Tag Archives: LGBTQ+ Friendly Photographer

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.


Baby Theo’s Newborn Session in Scotch Plains NJ

What a blessed baby <3

Seriously, how did I get so lucky?? I don’t know what it is, but I just seem to get the absolute best Clients. When I met Kevin and Tommy they were just the sweetest and knew that they wanted to document this very momentous time with Baby Theo. I always say that I love the connections I get to experience with my Clients. But what I am realizing is I really love to hear the stories of the people that I meet. The love stories, the things that people overcome, the histories and the futures.

Theo’s story is one of adoption. And the adoption stories are always so moving. Sometimes people wait and wait and wait. Well, probably most times! And I can’t imagine how difficult that can be! Sometimes they wait and they get a call that they MAY have a baby, but then something doesn’t work out. I mean, how hard it must be to not get your hopes up or to just constantly be waiting and thinking about that phone call?

I don’t know, I don’t have experience with that myself, but I can only imagine. And then…you get the call that your baby has been born and you’ll be picking him up?! Ugh, my heart explodes. My heart explodes for the couple and for that baby. Just knowing how much they will love and be loved.

Kevin and Tommy are the cutest and I just recently saw a photo of Theo and I can’t believe how much he has grown and how HANDSOME he is!

Something else that I love about this session is the ARTWORK that they picked out for their home. They chose to get a large family portrait on canvas and it came out gorgeous! But that wasn’t without help! The Artist Framer in Cranford designed the most beautiful frame for their piece. I am so impressed by the work that they do and the thought that goes into their frame design. It is an ART in itself! Tommy and Kevin told them about their fireplace with the gunmetal facade and their natural wood coffee table and The Artist Framer designed the most perfect frame, marrying the 2 materials together. Pics below!

HAPPY PRIDE!

🏳️‍🌈

It’s PRIDE month and I am SO proud to be able to share this beautiful session. And no, I haven’t been saving this blog post for PRIDE, I’m just REALLY behind on blogging and now it seems like a good time to share this session <3

Thanks Kevin, Tommy and Theo! And thank you to The Artist Framer for displaying my artwork so beautifully! XOXO!

joan marie

1589 E 2nd Street

Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

908.312.1788 | info@joanmariephotography.com

379968614