Boutique Newborn & Family Portrait Studio in Northern NJ
Timeless Newborn, Baby & Family Photography
Nicole Hawkins Photography is a boutique portrait studio in Maplewood, NJ, led by an experienced NJ family photographer dedicated to creating timeless newborn, baby, child, and family portraits. Every session is effortless and enjoyable, with expert styling, a curated wardrobe, and a relaxed studio environment — resulting in portraits you’ll treasure for generations.
Our Photography Specialities
Studio Newborn Photography
With gentle professional lighting, flattering postpartum wardrobe, and optional in studio hair and makeup services, you can show up in a top knot and sweats confident your photos will be absolutely stunning. Studio newborn sessions have a relaxing flow and no time limit; each session is crafted to keep you and your little one comfortable while creating natural, artistic images you will treasure more with every passing year.
Grandparents and pups are always welcome.
Whether you are marking a milestone like baby’s first birthday or it has simply been too long since you had professional photos, our Maplewood, NJ studio is the perfect place to create simple, yet significant baby, child and family portraits. We create the perfect mix of modern, playful images and gently posed classic portraits. Every studio session is completely custom, with detailed planning, wardrobe styling, expert lighting, and endless patience for toddlers. Your family’s personalities and unique beauty will shine, and we’ll create memories you will treasure forever.
Looking for an outdoor or in home photoshoot? Learn more about our Lifestyle Family Sessions.
For those looking for natural, yet polished and truly artist newborn and family photos my in home newborn sessions perfectly capture what it felt like to welcome your new baby home. You have enough on your plate as a new parent so I have created the easiest, most enjoyable in home newborn experience—I bring professional lighting, wardrobe for the whole family, and can even coordinate hair and makeup. Yes, your pups are absolutely included. You will love our effortless experience and cherish these intimate photos that are true to your family’s story.
Celebrate the beauty and anticipation of pregnancy with thoughtfully styled, editorial-quality portraits. Held in our serene Maplewood photo studio, you will be guided through wardrobe choices and soft posing so your maternity images feel elegant, timeless, and uniquely yours.
Lifestyle Family Sessions (outdoor & in-home)
For families who love movement, the comfort of their home, or New Jersey parks bathed in golden glow—these sessions are for you. I thoughtfully plan light, location, and wardrobe to create portraits that feel joyful, artful, and full of life. These full, gorgeous galleries can be perfectly preserved in an heirloom album, or I will help you select your very favorite family photos to become artwork on the walls of your home.
Elevating family portraits into heirloom art.
Our effortless experience
Complimentary wardrobe styling
Personalized session planning
Professional lighting & cozy studio
Heirloom print and album options
Pets and grandparents always welcome
Learn more about the experience.
What our clients are saying
“From start to finish, Nicole was responsive, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable. She took the time to understand our preferences, working closely with us to capture exactly what we were looking for. During the shoot, she was fantastic with our kids… — patient, friendly, and able to make them feel comfortable in front of the camera.
The photos were incredible and exactly what we were looking for. Nicole beautifully captured a mix of both candid and posed shots, showcasing our family’s personalities and creating memories we’ll treasure forever.”
Meet Nicole
Hi, I’m Nicole, a newborn, child, and family photographer and former attorney. When not in my Maplewood photography studio or on location in client homes I manage a busy household with two kids, two cats, one husband, and many flowers and plants. I adore: small giggles and big belly laughs, wisps of hair and piles of curls, expansive freckles and never-ending lashes, tender touches and soulful eye contact.
Today is the biggest they have ever been, and the smallest they will ever be.
I help busy parents preserve the magical details of childhood with curated digital collections and stunning printed artwork.
Whether you are welcoming your newborn home, or about to send your baby off to University, I am here to document the sweetness and celebrate your people as if they are my own. I look forward to creating something uniquely beautiful, just for you and your loves.
