Category Archives: Newborn Photography

March 2, 2026

The Gift of Art: A Custom Newborn Session for a Sweet Baby Girl

There is no gift quite as unique and lasting as a Custom Newborn Photography Session in Scotch Plains. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming a new mama into the studio for a newborn photography session that was gifted to her by someone special.

Welcoming a baby girl is a whirlwind of emotions, and being able to hit “pause” and capture this fleeting stage with a custom Newborn Session in Scotch Plains is a gift that truly keeps on giving.

A Custom-Curated Experience

Every session I host is custom-curated. We don’t just “point and shoot”; we plan. For this sweet girl, mom gave me full artistic freedom to choose the props and backdrops for her session.

Art Takes Time: The Meticulous Pose

If you’ve been following my work, you know my sessions are not quick. I don’t believe in rushing through these precious moments. My newborn sessions are filled with intention and purpose. I take the time to meticulously pose and perfect every finger, toe, and chin tuck. Why? Because I’m not just delivering a photo; I’m delivering ART. We always hold plenty of space for:

Patience-filled diaper changes.
Quiet feeding breaks to keep baby happy.
A calm, shushed environment where baby feels safe.

From Crate Posing to “Mug Shots”

We managed to get an incredible amount of variety in this gallery! We moved from whimsical crate posing to classic, clean backdrop posing.

But the real stars of the show? The “Mug Shots.” While the name sounds funny, these are essentially newborn personality portraits. Captured in timeless black and white, these close-ups highlight those amazing, fleeting expressions—the tiny pouts, the heavy-lidded sleepy eyes, and those heart-melting newborn grins. This girl gave me some GREAT expressions and she DID NOT disappoint!

The Best of Both Worlds: Digital & Physical

I believe that your memories belong both on your phone and on your walls. That’s why all of my custom sessions include the “Best of Both Worlds”:

High-Resolution Digital Files: Perfect for sharing with the world and archiving forever.
Professional Physical Prints: A high-quality copy ready to be framed, hung, or gifted to proud grandparents.

The Gift of a Lifetime

Know someone expecting a little one soon? There is truly no gift more meaningful than the ability to freeze time. If you’d like to treat a friend or family member to their own custom newborn photography session in Scotch Plains, I offer gift certificates. Let’s help them celebrate their new arrival with art they can hold forever. If you are looking for a unique and thoughtful Baby Shower gift that parents will cherish for many years to come, THIS is the sure winner!

Inquire About Gift Certificates

Artistically posed baby girl on a floral fabric backdrop during a custom newborn session in Scotch Plains

sweet little baby girl captured in a little yawn

A meticulously posed newborn baby girl sleeping in a custom-curated wooden bowl in a Scotch Plains photography studio

A meticulously posed newborn baby girl sleeping in a custom-curated wooden crate with floral accents in a Scotch Plains photography studio.

A meticulously posed newborn baby girl sleeping in a custom-curated bucket in a Scotch Plains photography studio.

A meticulously posed newborn baby girl sleeping on a brown flokati in a Scotch Plains photography studio.

View my Newborn Gallery here!

January 15, 2026

Capturing the New Chapter: A Luxury Newborn Session in Scotch Plains, NJ

The Story: Patience and “Big Feelings”

As a baby photographer, I know how important it is to document this time. Welcoming a new baby is a massive transition, especially for a toddler brother. During this recent session with a beautiful baby girl and her family, big brother had some “big feelings” about the new family dynamic.

As a Scotch Plains NJ newborn photographer, I know that you can’t rush perfection—or a toddler! We started with family and sibling poses, and when he needed a break, Dad took him home while Mom and I focused on the delicate, sleepy baby portraits.

The Importance of Sibling Portraits

I know how much parents treasure that first photo of their children together. That’s why we didn’t give up! We adjusted our schedule, and Dad brought big brother back at the very end. With a little extra patience and a low-pressure environment, we captured those precious sibling moments that Mom will cherish forever.

Beyond the Digital File: A Full-Service Experience

In a world of “quick digital exchanges,” I believe your memories deserve more. My studio is designed for the family who values quality and wants meaningful artwork for their home.

For this Christmas-season session, we ensured Mom had stunning images for her holiday cards, but the real magic is in the final physical products. This family chose:

A Custom Keepsake Box: A handmade fabric box, engraved with baby’s name.
Matted Prints: Every high-resolution digital image I provide is accompanied by a professionally printed 8×10 matted copy.
Legacy Art: We discussed options for canvases, acrylics, and metals to turn these portraits into home decor.

Why Choose a Luxury Photographer in Union County?

When you book a session with me, you aren’t just getting a gallery link. You are getting a guided experience that includes:

Expert Posing & Handling: Safety and patience for your newborn and siblings.
Professional Printing: No more “lost” digital files on old hard drives.
Tangible Heirlooms: Custom-designed albums and wall art tailored to your home’s aesthetic.

Ready to book YOUR custom Newborn Experience?

If you are looking for a Scotch Plains NJ Newborn Photographer, and value quality over quantity, reach out to me today! I would love to capture this time for you and your family!

Want to see more of my Newborn work? Check out the gallery here.

September 5, 2025

A Newborn and Family Photo Session with Newborn Photographer Joan Marie based out of Union County NJ

There’s something magical about watching families grow—and this newborn session with baby Colin was one of those heartwarming full-circle moments that make my job as a Scotch Plains luxury newborn photographer so meaningful.

Just over three years ago, I had the joy of photographing Liam’s newborn session. Now, he’s a proud big brother—and it was a gift to welcome this beautiful family of four (Amy, Matthias, Liam, and Colin) back into the studio to celebrate their newest arrival.

A Calm, Cozy Newborn Session in Scotch Plains NJ

For Colin’s session, we kept things clean, cozy, and natural. He was peacefully wrapped in soft neutral tones, resting in the gentle arms of his family—perfectly content and oh-so-loved.

The neutral background and soft fabrics allowed the focus to stay entirely on Colin’s perfect little features and that new baby glow. Every image captured the calm and intimacy of those early days that pass all too quickly.

Big Brother Liam Steals the Show

Of course, we had to include big brother Liam! He was a little in his feels with the adjustment of a new baby, but we were still able to get some great shots of him too! Liam radiated big sibling energy in the best way.

It was incredible to see how much he’s grown since his own newborn session. Sessions like these are a true reminder of how quickly time moves—and why documenting these seasons is so important.

Here are a couple of my favorites from Big Brother’s Newborn Shoot…

A Beautiful Family of Four

Amy and Matthias beamed with love during this session. The connection between them and their two boys was effortless, and that ease translated into stunning family portraits full of quiet emotion and togetherness.

As with all of my sessions, I aim to create images that feel natural, connected, and timeless—portraits that will live on your walls and in your hearts for generations.

Why Returning Clients Mean So Much

Getting to photograph both Liam and Colin as newborns is a privilege I don’t take lightly. As a photographer, I deeply value the trust families place in me to preserve their most important milestones.

Every time a family returns to my studio, it’s an opportunity to create new memories while building on their legacy. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, your story matters—and it’s worth telling beautifully.

Looking for a Newborn Photographer in NJ?

If you’re searching for a newborn photographer in NJ or want a luxury, relaxed studio experience that celebrates your growing family, I’d love to work with you.

My studio in Scotch Plains, NJ is designed for comfort and creativity—with every detail tailored to help you feel at home while I document the magic of your baby’s earliest days.

📍 Serving Scotch Plains, Westfield, Cranford, Plainfield, and surrounding Union County areas.
💛 LGBTQ+ Friendly | Inclusive | Relaxed Studio Vibes | Heirloom Artwork Available

👉 Let’s preserve your family’s story with beauty and intention.
Contact me here to book your newborn session →

September 4, 2025

Newborn Photographer in NJ | Baby Leo’s Luxury Newborn Session with his Two Moms

There’s something incredibly powerful about telling a family’s story through images—and baby Leo’s newborn photography session in Scotch Plains, NJ was the perfect example of how meaningful, emotional, and beautiful these moments can be.

As a luxury newborn photographer in NJ, I have the privilege of documenting the earliest days of life. I do it in a way that’s both artistic and deeply personal. Leo’s session was nothing short of that. Surrounded by love from his two amazing moms, this baby’s photo session was filled with heart, legacy, and quiet joy.

A Celebration of New Life and Legacy

From the very first moment, Leo’s session felt special. We chose a soft, organic palette to highlight his perfect newborn features, incorporating textures and tones that evoke warmth and serenity.

I always provide a pre-session questionnaire for my parents. It helps plan out the session colors, props and set-ups. When I saw a picture of this perfect little boy, I knew I wanted to shoot him on this green backdrop. It turns out that his nursery is also a green palette. One of his moms wasn’t totally sold on the green, so I worked my magic and provided them with another option through the power of editing and years of editing experience 😉

What made this shoot especially unique were the heartfelt personal touches. Props that tied Leo’s story to those who came before him.

To honor one of his moms’ beloved dog who passed earlier this year, we included a stuffed Lamb Chop toy. It was his favorite stuffed animal toy.

And to celebrate the legacy of Leo’s late grandfather, Albert “Steel” Mills—a Golden Gloves champion and professional boxer from Plainfield, NJ —we created space in the session to honor his strength and influence. Subtle details and loving conversations during the shoot kept his presence close. It was a reminder that Leo enters this world surrounded by generations of resilience and love. We honored him with this custom set-up using boxing gloves with his Grandfather’s name represented on each glove.

His Grandfather began as an amateur at the Second Street Youth Center (now called Prescott Place) and had a professional boxing career before becoming a mentor to youth through boxing and a security officer for Plainfield Public Schools. A street in Plainfield was dedicated to him in June 2025 to honor his legacy.

LGBTQ+ Families

Photographing Leo and his two incredible moms was a true privilege. As a photographer who proudly supports and welcomes LGBTQ+ families, I believe that every family deserves to be celebrated and represented with care and intention.

This session radiated joy, strength, and connection—and every frame told a story of deep love. Families like this are the heartbeat of my work, and it’s always an honor to be part of their milestones. It is in these sessions that the magic is palpable and allows me to create some of my best and most favorite work 💫✨

Leo’s moms chose my Signature Collection which includes professionally matted prints in a beautifully handcrafted signature box. They chose a gorgeous vegan leather cover with his name engraved on the cover 💕

Looking for a Newborn Photographer in NJ?

If you’re looking for a Scotch Plains newborn photography or want a luxury, personalized newborn experience in New Jersey, I’d love to help you preserve these first, fleeting days with your baby.

From heirlooms and legacy touches to cozy, creative posing, my sessions are tailored to reflect your family’s love story.

📍 Serving families in Scotch Plains, Plainfield, Westfield, Cranford, and throughout Union County, NJ.

💛 Inclusive. Heartfelt. Luxury Photography.

Ready to book your newborn photography in NJ session?
👉 Click here to contact me

Let’s create something unforgettable together.

August 8, 2024

Capturing Baby Lexi’s First Moments

When it comes to newborn photography, there’s nothing quite like the magic of capturing those first few days of a baby’s life. Recently, I had the absolute joy of photographing a beautiful baby girl named Lexi in my Scotch Plains, New Jersey Studio.

A Gift of Memories (and a Few Giggles)

Lexi’s newborn session was a gift from her mom’s baby shower—a present that promised to freeze time and capture those adorable baby moments. I have to admit, it’s a pretty genius gift. After all, what better way to celebrate a new arrival than with a photoshoot that includes a side of sleep-deprived giggles and priceless memories?

The Final Touches

After the session, it was time for the editing magic. And let me tell you, Lexi’s photos turned out beautifully. I even captured some ADORABLE baby yawns <3

A Lasting Gift (That May Include a Few Funny Faces)

As Lexi grows and changes, these photos will be a wonderful reminder of just how tiny and perfect she was. For her parents, these images will be a keepsake of Lexi’s first days. I say it all the time…photos are one thing that will ALWAYS gain value over time.

Thank you to Lexi’s family for letting me be a part of this special time. It was a joy to capture these moments, and I look forward to seeing Lexi’s adventures as she grows. If you’re interested in a newborn session that’s filled with laughs, love, and some perfectly imperfect moments, feel free to reach out via the contact button below. After all, capturing these memories should be as fun as it is meaningful!

To learn more about my newborn photography in Scotch Plains, head over to my Newborn page.

contact me

July 28, 2024

Newborn Shoot in Scotch Plains with Logan <3

Newborn Photoshoot in Scotch Plains with a newborn baby on a backdrop of stars and moon

There’s nothing quite like the joy a newborn brings to a family. I had the incredible honor of capturing that magic during a recent photoshoot with baby Logan. Logan is the adorable new addition to a lovely family in Fanwood, NJ. As this little boy’s first newborn photoshoot, it was a heartwarming experience filled with love, laughter, and precious moments.

A Warm Newborn Welcome

On the day of the newborn photoshoot, I welcomed Logan’s family into my new studio, designed for comfort and creativity. The moment Logan’s parents walked in, you could see the excitement in their eyes—it was clear how over the moon they were to finally meet their little boy.

A Perfect Little Baby Model

Logan was just a few days old, and like any newborn, he had his sleepiest moments mixed with tiny stretches and yawns. It took Logan a little while to settle into the poses, but we still captured magic! And with the help of his parents, we used a variety of setups and adorable little outfits.

A Family’s Love

As we moved through different poses and setups, it was heartwarming to witness the love and affection Logan’s parents have for him.

Editing and Final Touches

After the newborn shoot in Scotch Plains, I carefully curated the images and brought out the vibrant colors and soft textures. From dreamy, sleepy poses to tender prop set-ups, it was a joy to edit these images, knowing they would soon fill the walls of their home and their hearts forever. I even added an American Flag to one of the images for the 4th of July! Which do you like better?

Newborn Photoshoot in Scotch Plains with a sweet newborn sleeping in wooden bowl crate with american flag

Conclusion

As I completed the final edits and prepared the gallery for Logan’s family, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this joyous moment in their lives. Newborn shoots are a beautiful reminder of how fleeting these early days are. And I strive to freeze those moments in time for families to cherish for years to come.

So to Logan’s family, thank you for trusting me to capture the first memories of your precious baby boy at his newborn shoot in Scotch Plains. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for your beautiful family!

Finally, if you’re looking to capture the magic of a newborn in your life, I would love to help you. Let’s create some unforgettable memories together!

Let’s Chat!

To keep up to date with my most recent work, come follow me on Instagram!

May 1, 2024

Child Portrait Photographer

portrait of a young boy taken by joan marie photography

PORTRAITS OF CHILDHOOD

As a child portrait photographer, you gotta love kids! AND I LOVE ‘EM! Sometimes I think I love them more than adults LOL! Is that bad? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a huge fan of the melt downs or the booger covered faces. But there is so much I DO love about them! The toothy (and toothless) grins, the dimpley cheeks, the freckles, the lack of filter! HAHA! The REMINDER that the world still has so much magic in it seems to always be there when I am around kids. It has a way of grounding me and letting me be playful and feel like a kid myself again. It’s an amazing thing actually and they should figure out a way to bottle that up! I don’t know who “they” is, but you get my point.

Milestone, me kids!!

I love capturing all the stages of children. Obviously as a Newborn Photographer I love newborn shoots, but there are so many stages that I love. 6 months when they are starting to sit up, 9 months, a YEAR! Because, damn, how did we make it through that! HA! So I guess you’d call me a Child Portrait Photographer too!

Then you have when they lose their first tooth, when they start to find their sass, when they graduate elementary school! Then we can get into 8th grade and high school! There are really so many significant stages in our children’s lives and ultimately they are our’s too.

March 12, 2024

PERSONALITY PORTRAITS IN NJ

Personality portraits – for me, nothing beats a classic black and white photo. They’re timeless and free of distractions. It leaves the focus on your child, their personality, and those adorable little expressions that they make that truly show who they are. From 1 – 108, a black and white portrait will stand the test of time and will capture them through all of those phases that in the end we all know go way to fast. Yes, even those really DIFFICULT ones <3.

My personality portraits are offered as pop-up events at local businesses or as a custom personality portrait session in my Scotch Plains, NJ portrait studio. What’s the difference? Well, there are a few things to consider.

Pop-up Events

Timing – Pop-up Events are scheduled as 2 hour events with a max of 20 people. Does the time work with your child’s schedule? Oftentimes parents are looking for a time that works around their schedule when the most important consideration is the child’s schedule. These are also very QUICK paced shoots, usually 5 minutes per child, with limited time for kids to warm up to me, my camera and my big light.

Location The other consideration is the location of the event. Oftentimes these pop-ups are in spaces with lots of things going, noise and other attractions and activities. It can be difficult to pull them away from another, more exciting, activity. It can also be overstimulating for some kids who are distracted or overwhelmed easily. How does your child do in these environments?

Products and Editing – Pop-up events are extremely discounted. They will usually include (1) digital file and each child needs their own booking. The editing is minimal and does not include extensive retouching. They are digital only and prints and wall art will not be offered for these sessions.

Who’s Included – These sessions are booked per child, individuals only. When siblings are in attendance, I will try to get a photo of them together should time allow and you can purchase additional files a la carte.

To read more about Minis to decide if these are right for your child or family, you can read more here.

Pop-ups can be a great introduction to professional photography without the investment. But they also may not give you a good read on what a Custom Session is like. If you are looking for a quick snap of your child, only want a few digitals, and are okay with REAL personalities to come out, then this could be for you!

Custom Session

Timing – You have flexibility on the timing of the shoot. You can schedule something that works around your child’s schedule. Custom sessions start at 1 hour which gives us plenty of time for your child to warm up to me and check out my Studio.

Location – These can be done in my Scotch Plains NJ Studio OR the comfort of your own home! My Studio is quiet and calm and it will only be YOUR family during our shoot.

Products and Editing – My Custom Sessions all include a credit towards the purchase of images. You can purchase individual files (includes both a digital copy and a printed copy), Collections, Albums and Archival Wall Art for your home. My prints come from my professional print lab and they are to DIE FOR! Editing is more extensive for these as well.

Who’s Included – Who do you want to include? Grandma? The family dog? Your family? The sky is the limit here! When you book a Custom Session we design it around YOUR needs.

Want to Book?

If you would like to set-up a pop-up event with these adorable, timeless black and white photos, reach out to me! I love collaborating with other local businesses! You can fill out my balck and white personality portraits form here!

Want to book your family’s own custom session? Fill out my inquiry form here!

Want something IN-BETWEEN? I’ve got something for you! You can sign up for one of my Mini Events! I hold these quarterly. They include your private photoshoot in my Scotch Plains NJ Studio, 2 retouched digital files and special pricing on additional digitals. These sessions are also discounted and digital only, but it will give you more time that 5 minutes in a quiet and calm environment where your child can relax and ease their way into it! You can find out when my next Mini Event is here!

Wall Art is AWESOME!

HANG THOSE BABIES UP!….NO, REALLY! You got the black and white photos now HANG THEM UP!

Something as simple as hanging family portraits around your home can increase your child’s confidence! It gives children a sense of belonging, acceptance, and love that can help their confidence soar. I know from my own personal experience, that in the hum drum of everyday life, with stress and work and ALL of the things, simply looking at my big canvas of my kids hanging on the wall gives me a moment of calm. It centers me. It reminds me of how lucky I am and how grateful I should be. And It reminds your children that you love them. And that they are important to you and that this is their home.

March 4, 2024

“Physics elevated to an artform”

That is the slogan for the Oakley brand. Just found that out. Kind of love it! Kind of like “Baby Photography elevated to an artform”. Did I just come up with my own tagline? I think I may have!

Sweet baby Oakley came to The Studio for a baby photography model call I was doing. I wanted to work on an all wrapped flow and put a model call out so I could work on this workflow.

I think one of the reasons I love baby photography so much (and there are MANY REASONS), is that there is ALWAYS things to learn, to improve upon, and ways to grow. I’ve been taking pictures since I was a little girl. I started to shoot newborns around 2010. And I STILL find myself learning and growing! And I LOVE that!

Baby Oakley came to the Scotch Plains studio and the boy was PASSED OUT! He let me do anything I wanted and didn’t make a single peep! We captured some really great images for his mom and dad and I love how he looked on the tannish-brown fabrics I used!

Here are some of his momma’s favorites from our session <3

To see more of my Newborn work, you can check out my Gallery here.

January 16, 2024

Newborn Session with Mountainside Family

And 3rd baby makes 5

As a Studio Newborn Photographer in Scotch Plains, families trust me with their babies. And what a fun Newborn Session I had with Mountainside Family! Rory’s parents were the absolute sweetest and chillest <3 with their baby boy. This is their third baby. They already had a boy and a girl and I guess you could say this baby boy was the tie breaker! And omg, you guys! Their kids are the absolute CUTEST!

Rory was a total sweetheart and just an absolutely beautiful baby boy. The cheeks, the lips, his skin. Ugh, I know I say it all the time, but I am obsessed with what I do! I LOVE IT!!!

Family Photos

As a Newborn Photographer in Scotch Plains, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take some family photos as well! What a beautiful and fun family to get to know! The kids were just so sweet! And we were able to capture some really cute family photos!

Baby Boy in the moon

Here are some of the pics that mom picked out from our session. And I have to say I think she picked some good ones! I even got to use my new moon crate! And I couldn’t help it, I had to add some stars to the one photo. It was BEGGING for it!

Have you thought about booking a session with a Studio Newborn Photographer in Scotch Plains? Don’t wait! Reach out today by filling out my contact form and we can start planning your very special session!