Newborn Photographer in New Jersey

Nicole Hawkins Photography offers newborn photography in New Jersey for families who want an easy, enjoyable, and thoughtfully guided experience during their baby’s earliest days and newborn and family photos beautiful enough to become lasting artwork in their home.

Located in Maplewood and welcoming families from South Orange, Short Hills, Summit, Montclair, and throughout Northern New Jersey, sessions are intentionally unhurried and baby-led, creating timeless newborn photos that feel natural, connected, and deeply personal.

Smiling new mother in pink dress holds newborn baby in NJ photo studio
African American father holding his newborn baby close to his chest, kissing the baby's head against a plain white background in NJ newborn studio.
Black and white photo of an Asian newborn baby wrapped in a blanket, yawning with eyes tightly shut.
Black and white photo of a man holding a sleeping baby girl against his shoulder, both with closed eyes. The baby has a bow in her hair and is dressed in a onesie.
Close up, lifestyle image of family of five in NJ photo studio gathered around a newborn baby, with one little sister touching the baby's forehead and the other touching the baby's hand while parents smile.

Offering newborn photography since 2017, most sessions take place in my warm, light-filled Maplewood studio, thoughtfully prepared so you can simply arrive. Everything is in place for beautiful, cohesive newborn and family photos, from flattering studio lighting to flattering studio wardrobe for you and your family.

An Experienced New Jersey Newborn Photographer

I gently guide each session while allowing space for real life. Babies cry, toddlers need breaks, and it’s all anticipated. Parents often arrive a little unsure of how it will all go, and sometimes even feel like we didn’t get much, then are surprised by how smoothly everything came together for absolutely stunning images.

Bright and airy profile photo of smiling family of four during newborn photography session in Maplewood NJ portrait studio.
A sleeping baby cradled in a person's arms, resting with eyes closed on a white background.

“I couldn’t believe how beautifully she captured this season for us. Her style is clean and simple so our photos will never feel dated, and she was so gentle and patient with our newborn. She helped us pick amazing photos for our album so it was cohesive. I would use her again and again for all our family milestones.”— Megan I.

A new mother with blonde hair sitting on the floor with white curtains, hugging a sleeping newborn baby, both dressed in white.
A light green suede photo box containing stacks of white matted photo prints.
Three stacked hardcover family photo albums with fabric covers in beige, black, and beige on a reflective surface.
Two coffee table style newborn albums, one white with initials J B embossed and one light pink with a monogram circled by a floral wreath, placed on a white floral-printed surface.
Family photo wall with four framed pictures, including newborn baby and big brother, hung on a beige wall.
Photographer in a white sweater holding a framed photograph of two women and a newborn, hanging it on the wall of a Maplewood NJ home.

A Fully Guided Newborn Photography Experience

Professional newborn photographer taking a photograph of an infant lying on a white bed in a bright New Jersey photography studio.
Family photographer standing in Maplewood photography studio holding a camera, smiling, with framed black and white photographs of children on the wall behind her.

From the start, you are thoughtfully guided through planning your session, ensuring timeless photos that artfully document your baby’s earliest days and the love surrounding them.

Your newborn session moves at your baby’s pace. Feeding breaks are expected. Cuddles are welcomed. Nothing is rushed, with no time limit and no one scheduled after you.

After your session, you won’t be left to sort through hundreds of images on your own. I personally guide you through your gallery, helping you select the images that will mean the most and the artwork that will look best in your home.

Every image you receive is carefully hand edited, with natural, expert retouching, so your portraits feel polished while still looking like you at your best. Head swaps are always included when needed, and subtle enhancements are available upon request.

What’s Included in Your Experience

  • Family photographer hanging up a white dress and other wardrobe on a wall of her New Jersey studio.

    Wardrobe Styling

    My studio wardrobe means you have access to comfortable, flattering dresses that photograph beautifully, and your whole family is taken care of. We have gorgeous dresses, and even shirts for dads. Any wardrobe pieces you select during your planning appointment will be steamed and ready the morning of your photoshoot. Everything is thoughtfully prepared so your family looks effortlessly cohesive.

    Prefer to style yourself? I will provide as much or as little guidance as you would like.

  • Photographer's hands fanning family photo album cover fabric swatches over a glass table.

    Artwork Design

    After your session, I carefully curate a beautiful proof gallery—selecting the strongest, most meaningful images so you are never overwhelmed by hundreds of files. I then guide you in designing heirloom-quality pieces that bring warmth and joy to your home, ensuring each print, album, or wall display reflects the story and emotion of your family.

    Digital collections are designed for long-term archiving, giving you both tangible artwork to enjoy now and a secure, digital legacy for the future.
  • Professional artwork installation of framed family photos on a light gray living room wall beside a doorframe in Scotch Plains NJ.

    Installation

    When you choose to have me print your favorite images, I handle every detail—beautifying your home and decluttering your to‑do list: thoughtful design, expert printing, custom framing, and precise hanging so your artwork is displayed perfectly. Everything is included.

    Not ready for a gallery? Our Cornerstone Collections offer gorgeous matted prints to frame when you are ready, or a single 8×12 frame to enjoy now and build upon as your family grows.

Investing in Artwork & Legacy with Your NJ Newborn Photographer

A father gently holding a newborn baby close, kissing the baby's forehead in a tender moment.

Your studio newborn session is designed as a full-service experience, thoughtfully structured to help you enjoy your images now and preserve them for the future.

Digital packages begin at $1,200
Most families invest $1,790+

Collections are carefully curated to include meaningful fine art pieces for your home, such as matted prints, a starter frame, or an heirloom album, along with at least 10 high-resolution digital images for archiving.

Learn more
Learn more
A family of three standing by a window, with a woman and a man holding their baby.

In-Home Newborn Photography in New Jersey 

Bespoke Newborn Photography in the Comfort of Your Home
STARTING AT $1590

For families who prefer the intimacy of home, each season I offer a limited number of in-home newborn sessions.

These sessions are designed to feel effortless and natural, with gentle guidance to create connected, authentic images. Professional lighting and curated wardrobe pieces are brought to you, enhancing the natural light in your home for soft, timeless portraits.

This is not simply lifestyle photography, but artful storytelling that feels both elevated and deeply personal.

In-home newborn sessions in New Jersey are reserved with a $390 creative fee and include full planning, wardrobe coordination, and a private artwork design appointment. Most families invest $1,790+ on their final collection.

For families in New York City, bespoke travel sessions are also available.

Explore in home newborns
Explore in home newborns

The Experience, In Their Words

  • “Nicole was professional, calm, patient, and kind. She manages to capture the most stunning photos amidst the chaos. She was also a serious baby whisperer. The photos and moments she captured were amazing, and we ordered an album that came out perfectly. We loved working with Nicole and plan to again in the future.”

    — Erin H.

  • "Nicole has such a gift for capturing family moments that are both polished and natural at the same time. Her style is classic, timeless, and clean — she knows how to set up photos that don’t feel over-posed. I appreciated how easy it was to do a newborn shoot with her, thanks to her ready-to-go wardrobe and style suggestions. These are quality heirloom pieces that we’ll pass down in our family.”

    — Jennifer L.

  • “Nicole did my maternity shoot in March and our newborn shoot in May, and I can’t say enough good things about her. She is the sweetest person to work with and puts you completely at ease during her photo shoots. She provided everything we needed for the shoot so we really just had to show up and be ready. Especially with a 2 week old in a photoshoot, she kept our daughter calm the entire time and got such amazing photos. I’m so glad we chose her as our photographer.”

    — Jessica I.

Fully Documenting Baby’s First Year

maternity - newborn - 3 months - 6 month - 9 months - 1 year

newborn baby and family portraits framed on white walls of south orange nj home


Our Portrait Membership is perfect for busy parents who want to bottle up baby’s first year in the easiest, and most beautiful way possible. Enjoy:

  • Choice of 2 to 4 Signature Sessions within 18 months

  • Use of the studio wardrobe for the whole family

  • $200 collection credit after each session

  • Priority scheduling during busy seasons.

$750 Session Fee to enroll, with collections purchased separately after each Signature Session.

Only 12 Portrait Memberships are available annually.

Inquire about availability
Inquire about availability

“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Nicole for my maternity, newborn, and one-year photoshoots, and I couldn't be happier with the results. She is amazing behind the lens, and the entire experience was a dream.

From the moment I reached out to Nicole, she exhibited the utmost professionalism and a genuine passion for capturing life's most precious moments. She made me and my family feel comfortable and relaxed throughout all three sessions…. For the newborn photos, Nicole displayed incredible patience and skill, catching the most adorable yawns and faces of our new baby. And finally, the one-year photoshoot was a joyous celebration of our baby's growth where Nicole captured our girl's bursting personality :)

The final photo collections were delivered promptly and exceeded our expectations.

I am so happy to have our beautiful keepsake album to remember these moments.

I cannot recommend Nicole highly enough. Thank you so much for giving us these memories that will last a lifetime!” — Carole O., Portrait Membership Client

An Exclusive Maternity Experience, Reserved for Newborn Families

For families who reserve a Signature Newborn Session, a preferred studio maternity rate is available — creating a seamless, beautifully styled beginning to your baby’s story. Thoughtfully guided with wardrobe access, expert posing, and refined retouching, this exclusive add-on allows you to document the anticipation just as artfully as the arrival.

STARTING AT $495

Your Family’s Story, Beautifully Documented Year After Year

As your baby grows, those tiny newborn details give way to first smiles, wobbly steps, big toddler energy, and the unmistakable personality that makes your beautiful baby an amazing person. We offer perfectly focused Studio Baby Milestone Portraits during baby’s first year, and fully custom Signature Sessions for every milestone moment and special occasion thereafter.

As your family’s photographer, I will help you artfully preserve each season beautifully, while celebrating whoever they grow up to be.

Authentic, joyous, and soulful portraits of your small people who mean everything to you.

Elevated Newborn Photography for Families Across Northern New Jersey

Our Maplewood, New Jersey studio welcomes families from South Orange, Summit, Short Hills, Montclair, Chatham, and throughout Essex, Morris, and Union Counties who are seeking refined, timeless newborn portraits and a truly full-service experience. Known for a seamless process, expert styling, and heirloom-quality artwork, the studio has become a destination for parents who value both artistry and ease.

If you’re searching for a Northern New Jersey newborn photographer who will thoughtfully guide every detail and create imagery worthy of your home, I would be honored to begin planning your session.

A woman with blonde hair is kissing a sleeping newborn baby on the forehead, lying on a white bed in NJ studio.
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Happy African American couple close together, touching foreheads, and smiling, while holding their newborn baby in maplewood nj newborn photography studio.
A sleeping newborn baby with a hand resting on the baby's head, a person's hand touching the baby's forehead, and a wedding ring on the person's finger.
A golden retriever dog lying beside a large white bean bag with a sleeping newborn baby wrapped in a white blanket on top of it, set against a white curtain background.
A man holding a newborn baby close to his face, gently touching noses in an intimate moment, both in white clothing, black and white photograph.
Adorable baby with curly hair wearing a white onesie, lying on a white background, looking at the camera.
Close-up of tiny newborn hands resting on baby's chest, while mom's hands gentle hold baby.
A woman with long wavy blonde hair and wearing studio wardrobe holding a newborn baby close to her chest, looking lovingly at the baby, in a bright photography studio.
Black and white photo of a man and woman gently holding and touching their newborn baby, with their foreheads touching and eyes closed in an intimate and tender moment.
A young girl with short, light blonde hair gently touches her newborn baby brother wrapped in a white blanket, lying on a white bed surrounded by soft pillows in Maplewood photo studio.
Black and white photo of a family of four with a newborn. The mother is holding the baby, and the father is smiling and looking at the baby. Their young daughter is sitting on the father's shoulder, pointing at the baby, all smiling.
Woman in neutral dress with curly hair sitting against a white wall, holding a baby with a white bow in her hair, both looking at the camera.
Black and white photo of a newborn baby yawning with eyes partly closed, lying on a plain white surface.
A man with three young children, one cradled in his arms and two standing beside him, in a bright, white studio setting.
Black and white photo of a man holding an infant close to his chest, with the man gently resting his forehead on the baby's head, against a plain background.
Woman with brown hair holding and kissing a baby girl in a white outfit against a white background.
A newborn baby with curly hair and expressive eyes being held in mother's arms, smiling slightly, looking at the Photographer, in black and white.
African American father in white shirt holding his newborn baby and kissing the baby's cheek in bright white newborn photography studio.
A baby being held horizontally by an adult, looking up, with the adult supporting the baby's head and back with their hands.
An Asian couple wearing soft blue wardrobe holding a sleeping newborn baby together tenderly.
Studio portrait of a father holding his newborn baby and kissing the baby's forehead against a plain white background.
New Jersey family of four with a newborn on a white bed, with mother and father gently touching the baby, and a young girl affectionately touching the baby's head.
A close-up of a newborn baby with a peaceful expression, cradled gently by adult hands.
Lesbian moms in maxi dresses cuddly newborn baby girl
Black and white photo of a relaxed and natural newborn lying on their back on a soft white blanket.
A young girl with curly hair in cream dress kissing her newborn baby sister on the forehead in bright white photography studio.
Overhead black and white photo of an Asian newborn baby lying on a white balnket, wearing a white onesie, looking into the camera.
A sleeping newborn baby with a bow headband, being gently held by a person on a white background.
Close up of a new father holding his newborn baby with curly hair in his hands, sitting in a newborn photography studio.
Simple and elegant photo of newborn baby with closed eyes, lying on an adult's hand, against a bright, white background.
A happy and playful family of five in neutral clothing sitting on a white bed in a bright, white photo studio, with the father playing with one of the girls in the air.
Family portrait of two parents with three young sisters, including a newborn baby, sitting on a white bed in a Maplewood nj photo studio.
A sleeping newborn baby girl lying on a white blanket, wearing a white onesie and a white headband with a bow.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Newborn sessions are best reserved during your second trimester to ensure availability around your due date. We pencil in your expected arrival and confirm once your baby is here. Most sessions take place within the first two to three weeks, though I create beautiful portraits of babies at every age and stage.

  • Most newborn sessions take place in my Maplewood studio — a cozy, fully prepared space designed to feel calm, comfortable, and beautifully organized. For families who prefer to remain at home, in-home newborn sessions are also available and offer a relaxed, natural feel within your own surroundings.

  • Absolutely. Your newborn session is designed to capture connection — between parents, siblings, grandparents, and even beloved pets. I thoughtfully guide each combination so your images feel natural, relaxed, and reflective of your family exactly as you are in this season.

  • Newborn sessions are always baby-led. With a calm, patient approach and years of experience working with little ones, I gently guide the session around your baby’s needs. Whether they sleep soundly or prefer to stay awake and observe, beautiful, timeless portraits are always possible.

  • Newborn sessions are reserved with a creative session fee, with artwork and curated digital collections selected afterward. During your consultation, I will guide you through the options and help you choose the most beautiful images to preserve your story perfectly. Most newborn clients invest $1,800 or more in finished artwork and digital collections.

  • Newborn sessions are intentionally unhurried. Most families should plan for up to three hours, though many sessions are completed in closer to two. We allow plenty of time for snuggles, feedings, and sibling breaks so the experience feels relaxed and never rushed.

  • We love connecting new mothers with a preferred hair and makeup artist who can prepare you at home or in the studio. I will set up everything you will pay your artist directly at the time of service.