Finding the right newborn photographer to capture the first few weeks of your baby’s life can often feel like a daunting task for expecting parents.
There are so many photographers out there, that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you aren’t sure of the criteria to look for, you’re not alone. It’s difficult to understand the differences between photographers, other than the style of their photos. If you have no idea how to approach finding the right newborn photographer, you’re in the right place!
As a New Jersey Newborn Photographer, I put together this resource to help parents find the perfect photographer for them and to understand what exactly takes place during and in studio newborn session.
Newborn Session Types: Lifestyle vs In Studio
Lifestyle (In-Home) Sessions
Lifestyle Newborn sessions are about 1-2 hours long and take place in the comfort of your own home. They focus on natural, candid moments like your baby snuggled in your arms, siblings peeking into the crib, or your family relaxing together on the couch or bed.
There’s not a lot of posing or props ; it’s all about capturing your connection and the love in your everyday environment. These sessions feel cozy, relaxed, and personal just like telling the story of your first days together. Want to see what a lifestyle newborn session looks like in action? Check out this blog post: Lifestyle Newborn Photography New Jersey | In Home Session.
In Studio Newborn Sessions
In studio newborn sessions last about three hours and are done at my home studio in Waldwick, NJ where I handle posing, lighting, and styling. I provide wraps, backdrops, props, and accessories and create softly posed images of your baby.
It’s ideal if you want a more polished, fine-art look with complete control over lighting and setup and you don’t want to worry about tidying your home or having perfect lighting. They’re the classic newborn portraits you often see when searching for newborn photography.
Setting up for an In Studio Newborn Photography Session
Once your signed contract and 50% non-refundable retainer are received, I’ll send over a short questionnaire to learn your preferences for colors, props, and accessories. Your responses help me create a beautifully customized in-studio newborn session designed just for you.
Before your session, I’ll also send a detailed Newborn Session Prep Guide so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare for the day.
On the day of your session, everything will be ready when you arrive. The lighting, posing table, props, and backdrops will all be set up in advance so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience while I take care of the rest.
My studio offers a curated selection of wraps, backdrops, bonnets, and headbands in a variety of timeless colors. I also have an assortment of handcrafted props (beds, baskets, buckets, and bowls), along with cozy accessories such as flokati rugs, faux furs, felt lovies, and bump blankets to complete each setup.
Parent and Sibling Photos
When possible, I like to begin the session with family and sibling photos. Even when parents follow my prep guide perfectly, babies often arrive at the studio wide awake. To make the best use of our time, I usually start by wrapping the baby and photographing those family and sibling shots first. This often helps baby settle and drift off to sleep while we’re capturing those early moments.
If siblings are two years or older, I like to start with their photos with the baby first. I keep these poses simple and focus on natural interaction, laughter, and connection — especially with young children. After that, we’ll move on to full family photos, followed by individual portraits of each parent with the baby.
Once those images are complete, dad or another caregiver is welcome to take the siblings home (or out for a treat!) so we can focus on the posed newborn portion of the session without distractions.
Photos of baby: Table Poses
When we’re done with family and sibling photos, I’ll invite dad or a caregiver to take the siblings for a little break. This gives us a calm, quiet space to focus entirely on your newborn. By this point, baby is often sleeping or is starting to get sleepy. If not, I may have mom give a quick top-up feed to help them drift off comfortably.
I like to begin with the table poses, where baby is unclothed and gently posed on soft blankets. I typically aim for three to five setups to give you a nice variety in your gallery. Some of my favorite poses include the tushy or bum up pose, taco pose, side-lying pose, hand-on-chin pose, and the Huck Finn or half-wrap pose.
Details & Macros of your Newborn
If baby is doing well with the table poses, I’ll take a few close-up macro shots to capture those tiny newborn features that change so quickly.
The detail shots I usually focus on include:
- tiny fingers
- little toes
- long lashes
- nose
- lips
These close-ups are some of my absolute favorites because they freeze those fleeting newborn details that parents want to remember forever. I always take my time during this part of the session, making sure baby stays cozy and comfortable.
My RF 35mm f/1.8 macro lens is my go-to for these images. It’s perfect for capturing every delicate feature in crisp, beautiful detail. This part of the session always feels peaceful, as everything slows down and we get to focus on just how small and perfect your baby is in this moment.
Photos of baby: Props
Once we’ve finished a few table poses and macro images, I’ll dress baby in an outfit or wrap them up snuggly. Most babies prefer being warm and cozy, so wrapping helps them feel secure and stay peacefully asleep.
I have a beautiful collection of props that you can request in your questionnaire, or you can leave the styling up to me and let me get creative. I’ll typically use two to three props during each session, depending on how we’re doing with time. My goal is to keep sessions under three hours, since babies (and parents!) are usually ready for a break by then. I also love adding small, thoughtful details like bonnets, headbands, and lovies (small stuffed animals) to complete each setup.
Some of the props you’ll often see me use come from two of my favorite vendors, Luneberry and Hello Little Props. From Luneberry, I regularly use the Pooh Bear Bucket, Targaryen Bucket, Diamond Bamboo Bed, and heart-shaped bowl — all beautifully crafted pieces that photograph perfectly. I also love incorporating Crystal’s Cage from Hello Little Props into my setups. Each item is made with incredible quality and attention to detail.
I’m always on the lookout for new, versatile, and stylish props to add to my collection… it’s definitely a bit of an addiction!
Final Thoughts
Every newborn session is a little different, and that’s what makes them so special. My goal is to create a calm, relaxed environment where you can simply enjoy watching your baby be photographed and know they’re in gentle, experienced hands.
I love capturing all those tiny details, from the little fingers and squishy cheeks to the peaceful expressions that change so quickly in those first few weeks. These images become memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
If you’re expecting and thinking about booking a newborn session, I’d love to help you plan something beautiful for your family. You can reach out anytime or fill out my contact form to start the process.
