate throughout the year: One frame, lots of possibilities!

• Include a length of twine and some cute clothespins so they can brighten up a spot in their home with some fun pictures.

I hope these ideas for ways to give photos as gifts provide some inspiration as you get ready for the holidays!

And one more, just as a bonus: Professional photos make an incredible gift that will be cherished for years! If you’d like to gift a special someone a photo session (or treat yourself!) I hope you’ll be in touch. I would love to help you give one of the most meaningful gifts they will ever receive: a professional photo session just for them!

How to Prepare for a Photoshoot with Jennifer Parrello Photography

Can you believe it’s November already? This year has been flying by for me, and in just a few short weeks it will be 2024. And yes—I’m already booking into the new year! Which is why I thought I’d drop a line on the blog with a few general tips about how to prepare for a photoshoot with Jennifer Parrello Photography, so you can start planning for your session now!

Prepping for Your Photo Session: General Tips

Plan ahead. My schedule usually fills up several months in advance—and for newborns and cake smashes in particular, I like to get you on the calendar nice and early!

Choose your outfits. You can read my recommendations on what to wear for your session right here, but the big takeaways are: 1. Wear something that will stand out against your chosen backdrop. (Blacks and neutrals are great for the studio, and you can totally go bright and bold for an outdoor session). And 2. Choose outfits that makes you feel like a million bucks!

Do your hair and nails. Little details like these can make a big difference, especially with newborn or maternity photos where you might want closeups of your hands. I know some great salons if you need recommendations!

Send me inspiration photos! I love when clients spend some time thinking about their vision for their session. Feel free to explore my Instagram to get a feel for my style, and then send me any favorites for poses, colors, vibe, etc. I love to customize each and every session. The more detail I get from you, the better I can make your vision a reality.

Last but not least, come in relaxed and ready to have fun! I treat my clients like family and do everything I can to ensure that our time together is a blast!

If you have any questions or if you already know that you want to do a session and are itching to get on the schedule, get in touch now. I am so hoping I’ll be seeing you in my New Jersey studio next year!

Milestone Photo Session with Teddy Bears | New Jersey Baby and Child Photographer

This little girl’s milestone photo session with teddy bears was just the BEST! Cake smashes are probably my most popular type of session request I get for kiddos around a year old, but they are definitely not the only option I have. I also love just doing more traditional portraits that capture a unique milestone in your child’s life.

This sweetheart was a little over a year old at the time of our session. Mom loves regularly booking professional photos so she can capture all the big milestones as her daughter grows. I LOVE this! As a parent myself, I know just how fast the time flies. And I know it can seem like an investment—but truly, you will never regret having those pictures taken!

One of the fun things about a milestone photo session is that you can really make it your own. We included this little girl’s teddy friends as well as her favorite blanket. Little details like this help make your portraits even more personal, and they are so fun to look back on. It makes me so happy to fast forward in my mind a few years and see this mom and daughter looking at these photos together. I can just hear this little girl, maybe about to head off for college, exclaiming, “I remember that blanket!” or remembering the name of her favorite teddy bear and all the fun adventures she had with her stuffed animal buddies.

The stages of childhood won’t keep forever, which is why a milestone photo session is such a beautiful way to hold on to those times and remember the seasons of our lives, even as they change. Every stage is beautiful, and it deserves to be recorded! So don’t wait for a special occasion—book a milestone photoshoot for your child and capture all those sweet details now, because they will change faster than you ever thought possible.

How to Get Ready for a Cake Smash Session | New York & New Jersey Photographer

If you know my style as a New York/New Jersey photographer, you know that I like to have fun! Which means that I LOVE doing cake smashes! I want it to be fun for you and your baby too, so here’s how to get ready for a cake smash session:

Book Early!

First and foremost, you’ll want to book your session well before baby’s first birthday. Like, as soon as they turn 6 months old! I create all my cake setups from scratch, which takes 6-8 weeks, and I also like to photograph baby a few weeks before they turn one, so we want to make sure we have plenty of time.

Do a Trial Run

Practice makes perfect—and that goes for cake smashes too! Most kiddos are used to being given small pieces of things to eat, and sitting in a highchair for meals. Being presented with an entire cake and being expected to eat on the floor can feel super unfamiliar and overwhelming!

To set the birthday boy or girl up for success, I recommend giving your little one a taste of what to expect a few days before you show up at the studio. For easy cleanup, buy a cheap plastic tablecloth, lay it on the floor for your baby to sit on, and then give them something fun, sweet, and messy to eat! (A tub of cool whip, pudding or yogurt, a cupcake or mini cake are all good options.) Then, let your kiddo go to town!

I’ve found that helping them get ready for a cake smash session with a trial run at home makes them more comfortable doing it at my New Jersey studio with lights and a camera!

Bring a Few Things from Home

I have lots of props, but if you have anything special you want to include, please feel free to bring it.

If you’re doing a splash after the smash, you’ll also want to bring a bath towel. And of course, outfits!

It’s also super important to bring a few solid foods that your child really likes to eat. Some kiddos won’t eat the cake, but we can totally fake it with their favorite small snacks and nobody will know the difference!

Be Prepared for Anything!

Those are the basics of how to get ready for a cake smash session beforehand. Once you show up at the studio, the best advice I can give is to be prepared for anything! As long as you are relaxed and ready to have fun that will go a long way to helping your baby do the same as we celebrate this big milestone in their lives!

Have more questions about how to get ready for a cake smash session? I’ll send you my complete guide after you book, and you’re always welcome to reach out anytime!

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!

Holiday Photos 2023: Book Your Christmas Mini Session!

I know you haven’t even started figuring out Halloween costumes for the kids yet, but guess what? It’s already time to book your holiday photos for 2023! Photographers start thinking about Christmas way ahead of anybody else (we’re talking even before the retail stores), because we want you to have your pictures in time for the actual holidays!

I’m offering THREE different types of Christmas Mini Sessions this year, so no matter what your style, there is something for everybody.

Santa Mini Sessions

I’m already sold out of Santa sessions! I love getting an early visit from Father Christmas each year! These are always a huge hit with the kiddos, and I’m so excited to capture this extra special Christmas magic on November 12th.

Formal Holiday Mini Sessions

I have just a few spots left for my formal holiday mini sessions. Usually I go for the very cozy look and create a set with traditional Christmas colors of reds and greens. I will be offering that again this year (on Sunday, October 22nd), but I decided to branch out and also offer a more light-and-bright version featuring whites and golds. (Family formals using this set will be held on Sunday, October 15th). As I mentioned, these are going really fast, so this is your reminder to choose your session and reserve a time soon!

New Jersey/New York Holiday Photos

I absolutely LOVE doing these festive mini sessions! They are a highlight of the year for me, and have become a family tradition for many of my clients. They really are such a great way to get in the mood in the run-up to Christmas, and these pictures make the best holiday cards and gifts for friends and family! Hope I’ll be seeing you in the studio so we can celebrate the season together!

Your Photo Session: Before and After

Being in the photography studio (or at a favorite outdoor location in the New Jersey/New York area) and posing for the camera is probably what comes to mind when you think of your photo session. But you also want to know what to expect before and after your photoshoot. Here’s the lowdown!

Before Your Photo Session

I want your shoot to be as successful as possible. To help you prepare and feel more relaxed about the whole thing, I’ll send you a prep guide prior to your session. This is a short but super helpful reference that will help you know what to bring or do in advance so you can have the best experience possible!

If you’ve booked a newborn session, I’ll also send you a questionnaire. This helps ME prepare for your baby pictures so they’re everything you hoped they would be!

And if you’ve booked a cake smash session (hopefully 4-5 months in advance!) then I’ll be spending lots of time before your session creating your custom set and finding the perfect outfit for your little one.

After Your Photo Session

With most photographers, you have to wait a few weeks before you can see your photos. Like other professionals, I am very meticulous and want everything to be perfect. But…I hate waiting, and I bet you do too! That’s why I send you your proof gallery on the SAME DAY as your session!

You’ll have 48 hours to select your favorite images from the proof gallery. Once I know which photos you want, I get to work editing your pictures right away and give them my full attention, so I can get them to you fast! My contract states that it may take up to 2 weeks to get your finished images to you, but honestly, that’s just in case of emergencies. In most cases, you’ll have your beautifully edited photos in just 1-4 days!

At this point, you’ll receive a final gallery with all your favorites—edited to perfection. All of the digitals are yours to keep, and your gallery is also linked to a storefront so you can easily purchase prints and products if you would like to.

It’s as easy as that! I make preparing for your photo session simple, and after the session I cut out as much of the wait time as possible. You should be able to enjoy your gorgeous pictures as soon as possible! If you’re looking for a professional photographer to capture your forever memories, I hope you’ll be in touch with Jennifer Parrello Photography! I’m conveniently located for families in both New Jersey and New York, and would be delighted to document these special moments for you!

What to Wear for Your Photoshoot with Jennifer Parrello Photography

Need some tips on what to wear for your photoshoot? This is a something I’m asked about all the time in my work as a New Jersey photographer. I’ve seen lots of great (and a few not-so-great) outfit choices over the years, so I’ve got you covered with some ideas if you need help! Here are my recommendations for what to wear for different types of photoshoots with Jennifer Parrello Photography.

Maternity

I recommend choosing something comfy that makes you feel gorgeous. Neutrals and blacks are a great choice for the studio, and bold, bright colors that will stand out are perfect for outdoors. You always want to coordinate and not match if you are included your spouse or little one in the session as well.

Newborn

I’ve got a ton of outfits for baby, so unless you have something specific from home that you want to dress little one in, don’t worry about choosing an outfit for them. If you’re doing family pictures with baby, black is my go-to recommendation for the rest of the family to wear. It’s classic, timeless, and goes with everything!

Family

Family sessions usually take place outdoors, so you’ll want to consider the location. Wear something that will pop and stand out. You don’t want your clothing colors to blend into the background. Layers are perfect, as they allow for a mix of neutrals with a few pops of color and make it easy to mix and match different textures and patterns. I love when families coordinate their outfits with two or three key colors! No need to match—just choose complementary colors and patterns. And don’t be afraid to wear something you might not normally wear for an outdoor session. This is your chance to stand out and shine!

Shopping for What to Wear

If you don’t have anything suitable at home (or just need an excuse for a new outfit, we’ve all been there!) some of my favorite places to shop for photoshoot outfits are Zara, Gap, Abercrombie, Joyfolie, or Baltic Born.

A Few More Outfit Tips

I’ve got a few more tips on what to wear for your photoshoot elsewhere on the blog, so feel free to check them out! Or get in touch if you want to run some outfit ideas by me. I’m happy to offer my opinion and help you decide! Whatever you choose to wear, just remember not to stress too much about it. The important things are the memories and the experience!

How Do You Prep for a Newborn Photo Session?

If you’re getting ready for baby pictures you’re probably super excited! And you may have a few questions too. Fortunately, I’ve been a New Jersey newborn photographer for long enough that I have the session flow down pat and there’s really not a lot you need to do.

After you book your session I’ll send you my newborn photo session prep guide. This will go over all the little details of what’s helpful to bring and what you can do on the day of your session to ensure that you and your little one have the best possible experience. In the meantime, this blog post should give you a peek into what to expect and how to prep for a newborn photo session.

What to Bring to Your Newborn Session

If you’re a new parent, you’ll learn quickly that a few items are essential to bring anytime you’re going out with baby. Items that are helpful for a newborn photo session are really just some of the basics you’ll probably already have in your well-stocked diaper bag. They include:

·         Extra diapers and wipes

·         An extra couple of receiving blankets

·         Bottles of pumped breast milk or formula

·         A pacifier

How to Keep Baby Happy for Their Newborn Pictures

The other important thing is making sure baby is ready for camera time! Sleepy babies are the easiest to photograph, so that’s the goal. A good way to achieve this is to keep baby awake for about 45 minutes to an hour before their session. Playtime usually works great, but you can also do a bath if playtime just isn’t cutting it.

I also recommend feeding your little one shortly before the session so that we can get started right away when you arrive. A full belly will help them feel drowsy and they should hopefully fall asleep on the way to the studio.

Ready for Your Session?

And that’s pretty much it! Once you arrive at my New Jersey photography studio, I’ll take it from there. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and maybe snuggle with your little one if we’re doing family photos as part of your session.

If you have any other questions about how to prep for your newborn session, please be in touch! (And if you’re expecting, don’t wait to book! My schedule fills up fast and I recommend snagging a spot on the calendar at least 3-4 months before your due date.) Can’t wait to hear from you!

Best Newborn Photographers New Jersey

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

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

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

Passion

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

Experience

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

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

Connection

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

Best Newborn Photographers NJ

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

What is an All Inclusive Photographer?

What is an All Inclusive Photographer?

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

But wait, doesn’t everyone do that?

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

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

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

Flexibility

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

Affordability

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

Physical Artwork

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

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

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

When to Book Your Photo Session

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

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

When to Book Your Newborn Session

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

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

When to Book Your Maternity Session

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

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

When to Book Your Cake Smash Session

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

What About Holidays?

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

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

New Jersey Photography Studio: A Quick Tour

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

Studio Location

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

Family-Friendly Vibe

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

Designed for Memories

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

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

What to Expect at Your Cake Smash Photoshoot

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

Before You Come In

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

When You Arrive

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

During the Cake Smash

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

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

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

After the Party

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

Book Your Cake Smash Photoshoot

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

Your Newborn Photography Session: What to Expect

Newborn photography sessions are one of my most popular session types. And one of my favorites too! I’ve done hundreds of these and have the process just about down to a science. But if you’ve never done a newborn shoot before you may have questions about how it’s all going to work. Here, I’ll give you a quick overview of what to expect at your newborn session. (Spoiler alert: You really don’t have to stress about it. I’ll walk you through every step before you get to the studio, and once you’re here, all you have to do is sit back and relax!)

Before You Come to the Studio

Once you’ve scheduled your date, I’ll send you my newborn prep guide, which goes over all the details of how you can prepare for your session. This includes ideas on what to wear, what to bring so we keep baby happy, and what to do on the day of the session itself so that you and your little one are feeling relaxed and ready. Seriously, if you have questions, the answer is probably in the prep guide! (You can get a little sneak peek on how to prep for your newborn session here.)

When You Arrive

When you get to the studio, your only job is to relax. My newborn sessions are totally stress-free. Really! I take care of everything. You don’t even have to get little one out of their carseat when you get to the studio. This is a time for you to sit back and watch memories being made. Just enjoy it!

During Your Newborn Photoshoot

To begin, I’ll get baby undressed (I keep my studio very warm and cozy) and then start with my posing workflow. I generally do baby-only poses first, then move on to baby photos with props, and wrap up with family poses if you choose to do that.

After Your Newborn Photography Session

I know you don’t want to wait any longer than necessary to see those adorable baby pics, so I work fast! I’ll send you your proof gallery right after the session and you’ll have 48 hours to select your favorites. I can’t wait to see which ones you choose!

Book Your New Jersey Newborn Photo Session

Do you have questions or are you ready to do this? Either way, drop me a line and let’s connect!

Jennifer Parrello Photography Special Offers and Events

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

Newborn and Cake Smash Collections

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

Model Calls and Giveaways

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

Holiday Photo Events

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

Giving Back

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

Referral Program

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

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

Different Types of Photo Sessions | Northern New Jersey Photographer

Just wanted to post a quick update on the different types of photo sessions I offer here at Jennifer Parrello Photography. As a New Jersey photographer I specialize in capturing baby’s first year, which means most of my sessions are newborn and cake smash—which works out well since they’re my absolute favorite! I love working with babies! But I also offer lots of other types of photoshoots so we can capture your family’s memories at every stage of life.

Here’s a quick peek into the different types of photo sessions you can book with Jennifer Parrello Photography:

Baby’s First Year NJ Photographer

Maternity Sessions

Before baby even arrives, let’s capture that exciting stage of pregnancy! You can choose from studio or outdoor options depending on what feels comfortable for you and how many people you’re inviting to join in.

Fresh 48 Sessions

We can create beautiful, intimate birth photos right at the hospital. Fresh 48 sessions are perfect for remembering every moment of those precious first hours with your little one.

Newborn Sessions

There’s no better place for newborn photos than in my comfy New Jersey photography studio! With hundreds of props and outfits to choose from (plus a place for Mom and Dad to relax while I do what I do best) you can create forever portraits of your little bundle that will last long after babyhood is over.

Cake Smash Sessions

Celebrate the big one-year mark with a special cake smash session! I go all out and customize every single one of my cake smashes so you can have a theme and style that’s totally unique to you. (I love doing custom cake smashes so much that I also offer cake smash mentoring for other photographers who are wanting to

Milestone and Sitter Sessions

There are so many other moments that you’ll want to hold on to forever. We can book a milestone or sitter session to capture any and all of those wonderful in-between stages as baby grows.

Northern NJ Family and Professional Photographer

Other Types of Photo Sessions

In addition to documenting all the big moments in baby’s first year, I also offer limited family sessions, specialty sport photos, and headshot and branding sessions. Family sessions usually take place outdoors, so I hold these only during months when the weather is nice. (My West Milford studio is the perfect size for intimate photos, but it’s a little too cozy for big groups!) And be sure to keep an eye out for my holiday and Santa mini sessions. I offer these on just a few select dates in October/November and they are always so much fun!

Whatever stage of life you’re in, and whichever of the different types of photo sessions you’re considering, I’d love to capture those memories for you! Please get in touch for more details. Can’t wait to hear from you!