6 Month Milestone Session | South Jersey Photographer

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a thousand times again, I absolutely LOVE when a client comes back to me and I get to watch their babies grow! It is my favorite part of this job, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.

Miss Layla came back to the studio last month for her 6 month sitter/milestone session and it was so much fun seeing her again! We also got some great shots of her and big sister, Juliet! Look at this fun comparison from 6 months ago until now!

A lot of people forget to document the 6 month age, they’ll book a newborn session and then a smash cake session at one year, but forget about all the fun milestones in between! DONT miss this session! 6 months is so much fun to capture because your baby’s personality is really starting to come out and we capture ALLLL the smiles! You’d be surprised how much they can change in just those 6 months between 6-12 months!

If you’re thinking of capturing your baby’s 6 month photos, lets chat about options! Our grow with me plan allows you to capture every milestone at a discounted price so you never miss a session!

In the meantime, check out some favorites from miss Layla’s session

Baby Boy Newborn Session | Baby Phoenix | South Jersey Newborn Photographer

Ohhhhh look at this sweet little guy! Sometimes you just get a newborn session that goes so smooth and just makes you feel like on top of the world — THAT was this session.

Mr. Phoenix and his siblings did absolutely amazing for their photo session! Sometimes it can be tough for littles to sit in a studio setting and cooperate for these sibling poses, but every single one of his brothers and sister did fantastic and you can really tell how much they love their new baby brother!

Mama picked neutrals for her photo session colors, so we came out with such a beautiful, cohesive gallery I am so excited to share these photos with you.

How to Prepare for your Newborn Photo Shoot | South Jersey Newborn Photographer

Congrats on your newest addition! A baby can give a totally different meaning to life. By now I’m assuming that you’re thinking of booking a newborn session, or you already have! But now what? This is all so new, so what do you need to do next?

My newborn photography sessions are specially planned and designed to celebrate the love of your growing family and to capture those moments that mean so much! My studio is fully equipped and has thousands of props and accessories that we will use to design, create and plan your newborn photography session so that it reflects you and your personal style. When you book a session with me, you will receive a more in depth guide on how to prepare, but for now lets go over what you’ll need to know to make the most out of your newborn session!

Book Ahead of Time I always encourage my clients to book their session before they reach their 3rd trimester. Once the baby arrives, or the closer you get, the LAST thing on your mind will be to schedule a photoshoot, and before you know it, they’ll be too grown. I like to get newborns in the studio around 2-3 weeks if possible, while they are still tiny and sleepy, so planning ahead also allows us to work with your due date and be flexible if needed.

Plan the whole day Newborn sessions can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, but we never rush and follow baby’s cues, so it may take longer. When baby needs a break, we’ll take a break. Don’t worry if baby is fussed, they are not used to being handled, posed and move so much and it make take a while for them to settle down. Most babies need to eat at least once during their session. so we will plan to take as many breaks as needed to keep baby happy.

Dress/Pack appropriately You’ll notice that the studio is nice and warm. I keep my studio around 70-75 degrees, this helps keep baby nice and sleepy, but can sometimes be uncomfortable for mom and dad (sorry dad). Bring a pair of comfy, cool clothes to change into if wanted! Your style and prep guide will go over more details on how to dress for your photoshoot! Below is a list of other items to pack for the big day

  1. Pacifier - even if baby only sometimes takes these at home, they are super helpful during our photoshoot time incase we need to settle the baby without feeding or moving them. Try to keep one on hand if possible!

  2. EXTRA milk. Whether you pump, breast feed or formula feed, most babies will eat more than normal during their session, and more freequently. I’m not sure the science behind it, but come prepared with more than you think you need! I do have a refrigerator if needed to keep it cool.

  3. Anything sentimental from home- I am always open to incorporating special items from home if you’d like, so bring anything you’d like to be a part of the photoshoot!

Feed As close to photoshoot time as possible If possible, it is best to feed the baby either right before you leave for your session or as soon as you arrive. I don’t want to throw off any schedule they are on, but feeding right before go time will help baby get nice and content and sleepy for longer! And again, we will most likely have to stop and feed at least once more during your session time, so don’t stress if you notice them eating more than normal.

Older siblings If you have an older child that will be participating in the session, I always suggest bringing two cars if possible. I do family and sibling poses first, and then your other child (children) can either go to lunch with dad, grandma, etc, or hang out in the front room for the duration of our session. I do keep some books and snacks in my studio, but sometimes taking them for a little adventure and coming back at the end is a special little day for them!

I hope that this helped ease your worries and stress just a little bit and I hope to work with you and your little ones in the near future!

Studio or Outdoor Maternity Session? Which is best? | South Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

Congrats Mama to be (or mama to be again!) I’m so happy you’re considering a maternity session! Maternity sessions are such an amazing way to capture this part of your journey and look back at how badass you truly are! (and beautiful!!!!)

Now come the hard questions - Where do I wanna do the session? When should I do the session? What style do I want? I got you girl

Lets start with when. Maternity sessions are best at the end of your 2nd trimester or the beginning of your 3rd. I always say around 28-34 weeks is best! During the planning stages, I’ll make sure I know exactly what you’re looking for and the style/look you want. But what if you’re not sure? Let’s break it down!

Studio Maternity Session

In studio sessions are classic and timeless. They are elegant and a bit more “luxurious” as I like to say. My Franklinville studio is packed with a variety of dresses, gowns, body suits, etc to use for your session. Worried about variety-I got you! There are so many ways to express yourself and there are so many different ways to customize your session in studio. Want something more casual? Let’s pull out the jeans or Calvin Kleins. Want glamour and to feel like a princess? Let’s put on a poofy dress of your favorite color! Want to feel sexy and show off that body? I’ve got tons of sheer, more skin tight dresses along with body suits and fabric. Here are a few of my favorite studio looks before we move on to the outdoor options!

Outdoor Maternity Session

If outdoor, family sessions are more you’re style-don’t worry, I still got you! Outdoor sessions are more laid back and documentary. I like to capture real life moments in a more casual setting, and capturing that golden hour sun is just absolutely my favorite! I’ve still got a variety of dresses that my clients like to use for outdoor sessions as well. Outdoor sessions allow for more options for location, and also make it a lot easier to include families and husbands (although they can absolutely be included in studio as well). Kiddos seems to do much better outdoors! If this is more your style, we’ll chat about the type of location you are envisioning (beach, tall grass, open field, etc). Here’s a few examples of what an outdoor maternity sessions can look like!

Whether to decide on studio or an outdoor location, I am here to make your vision come to life. I am here to help you see how truly beautiful you truly are! This is such an important moment in your life and I am honored that you chose me to document it! Still unsure which tyle or style is best for you? Let’s chat!