Baby Photographer in New Jersey
Our Maplewood portrait studio creates natural baby milestone and first birthday portraits in a calm, beautifully prepared space where busy parents can simply arrive and enjoy the experience.
Baby milestone portrait packages begin at $850, with most families investing $1,200+ for a fully custom studio experience and a collection of images to enjoy and share.
Families from across Northern New Jersey — including South Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, and Montclair — come to preserve the fleeting magic of their baby’s first year, often returning after their newborn session to document each milestone along the way.
Baby Milestone Photography for the First Year
While I absolutely love the newborn stage, some of the most expressive baby portraits happen a few months later, when babies begin interacting with the world around them.
Milestone sessions focus on simple, timeless portraits that highlight your baby’s expressions, curiosity, and connection with you.
When to Schedule Baby Milestone Photos
The most popular ages for baby milestone photography include:
Happy Baby (3–4 months)
A sweet stage when babies are awake, smiling, exploring tummy time, and discovering their toes. These sessions are also a wonderful option for families who prefer portraits a few months after birth instead of traditional newborn photos.
Sitter Stage (6–7 months)
Often called a sitter session, this is when babies can sit independently and their personalities really begin to shine. Those irresistible dimples, rolls, and curious expressions make this one of the most joyful stages to photograph.
First Birthday (12 months)
The moment you can’t believe has arrived. First birthday sessions celebrate turning one with timeless first birthday photos, family portraits, and — if you wish — a simple cake smash moment.
First Birthday & Cake Smash Photography
First birthday sessions are designed to celebrate your baby while keeping the portraits timeless and natural.
Many families choose to include a simple cake smash moment at the end of the session. Rather than elaborate themed sets, the focus remains on your baby — joyful expressions, tiny hands exploring frosting, and the delight of turning one.
Families searching for a cake smash photographer in New Jersey often choose our Maplewood studio for portraits that feel classic and refined while still capturing the fun of this milestone.
Studio Wardrobe & Guided Styling
Our Maplewood studio includes a curated wardrobe of timeless pieces for babies and children, along with flattering dresses for mothers.
Before your session we plan wardrobe, styling, and overall vision together so everything feels cohesive and effortless.
When you arrive, everything is prepared — allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience with your baby.
Investing in Your Baby’s First Year Portraits
Fully custom Signature Sessions begin at $1,490, while Petite Milestone Sessions begin at $850.
If you’re envisioning a fully customized experience — including family and sibling portraits, multiple outfits, and first birthday details like a cake smash — a Signature Session allows the time and flexibility to create those images in a relaxed, guided way.
If you prefer something simpler, Petite Milestone Sessions are shorter studio sessions focused on your baby’s current stage, with the option to include one or two caregivers for a few portraits. These sessions include seven fully edited digital images, and many families choose to expand their gallery with additional digital files or prints after viewing their proofs.
Family Photographer in New Jersey — Beyond Baby’s First Birthday
The Maplewood studio welcomes families from throughout Northern New Jersey including South Orange, Short Hills, Summit, Chatham, and Montclair, as well as New York City.
Many first visit the studio for newborn portraits and continue returning as their children grow for family studio portraits, falling in love with the relaxed studio experience, timeless style, and gully guided portrait process.
If you want authentic, joyous, and soulful portraits of the small people who mean everything to you, beautifully preserved in print, you’ve found your forever baby and family photographer, Nicole Hawkins.
Plan Your Baby’s First Year Portraits
Sessions are limited each month to ensure a personalized experience. Contact us to reserve your date and begin planning your dream baby portraits or first birthday session.
