Newborn Photographer in New Jersey
Nicole Hawkins Photography offers newborn photography in New Jersey for families who want a calm, thoughtfully guided experience during their baby’s earliest days and portraits 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 portraits that feel natural, connected, and deeply personal.
Newborn sessions take place at my cozy, bright, and fully prepared Maplewood, NJ studio or the comfort of your home. If you’re undecided about the in-home vs. studio sessions, I’m happy to walk you through the benefits of each.
With gentle expertise and a patient approach, your new baby gets all the time they need, and even the most spirited big brothers and sisters are supported and celebrated.
The result is timeless, classic imagery — clean, natural portraits that capture your baby’s essence and the loving connections within your family. Images designed not just to be saved, but to be displayed, cherished, and passed down.
The Newborn Photography Experience
“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.
An Experienced New Jersey Newborn Photographer
Newborn sessions move at your baby’s pace.
Feeding breaks are expected. Cuddles are welcomed. Nothing is rushed.
Parents often tell me they felt completely at ease — even when their baby was fussy — because I remain calm, joyful, and steady throughout our time together.
As a mother of two and the youngest of five, I’m no stranger to the beautiful chaos of family life. I am genuinely obsessed with babies and absolutely adore children, and I understand how tender and overwhelming these first weeks can feel. Your baby and children are never expected to “perform.” There is space here for real life.
Before photography, I practiced law, which shaped my meticulous attention to detail and professionalism. Every session is thoughtfully prepared, carefully guided, and final images and artwork carefully refined. You can trust that nothing is overlooked.
What’s Included in Your Experience
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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.
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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.
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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
STARTING AT $1490Your studio newborn session is designed as a full-service experience, with investment options thoughtfully structured to help you enjoy your images now and preserve them for the future.
There is a $290 session fee to reserve your newborn photography session at the Maplewood, NJ studio.
After their photoshoot most families choose one of our Cornerstone Collections — carefully curated to include meaningful fine art pieces for your home (such as matted prints, a starter frame, or an heirloom album) plus at least 10 high-resolution digital images for archiving.
Cornerstone Print and Wall Art Collections begin at $1490.
Cornerstone Album Collections begin at $2390.
Most clients find that when we thoughtfully design their artwork and gifts together, a carefully chosen set of digital files is more than enough — allowing them to leave with both beautiful pieces for their home and the confidence that their memories are safely preserved.
In Home Newborn Sessions
Bespoke Newborn Photography in the Comfort of Your Home
STARTING AT $1590For families who prefer the intimacy of home, I offer a limited number of bespoke in-home newborn commissions each season.
These sessions are designed to feel easy and incredibly natural, with just enough guidance to create authentic, connected images. I bring professional lighting and wardrobe, accentuating the natural light in your home to create soft, timeless portraits.
This is not simply lifestyle photography. It is artful storytelling — elevated, polished, and deeply personal.
In-home newborn sessions for New Jersey families are reserved with a $390 creative fee and include comprehensive planning, wardrobe coordination, and a private artwork design appointment. Most families invest in a Cornerstone Collection, with typical post-session investments ranging from $1,790 to $3,950, depending on the artwork and digital selections chosen.
For families in New York City or outside Northern New Jersey, bespoke travel commissions are available. Please inquire for custom rates and availability.
The Experience, In Their Words
Fully Documenting Baby’s First Year
maternity - newborn - 3 months - 6 month - 9 months - 1 year
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 sessions within 18 months
Use of the studio wardrobe for the whole family
$200 heirloom album credit after each session towards their first year baby book or family album
Priority scheduling during busy seasons.
Only 12 Portrait Memberships are available annually.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 forever 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.
