Carol is a Northern New Jersey mother-to-be who was so excited to be expecting her first baby, a little girl. Carol was interested in treating herself to a fun, luxurious maternity session and finding an artist that she could use for newborn portraits as well. She came in for a pre-session planning appointment to discuss artwork and look at the dresses that we have available in the studio wardrobe. We laughed and got to know each other while she picked out three dresses that she loved. Dad didn’t plan on joining the session this time. These portraits were all about Carol taking some time for herself before becoming a mom, and documenting her connection with her growing bump during this exciting and transitional time. 

Carol chose a studio session because it is such a relaxing and luxurious experience. She loved that all she had to do was arrive as is, and one of my preferred hair and makeup artists would prepare her on-site. I made sure that the dresses that she had chosen were steamed and ready for her that morning. I played some music and we kept the session light and fun. Near the end of the session, I picked out a final dress from the wardrobe that doesn’t look like much on the hanger, but I knew would photograph beautifully on this mom-to-be. Carol loved the dress when she put it on and loved it even more when she saw the portraits in person. 

Although mom originally was only looking for maternity and newborn sessions, she loved the idea of our first-year collective/portrait membership. These take the pressures of documenting off of mama and ensure that she is able to slow down and enjoy each beautiful stage of new motherhood. Our new program also includes an album credit after each session so that we can build a beautiful album at the end of baby’s first year with all of the favorite images. Carol has a busy career and admitted that she can’t take the time to document the small moments like she would like to, so having everything taken care of, including a gorgeous first-year album, was exactly what she needed. 

We just finished our NJ studio newborn session and I absolutely cannot wait to share these stunning images. Mom felt so relaxed being back in the studio, and it was so special to have dad join us this time for some gorgeous family portraits. They will be back for more of baby’s milestones, and all of their favorite pieces will look so beautiful and cohesive in baby’s album because they were all created in the same location with the same bright, soft light, and neutral color palette.