A Sweet Baby Girl Newborn Session in a Harry Potter Themed Nursery

One of the things I love most about newborn sessions is the chance to see the thought and creativity that parents put into decorating their child’s nursery. This couple is a huge fan of Harry Potter and they were able to incorporate all sorts of unique elements into their daughter’s nursery related to the series. From the accent wallpaper to the owl lamp to the framed artwork on the wall, there are signs of Harry Potter in every corner! I think my favorite part is the book mobile with the Flying Keys or Winged Keys hanging from it. I had a lot of fun taking photos through the hanging keys.

This little lady slept through most of her photo session but she did get hungry so we took a feeding break and I got some photos with her eyes open. I absolutely adore when newborns are completely zonked out after they’ve become milk drunk and they can snuggle up in a little ball in your arms. We even managed to capture a little sleep smile and a huge yawn, which happen to be two of my photo goals for every newborn lifestyle session!

And now for a little honest behind-the-scenes: There was a little mishap on my part during this session when my camera shutter completely stopped functioning. In a frenzy I had to rush home (thankfully just a 15 minute drive) and get my backup camera. This has never happened to me before in my nearly 15 years in business! The family was so patient and understanding and you would have no idea from these photos that we took a little half hour break during the session.

Enjoy the photos below of precious baby girl Rowan in her Harry Potter themed nursery! To all the fans out there, see how many different Harry Potter connections you can find! And if you want to get some Harry Potter themed decor for your own nursery or for yourself, they told me they got quite a few things from Pottery Barn Teen and the Harry Potter Collection is linked here.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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How to Prepare for a Newborn Lifestyle Session

One of my most frequently asked questions from parents for in home newborn lifestyle sessions is how they can prepare for photos. I always start out by saying there is no need to worry about tidying up (you just had a baby!) and if anything needs to be moved around, I am happy to do that when I get there. You would be surprised at the beauty that can be captured in just a small corner with good natural light!

In my experience, all you need is some nice window light and a warm space where baby is happy and can be cuddled and loved. When I arrive I’ll take a look around your home for the spaces with the best natural light and possibly open blinds and curtains. Usually we begin by taking photos in the nursery and a then a living space such as a bedroom or living room. I’m always game for outdoor photos as well if the weather is nice.

I suggest that baby gets a feeding before the session if possible but I like to keep things relaxed and always allow time for feedings and diaper changes as needed. I recommend starting mid morning for newborn lifestyle sessions when babies tend to be happier and sleepier versus evenings when they tend to be fussier. Timing wise, usually a newborn lifestyle session with me lasts about an hour and a half on average.

Another tip is to lay out a few outfits, swaddles, blankets or accessories that you might like to use in photos and I can help you decide what might work best visually. I love using various cozy textures with newborns such as chunky knit blankets or stretchy muslin swaddles. I always bring a couple faux fur rugs along that are nice to lie a swaddled baby on top of. I tell mom that if she is nursing it’s wise to wear something that is nursing friendly (and I’m always happy to take nursing photos if mom wishes!) Typically lighter softer colors and textures tend to photograph best for newborn sessions (though it’s not a hard and fast rule!). Sometimes families like to coordinate their colors with the baby’s nursery or the colors found in their home.

If there are older siblings involved, often I’ll ask them to give me a tour of baby’s room, or their room or play room so they can get used to me. I’ve got three littles of my own and am very experienced with toddlers!

Below are some photos of this brand new family of four! Little Izak did absolutely great for his session, mostly slept and peeked at us for a few photos towards the end. Seeing a tiny baby in an oversized chunky knit sweater is just the cutest! And I love the soft pastel color palette they chose for their outfits contrasted with mom and dad’s tattoos.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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A Colorful Newborn Lifestyle Photo Session with Baby Marino

It goes without saying that I am a huge color fanatic. When you step in the front door of our 1950’s mid-century bi-level home you will see right away that bright bold colors are my favorite. From the golden wall arch behind our emerald green couch to the teal accent wall by the piano and a shelf covered in vibrant artwork, plants and jewel-toned pom pom garlands, color is everywhere. So you can imagine how excited I was to photograph this newborn lifestyle session for my fellow color-loving friend and photographer Tasha.

Baby Marino was born in October and he is very much adored by everyone in the family, including the pups. He was pretty chill the whole time, mostly sleeping and made a few funny faces and big yawns which are always the best to capture. Big sister Estella was excited to have me as a visitor and there was some music and dancing of course. She also brought out her camera and took a few photos.

I love the deep rich teals (my favorite color!) and jewel tones throughout their home. Tasha painted the blue ombre accent wall in Marino’s nursery herself and it feels like the Caribbean to me. I had to incorporate some fairy lights of course to make it feel magical. Hope you enjoy the photos of this beautiful family of four!

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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York Newborn Photography: Baby Aliyah

Darling baby Aliyah was born in March, a great month for birthdays (me and my son are March babies too!). I first met Aliyah’s mom Lilah when I photographed her maternity milk bath session at one of my favorite AirBnbs in Lancaster City (Renew On Walnut). Her stunning maternity session can also be viewed here. Lilah’s choice of a soft romantic color palette and floral patterns were so perfect for both her maternity photos and this newborn session.

It doesn’t always work out to photograph newborns in the first 2 weeks of life and in my opinion, in-home newborn lifestyle sessions can happen any time in the first 6 weeks after baby is born (that is the time period that they are technically considered newborn before they are called an infant). Baby Aliyah was about a month old when we did this session. Because I don’t offer posed newborn sessions in a studio, I don’t feel it is as important to photograph the baby when they are fresh out of the womb and sleeping all the time. However, they change and grow fast so of course the sooner the better! If you are considering a newborn lifestyle session, I encourage you to reach out at least a month or two before baby is due to schedule your session.

And another thing to note for newborn lifestyle sessions is that siblings and pets are more than welcome to be included! I like to let toddlers be themselves and you will see Aliyah’s big brother Kai having lots of fun bouncing on the bed in the photos below. I know it can feel stressful when you are trying to wrangle multiple littles for pictures but we can work with them to make it fun! Sometimes snack breaks are necessary, or I ask them to show me their room or their favorite toys. Toddlers have their world rocked when a new baby sibling arrives and that can be hard. And of course sometimes newborns need to eat or have their diaper changed too so we always make time for that in between photos. My goal is to document all the little details you want to remember about your tiny newborn.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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Lancaster Newborn Lifestyle Photography: Baby Jameson

Welcome to the world baby Jameson! I didn't get to photograph this little dude until he was about 6 weeks old since I gave birth to my own son just a couple weeks after Jameson was born. His mom tells me he loves to eat and he's getting to be quite the little chunker. His parents, Nyssa and Alex, live in a beautiful Lancaster City home and I love their vintage, eclectic style. The one thing that stood out to me from his nursery is the amazing vintage rocking horse that Nyssa found on Craigslist. Apparently it was the first item she bought for the nursery after she found out she was pregnant. I really love photographing in home newborn sessions and I foresee doing many more of these in the future. Send all the tiny babies my way! They don't stay small for long in my experience. :)

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

Lancaster Newborn Lifestyle Photography: Baby Gwen

Lately all of my sessions have revolved around newborns and babies and I'm ok with that! At 39 weeks pregnant, this was the last photo session I did before giving birth to our son. I know I've said it many times, but I have really enjoyed photographing in home lifestyle sessions this winter. I first met Melissa and Ryan over a year ago when they hired me to photograph their wedding. When I heard they were expecting a baby (just a week or so before me!) and wanted me to photograph her as a newborn, of course I said yes! All of the color in these photos makes my heart happy, and on top of that baby Gwen let me capture some of the sweetest, most ginormous newborn yawns. 

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

Lancaster Newborn Lifestyle Photography: The Millers Welcome Baby Ben

My friends Shawn and Candice recently welcomed their newborn son Ben into the world and I had the pleasure of doing an in home newborn lifestyle session for them. These types of sessions are quickly becoming some of my favorites because of the candid, raw moments I am able to capture. Big sister Eva wasn't a huge fan of being in photos at first but she was happy to show off her awesome cowgirl hat and when baby brother started crying she was quick to comfort him. I have enjoyed documenting the Miller family over the years, starting with Candice and Shawn's engagement, then the arrival of their daughter and now as they have become a family of four!

Soon we will be welcoming our own baby boy into our family and I am curious to see how the transition will go with my own daughter, who is very close in age to Eva.

Melissa Engle Photography provides portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Get in touch to schedule your session!