3 Reasons To Get Maternity Portraits Done | South Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

Congrats! You're expecting a new addition to your family! What an exciting season of life!

Let's be honest though, pregnancy can also feel overwhelming, chaotic, and exhausting. As a Philadelphia/South Jersey maternity photographer, I've heard just about every reason why moms-to-be don't want to book maternity photos.

"I don't feel pretty."
"I'm too tired."
"I've gained too much weight."
"I'll just wait until the baby gets here."

Trust me...I get it.

When I was pregnant with my oldest, I was completely against the idea of maternity photos too. I didn't feel like myself, and stepping in front of the camera was the last thing I wanted to do. But looking back, I wish I had documented that season!

Pregnancy is only a small chapter in your story, yet it's one of the most transformative. It's the season where you're growing not only a tiny human, but also becoming a new version of yourself.

So if you've been making excuses, consider this your sign. Here are my top 3 reasons why you SHOULDN’T skip out on these.

You’ll be surprised how stunning you look!

I can’t tell you how many times I hear WOW THAT’S ME?! Hiring a professional maternity photographer is different from taking your photo in the bathroom mirror. You don’t have to know how to pose or be a professional model. We know how to use light, focal length, and natural posing to capture you at your most beautiful! I even offer a studio wardrobe collection full of gorgeous dresses that photograph well and flatter my clients.

You (AND your kids) will love looking back at your Maternity Portraits!

My kids love looking at photographs of me when I was pregnant with them! . For them, it was exciting to catch a glimpse of life before them and preparing for them. When I looked through these photos with them, it gave me time to reflect on my body’s incredible work during those long months of pregnancy. I found that I valued these few pregnancy photos and appreciated my pregnant body in a new way!

Your South Jersey Maternity Session will be EASIER than you think!

Many of my clients are relieved to hear that their maternity session will take just 60-90 minutes. My Maternity sessions don’t require elaborate costumes or props (unless you WANT to use them) You can choose to do your own hair and makeup or hire a trusted make up artist to come to your home before the session. I have a gorgeous selection of maternity dresses and robes in the studio collection, so you won’t even need to go shopping. Most importantly, I give you constant direction throughout the session so that we get flattering and natural portraits, and you are never left wondering what to do in front of the camera!

Ready to schedule your own south jersey maternity session? Lets chat!

A Cozy South Jersey In Home Newborn Session | South Jersey Newborn + Portrait Photogapher

There’s something incredibly special about documenting your baby’s very first days in the place where your family story is truly beginning.

One of the best parts of an in-home session is the comfort it brings.

This recent in-home newborn session was the perfect reminder that the most meaningful moments are often the simplest ones.

One of my favorite parts of this south jersey newborn session was how relaxed everything felt. Mom and dad simply soaked in the moments together while baby slept peacefully in their arms. We captured tiny fingers wrapped around theirs, sweet forehead kisses, and all of those in-between moments that can so easily be forgotten in the blur of newborn life.

These are the memories worth holding on to. The way your baby fit perfectly on your chest, the cozy mornings spent together at home, and the overwhelming feeling of welcoming a brand new little love into your family.

I’m so grateful I got to document this beautiful season for this sweet family. In-home newborn sessions truly have a magic all their own.

How to Prepare Your House for a Life-Style In Home Newborn Session | South Jersey Newborn + Portrait Photographer

While I LOVE a newborn studio session, Lifestyle sessions are becoming extremely popular and I have to say they REALLY have my heart. Lifestyle in-home photo sessions are about documenting your family right where your life is actually happening. Its about real, raw moments.

Preparing your home for a lifestyle family session doesn’t require perfection. Your home doesn’t need to be spotless or styled. It simply needs to feel like yours. Some of the most meaningful family photos come from ordinary moments. When you allow yourself to relax and trust the process, your images naturally reflect the connection, warmth, and real life you want to remember.

One of the most common worries parents share before a lifestyle in-home session is about their home. Many families tell me they’re stressed about clutter, unfinished nurseries, or spaces that don’t feel “photo ready.” Moms, listen up… you JUST had a baby nobody and I meant NOBODY is judging you! Let me gently reassure you that your home does not need to look perfect! You don’t need to clean the entire house. We only use a few areas, and I help you choose them. I will focus on things like light, close ups, intimate moments rather than the “scenery” of your home.

Simple Prep Tips

Yes, a little light tidying can help. Decluttering is the key. Moving laundry baskets out of view or putting unwanted items such as random boxes or dirty dishes away. There’s no need for deep cleaning as the photos won’t show these details. I’ll guide you through everything, and I might move things around as we move between rooms, but I absolutely promise you that noone is focusing on these things!

Things you can keep in mind:

• Declutter table and kitchen counter

• Open blinds and curtains for more light

• Tidy nightstands and floors near windows

That’s it! No deep cleaning required.

What to Have Ready for Newborn Session

During your session, you’ll be feeding your baby, holding them close, rocking, swaying, and simply being together. These moments don’t require a perfect backdrop. They require presence, comfort, and trust—and that’s what makes in-home newborn sessions so special. My goal is to really capture the emotion and realness of bringing home your new baby and the start to your new journey as a family. So what do you need ready?

• A window with good natural light

• A comfortable spot for feeding and cuddling

• A laidback mindset

Preparing your home for a lifestyle family session doesn’t require perfection. Your home doesn’t need to be spotless or styled. It simply needs to feel like yours. Some of the most meaningful family photos come from ordinary moments. When you allow yourself to relax and trust the process, your images naturally reflect the connection, warmth, and real life you want to remember.

If you’re considering an in-home family session in South Jersey just, know that your home is already enough. I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can focus on what matters most—being together.

Tips for Including Siblings in Your Newborn Photography Session | South Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

Big love begins in the smallest moments

Photographing your newborn and their sibling captures the beginning of a bond you’ll want to capture forever, but if you’re a mom of more than 1, you might be a little anxious about how your older kiddos will behave during the photo session. Toddlers are full of energy and this is new time for them too. The idea of getting them to cooperate for newborn photos can feel impossible, but . take a deep breath- it is possible to get beautiful sibling portraits! I specialize in newborn photography AND family portraits, so I’ve learned a lot about encouraging toddlers and kiddos to participate and enjoy photo day!

Below are some tips that YOU can do to make photo day a little bit easier!

Give them time in the spotlight.

An older sibling of a newborn has often just become an older sibling, which means they’re still getting used to having a baby in the house. They may feel that their parents don’t pay as much attention to them with all the needs of their new sibling (We KNOW this isn’t true ;) ). Take time to make sure your older kids feel involved in the photo session, both in photos with your new baby and photos of the whole family together. Hype them up about important their job is as the cool new sibling and how important it is to let them hold baby! Your newborn session is a great way to let older siblings know that it’s not just about your new addition, but about your growth as a family.

Encourage them to snuggle up.

Your older child may feel unsure or uncomfortable around the new baby, and a photo session can be a great way to help them loosen up and get to know their new sibling. Some of my favorite photos are images of the older sibling holding, kissing, or snuggling the new baby. Encourage them to gently touch the newborn and to get close, which can lead to a lot of giggles and smiles and some great photos.

Let them do their own thing.

One of the most important things is not to force your older child to participate in the session. The last thing you want is a tantrum or a grumpy face in your photos! Instead, encourage them to participate without forcing them. I always suggest to maybe have their favorite song or show on standby and they can watch while/if they take a fun picture with their new baby!

You may be surprised how much they enjoy being involved on their own, and giving your older child space to explore and relax can result in more natural, genuine images of your family.

Talk to them beforehand.

It’s so important to let your older children know what to expect from a photo session. Whether they love to be in front of the camera or are a little bit shy, talking to them in the days before your shoot about how things will go can really ease their minds and make them more comfortable with the photographer. Be sure to sit down with your older child throughout the week before your session and talk to them about how you’re going to have photos taken and the importance of listening to both you and the photographer.

With a little preparation, you may find that they’re excited to participate, which makes for wonderful photos!

A Beautiful Jersey Beach Maternity Session | South Jersey Maternity and Newborn Photographer

As a photographer, I think stressing about the weather takes up half my time - Weather definitely can make a break a session, and if you know anything about New Jersey, you know it can be so unpredictable, but I always am determined to get that session in regardless.

This particular day was a RAINY/foggy one. Even my drive down to the Jersey Shore was drizzling. Would you believe that we stuck it out and still got THESE amazing photos?

While, yes, I absolutely love a good golden sunset, sometimes the cloudy days can give such a beautiful softness! There is beauty and magic in everything, you just gotta see it! Take a look at some of the absolute magic we made and don’t forget to reach out about your own beach session this summer!