Newborn Photography Tips

How To Prepare for your Newborn Session: Featuring The Quigley Family

Newborn Purple Studio Photography

Purple Theme Newborn Set

Your baby is here, and you're getting ready for the newborn session! Congratulations! This session captures your baby's small features and celebrates their arrival in your family. Here are some tips to make your newborn session go smoothly:



1. Make sure the baby is warm and fed.

Feed your baby just before the photographer arrives/you arrive to studio so they are happy and sleepy during the session. Also, make sure your home (If we are at your home) is warm. We may need to undress your baby, and they could get cold in just a diaper.

2. Prep your home if we are doing in-home session.

When I visit your home for the session, we will likely use various rooms. It’s helpful to tidy up those areas to reduce mess and clutter in the background. Your home doesn't have to be completely spotless; a tidy space will create a cleaner look in photos

3. Prep the family.

Inform everyone about the photoshoot, especially dads! Let Dad know we need his help during the session, even if he will only be on camera for about 30 minutes. If you have other kids, he can help keep them entertained and tidy while it's not their turn.

4. Wardrobe!

For moms, I suggest wearing white or neutral colors to avoid casting color on the baby's face in photos. Please avoid prints. For dads and other children, choose neutrals that match mom's outfit. Babies can wear anything such as onesies, diaper covers, or swaddles, but I have all we need to style baby. I have outfits, wraps, and props to pick from.

Newborn Photography In WNY
How To: Pick a Theme For Cake Smash Session

The Theme Is Important!

Winnie The Pooh Cake Smash Session

Winnie the Pooh Theme

Choose a theme for your cake smash session based on your baby's likes, your tastes, and the look you want. A classic color scheme or a theme from a favorite book or movie can be a good choice. Make sure the theme fits well with the background and decorations, and decide if you want it to be for a specific gender or neutral. Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to choose a theme:

Think about what your baby likes: If they have a favorite book, movie, or character, use that as a theme. Consider their favorite toys, colors, or animals to include in the theme.

Consider your likes: What colors or styles do you prefer? A basic color scheme or classic theme can give a stunning, timeless appearance. Do you have a favorite movie, book, or hobby? You can include those aspects in the theme for a personal touch. 

Consider the overall look: Think about the background, decorations, and props. Make sure they match your theme. Decide if you want a simple or elaborate style. Also, consider how the theme will go with your home decor and where you'll show the photos.

Be creative with your theme. Use books, movies, TV shows, favorite foods, or something cute. Choose a gender-neutral theme or one specific to your baby’s gender. Think of wordplay or a unique idea to make your cake smash session unforgettable.

Find ideas for cake smash themes online. Pinterest and other sites offer many examples to help you discover what you like.

Communicate with your photographer: They can give ideas and help you develop a theme that suits your baby and style. They can also assist with props, decorations, and other details.

By following these tips, you can choose a cake smash theme that is both fun and meaningful for your baby's first birthday. 

After you pick a specific theme for your session, I will send you a variety of options and creative ideas to help you choose the backdrop that would best fit your vision. Additionally, we take the time to discuss the cake as well as the outfits that would complement the theme you decide on. Not only do you have the important task of deciding on the child’s outfit, but I also always include family photos in my sessions to capture those cherished moments together.

See the Shoot: Swartz Cake Smash

Bee Cake Smash

Bee Themed Cake Smash Session In Clarence Center, NY

A cake smash session is a photoshoot for a baby's first birthday, where they interact with a cake in a messy and joyful way. It documents this important milestone and captures their personality at this age. Here’s why parents choose cake smash sessions:

  1. Celebrating a Milestone: It's a fun way to mark a baby's first birthday and create lasting memories of their first year.

  2. Capturing Personality: Parents can see their baby's unique reactions to the cake, capturing candid, heartwarming moments of joy and curiosity.

  3. Fun and Messy Play: Cake smash sessions introduce babies to messy play, allowing them to explore textures and tastes while making it a fun experience for everyone.

  4. Family Photos: It includes family portraits, documenting the family’s first year together and including siblings for added joy.

  5. Unique Keepsake: The photos can be turned into lovely keepsakes like prints or albums and shared with friends and family, preserving this special milestone.

See The Shoot: Brenna + Matthew

A Backyard Romance

Vendors:
Bride Dress: NY Bride and Co
Groom Suit: Riverside Mens
Food: Josephs Catering
Desserts: Fairy Cakes Cupcakery
Flowers: Wegmans
Entertainment: Toy Bros

“We met in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, where we initially became friends for many months as we navigated our journeys together. After some time, we decided to take a "break" from our friendship, which gave us both a chance to reflect. However, we reconnected in October of 2021, and just four months later, we took a significant step in our relationship by moving in together. We lived in Tonawanda for about a year and a half, establishing our life side by side, before making the exciting decision to buy a house in Depew in May of 2023. Following this milestone, our engagement took place in July of 2023, marking another beautiful chapter in our rapidly progressing relationship. :)”

Getting Ready

Ceremony

Wedding Party/Family

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Jon + Rebecca

Jon + Rebecca

Couple Downtown Buffalo near Pearl St.

Vendors

Venue: Pearl Street
Brides Dress - Lulu’s
Embroidered Converse - LOVEwashedLINEN
Groom Attire - Mens Warehouse
Bridesmaids - Baltic Barn
Hair - Jess & Co Salon
Makeup - Wild Flowers Spa & Salon
Caterer: Pearl Street Bar & Grill
Desserts: All Family Members Brought Cookies
Flowers: Clover Bee Flowers
Entertainment: XOXO Pop Band

Getting Ready

First Looks

Ceremony

Family / Wedding Party

Reception

Bride + Groom

New Package - Milestone

We have a new package available now. This package will include Maternity, Newborn, 6 months, and 1 year/Cake Smash sessions.

You can refer to the family page to see what consists of each package.

Every milestone in life is truly precious, and it is essential that we take the time to capture those fleeting moments in time. Children grow up way too fast, and before we know it, all we are left with are cherished memories. As the years go by, those memories can become fuzzy and harder to recall, but taking the time to have these beautiful moments captured by a professional photographer is worth it every single time. We have thoughtfully created this package specifically designed so that your child's first year is beautifully documented, allowing you to look back year after year and see how your precious little one has grown and changed.

✨Inquire today about this amazing offer✨

Richele Musall
See The Shoot: Aleah & Patrick

Aleah + Patrick

Vendors

Venue: The Old Library
Brides Dress: Moonlight Bridal
Grooms Suit: The Black Tux
Makeup: Beautiful Moments
Dessert: Cupcaked Bakery
Entertainment: H&H Entertainment
Flowers: Mandy’s Florist

Getting Ready

Ceremony

Family/Wedding Party

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Josh + Natalie

Fall in Albion, NY

Vendors
Venue: The Lockstone
Bridal Gown: Two Hearts Bridal
Grooms/Groomsman Attire: Daniel’s Men’s Apparel
Bridesmaids: Azazie
Hair: Brittnay Lane Hair
Caterer: Zambistros
Desserts: Savoia Pastry Shoppe
Floral: Creek side Floral
Entertainment: Sonic Rue
Calligraphy: Little Letters

Getting Ready

First Looks

Ceremony

Family / Wedding Party

Reception

Bride + Groom

See the shoot: Brandon + Jenna

Party @ The Wurlitzer

Vendors
Venue: The Wurlitzer
Bride dress: Bridal Chateau
Bridesmaids dress: Azazie
Grooms suit: JP Taylor's
Hair: Care Cuts Salon
Makeup: Beauty Haus Collective
Transportation: Status limo
Flowers: Goody Girl Flower Farm
Entertainment: Energy Entertainment

Getting Ready

First Look

Wedding Party/Family

Ceremony

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Justin + Lisa

J+L <3

Vendors
Flowers: Brighton Florist
Entertainment: Sonic Rue
Transportation: Status Limo
Ceremony: St. John’s the Baptist
Reception: Classic V

Getting Ready

Ceremony

Family / Wedding Party

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Robby + Julia

A Wedding at The Webb

@ Pearl Street

Vendors
Girls Getting Ready: The Loft - 537 Main Street Buffalo NY
Ceremony/Reception: Pearl at the Webb
Brides Dress: Maggie Sottero - Chantal Lynette
Brides Shoes - JJ House
Grooms + Groomsmen Suits: Marty's Formalwear
Hair/Makeup: Cielo Salon
Desserts: Blue Eyed Baker
Stationary: Truly Engaging

Getting Ready

First Looks

Ceremony

Family / Wedding Party

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Jade + Michael

A Magical Day @ Hillcrest!

Getting Ready

Ceremony

Wedding Party/Family

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Don + Rachel

A Pretty Backyard Wedding

Vendors
Dress: Justin Alexander
Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey
Caterer: Dinosaur BBQ
Desserts: Muscoreils
Floral: Dianne's Floral
Entertainment: Chase Entertainment

Getting Ready

First Look

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Reception

** It’s a slideshow, click through to see all images **

Bride + Groom

Holiday Outfit Guide

This post is to help my clients decide what to wear for their holiday session this year. There are 3 sets:

  1. Trees in barn - More formal look

  2. Camping Christmas - Flannel / Outside attire

  3. Bedroom - Pjs or Comfy Sweater

Set 1 - Trees in Barn

I will give you some guidance on how I imagine these images to look and feel overall. This set makes me think of a more formal attire for your family so that is what I will put in this post.

Set 2 - Camping

This set is based outdoors, with a camper decorated for the holidays. This is just a fun one you can explore many outfit ideas for. I think flannel or jacket/hat/gloves for outdoor - think casual. I will have little hot cocoa cups and tree stumps to sit on for this set.

Set 3 - Boho Bedroom

This see will not be ready until right before the first round of holiday sessions due to having to use the area for other kinds of sessions. I can add a couple inspo photos on this post to help you as well. Think light and creamy, boho warm and cozy vibes. This will be a set to wear those holiday pjs or cozy sweaters. I would avoid bright reds for this set. Stick with neutrals!

Richele Musall
See The Shoot: Stone + Shelby

The Lockstone: Stone + Shelby

Vendor List:
Venue: The Lockstone
Bride Attire: David’s Bridal
Grooms Attire: Tuxedo Junction
Bridesmaids Attire: Azazie
Catering: Wilshire Catering
Dessert: Tinsel
Table Decor: Jason McCormick

Getting Ready

Ceremony

Family / Wedding Party

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Noah + Joy

A La Galleria Wedding

Venue: LaGalleria
Dessert: Deserts by Dana
Entertainment: HH Entertainment

Getting Ready

First Look W/ Dad + Noah

Ceremony

Wedding Party/Family

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Nick + Wendy

N + W

Venue + Catering - Pearl Street Bar + Grill
Dessert - Muscoreil’s
Flowers - Lings

Getting Ready

First Looks

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Family

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Kenny + Brittany

Kenny + Brittany

Vendor List
Venue - Avanti Mansion
Hair/Makeup - Makeup Beauty Parlor
Videographer - Barnum Films
Transportation - Affordable Limousine Service
Caterer - Avanti Mansion
Cake - Kali's Cakes
Cupcakes - Fairy Cakes
Flowers - Williams Florist
Entertainment - Whirlin' Disc DJ
Photo Booth - Bow Tie Photobooth

Getting Ready

Ceremony

Family / Wedding Party

Reception

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Adam + Haley

A Lockport Wedding: Adam + Haley

@ Lockport Locks

Venue: Lockport Locks
Videographer: Cinematic Wedding Pros
Transportation: First Student Charter Bus & Advantage Limo for Getaway Rolls Royce Car
Flowers: Sola Wood Flowers & Blue Violet Buffalo
Desserts: Kith & Kin Bakeshop, and Carol's Cake Cupboard

Getting Ready

First Look With Dad

Ceremony

Family Photos/Wedding Party Photos

Cocktail Hour Cruise

Reception

Bride + Groom

ADK Retreat 2023

ADK — ADVENTURE RETREAT

I attended a retreat in June of 2023 and I really have been hoarding all the great content I captured while there. It was very nicely prepared and all of the models were A++. It was great to explore a new location and meet new people that also share a love for photography. I love getting out and doing photography for fun when I have the chance. It makes you fall in love with the craft all over again.

Alexis + Brett

Steve + Kayla

Sarah + Brandon

Eric + Elise