Jersey City Newborn

Newborn sessions are one of my very favorite types of shoots. New parents are in complete awe of the sweet new life they’ve created and this sense of wonder paired with sheer exhaustion really brings people’s guards down, making for amazingly tender photos. The super sweet Jersey City couple featured below welcomed baby Julien this past fall and their session hit all the right notes.

Here are my three tips for an easy at-home lifestyle-vibe newborn session:
1. Schedule your session for when baby is just a week or two old. They’re still very sleepy & content in these early weeks, meaning that once they’re fed they may sleep through the entire session, making it easy for parents to feel & look relaxed in the photos. This allows us to capture a really fleeting moment, as baby will change SO much in this first month and beyond.
2. Treat yourself to something special! Some of my clients splurge on a flattering new dress that will make them feel confident & amazing in their photos. Others coordinate for hair & make-up services to come for the session. One of my clients used their session as the excuse for gorgeous new bed linens they had been coveting! Whatever it is, giving yourself a little treat is a great way to make your session even more special.
3. When considering wardrobe choices, keep colors & textures soft, neutral & timeless. This will let your sweet little one be the star of the show, allowing let your expressions & interactions be at the forefront of your photos. Have a soft, neutral colored wrap available for baby & a more colorful or playful (think softly printed, waffle texture, floral) version also, if you choose. Etsy has limitless pretty options for these!