Every now and then, I work with a family that just blows me away with their energy and enthusiasm—and that’s exactly what happened with mom, Megan, dad Paul, and baby Collins Marie. Mom and dad had done their research and wanted only the best for their baby girl, and when they decided on Andrea Sollenberger Photography for newborn photos, I was thrilled to get to work and help them plan the perfect photo session for their little one.
Most of my clients are right here in the Gainesville area, but Megan and Paul, both teachers, ended up driving 2.5 hours to the studio! They knew what they wanted, and with a focus on quality and safety, they decided the Andrea Sollenberger Studio was just right for them. What a compliment—and what a resounding vote of confidence in my skills and professionalism! The best part? Baby Collins Marie was in the perfect mood for a drive, because she slept the entire way!
WRAPPED IN MOM’S ARMS
I make sure both baby AND parents love their experience at the studio, and that means ensuring there are plenty of options for everyone to get comfortable. In this photo, Collins Marie is snuggled close to her mom, resting safe and sound in her arms.
Just like a perfect doll, Collins Marie slept soundly throughout her photo shoot. Wrapped snuggly in a pastel pink wrap, she wears a coordinating hat and shows off perfectly rounded cheeks, a tiny button nose, and the sweetest little mouth. Mom radiates happiness as she holds her new little girl and beams at the camera for this candid shot.
DADDY’S PRIDE & JOY
Few things pull at the heartstrings as much as a dad holding his newborn baby. I love the expression on dad’s face as he gazes lovingly down at little Collins Marie. She’s swaddled snuggly in a light pink wrap and even has a dainty headband to match!
SURROUNDED BY LOVE
With mom and dad on either side, Collins Marie is protected and cherished, and the joy on their faces conveys the sheer happiness they feel at holding their new little girl in their arms.
Megan and Paul chose light neutral colors that coordinate perfectly with the feminine, delicate looks they selected for their little one. And with a neutral background, too, this photo is sure to get a place of distinction in any room of the house.
WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW
Choosing a professional photographer is a huge undertaking, and when you’re looking for just the right person to work with your newborn baby, it’s important to do your research. Newborn photography is an art all its own, because not only is your photographer tasked with delivering the perfect photos, but they also need to be gentle, caring, and knowledgeable when it comes to working with brand-new babies.
Look for things that will give you peace of mind as you entrust them with your little one. Do they offer a luxury studio experience with plenty of options for customized styling? Does the photographer communicate clearly and offer materials to help you prepare before your session? There are so many things to keep in mind!
So, how DO you find the perfect photographer for your young family? Here are the top three things to remember when researching a pro to work with your little one:
- Learn about the studio’s safety precautions. Not every photography studio is set up for the safety and wellbeing of newborns, so be sure to find out about the special accommodations they have for your baby. Does the studio have soft, comfortable surfaces and cozy props to make your baby comfortable and safe? Does the photographer have experience with handling newborns and posing them for photos? Your baby’s safety is the top priority, so be sure to do your homework and choose an experienced and dedicated professional.
- Dive into the photographer’s professional portfolio. It will tell you a LOT about their creative style and how they work. Do you love the poses and props they use? Do they have several clients with unique and creative photos? Perusing a photographer’s portfolio is a great way to get an overview of the style, quality, and creativity they offer.
- Look at reviews and feedback. One of the most telling ways to gauge the quality of a photographer’s work is by checking out what previous clients have to say about their experience. Look on their website and on online social platforms like Google and Yelp for feedback clients have left. Be sure clients are happy with their overall experience and pay close attention when things like creativity, attentiveness, and customer service are mentioned. The more positive experiences they’ve delivered, the more likely it is you’ll love your experience with them, too!
I’m proud to share the following feedback from Collins Marie’s mom, Megan:
We traveled to Gainesville to have Andrea photograph our new baby and it was a wonderful experience! Andrea’s newborn preparation guide helped us be ready for photos the day of our newborn session and put our minds at ease that the whole day would go well. The studio was comfortable and inviting and Andrea was so gentle with our girl that we were able to get all the photos because baby stayed asleep the entire time!
Here are just a couple more client reviews from our website:
Andrea recently photographed my maternity photos as well as my newborn pictures. Professional, detail oriented and her work is phenomenal!
Janet S. – Gainesville, Florida
What impressed me the most was her ability to handle and position my tiny newborn with such expertise. She is truly a baby whisperer!
Danielle K. – Gainesville, Florida
ALL TUCKED IN FOR A SWEET SLUMBER
Snug as the cutest little bug, Collins Marie kept right on sleeping as she was posed in the sweetest ways. Here, she’s tucked safely into a mini bed that’s just perfect for newborns, and her pink wrap is accompanied by floral bedding and even more layers of pink. Pearls and lace add even more pretty details to the sweet, feminine looks you see in Collins Marie’s photos. Resting her head on a tiny pink pillow, this sweet girl seems content to snooze the day away!
For parents planning a newborn photo session, it’s important to remember that we work on your baby’s schedule, so it’s likely they’ll be sleepy for much of the session. A great newborn photographer is ready for anything, however, so parents never have to worry if baby is fussy, wiggly, sleepy—or all of the above! At Andrea Sollenberger Photography, I pride myself on being ready for whatever your little one throws our way, and I’ll take my time to ensure you get the amazing photos you’re anticipating.
LITTLE ANGEL IN A FEATHERED NEST
Believe it or not, many photo sessions are completed with baby sleeping soundly the entire time! Collins Marie’s adorable nap continued as we switched things up and nestled her into a super-soft white nest lined with fur and feathers. Surrounded by a pink and white floral wreath, and with a background of rustic-style wide-plank flooring, this photo perfectly captures the peace and serenity of Collins Marie’s first few days. Plus, it will look great in just about any room her parents decide to display it!
TINY HANDS TO REMEMBER AS SHE GROWS
It was a lot of fun to change up Collins Marie’s looks throughout her session. Wrapped in a sage swaddle with a delicate floral print, she proves early on that she’ll be able to wear any color! Resting on the fluffiest coordinating blanket and settled into a natural woven basket, she holds tightly to a teddy bear that’s tucked into her tiny hands. What a great way to remember just how little she was!
It’s all in the details when it comes to delivering photos that parents will love! From layers of soft textures to varying shades of color, my studio is full of options. I want every parent to be able to take home gorgeous keepsake photos of their little one that will melt their hearts for years to come. So whatever your style, color preference, or outfit selection, I’ll make sure you have a photo collection you’ll be proud to display and share!
ADORABLE NEWBORN PHOTOS IN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
It can be stressful trying to decide which professional photographer is right for you, but it’s worth the time it takes to research and discover the perfect studio for your family. If you’re looking for newborn photos in Gainesville, Florida, be sure to read about all the amenities and options available at our studio to ensure your baby’s comfort and wellbeing.
Photos of your newborn are a priceless way to make sure you always remember every detail of their first days and weeks. And with tons of options for accessories, backdrops, and more, you’ll be sure to get one-of-a-kind, creative photos that match your style.
DREAMING THE DAY AWAY
Just about every parent wants an adorable birthday-suit photo of their newborn. Why? Naked baby pictures are simply precious because they show off all those new-baby wrinkles, soft skin, and brand-new expressions baby makes.
Baby Collins Marie is sound asleep on a super-soft and fuzzy surface that’s especially comfortable for little ones. Plus, she’s cozy-warm and content because my sunny studio is kept warm for the comfort of babies—no matter what they’re wearing!
PRETTIEST FLOWER IN THE GARDEN
Wearing a lovely flower crown, Collins Marie is posed in a darling way that makes her look like she’s contemplating this brand-new, big world! Leaning forward with her tiny hands on round baby cheeks, she pulls off a pose only a newborn can pull off! You can even see her teensy baby toes peeking out from behind her elbow…too precious!
It was so much fun to work with Collins Marie—and her mom and dad—and I’m honored to be the photographer this family chose! Baby Collins Marie is the sweetest little bundle of love, and I enjoyed every moment of working with her family to create studio memories and photos they can cherish forever. Sometimes, it pays off to drive 2.5 hours for your session…especially for keepsakes you’ll treasure for a lifetime!
If you’re looking for a newborn or baby milestone photographer in Gainesville, Florida, you can contact me here. And check out my portfolio for examples of my work—and plenty of inspiration, too! For fun and exciting updates, follow me on Instagram and Facebook.
Michelle Robertson says
Such a sweet baby girl, all dressed in pink!!! You’ve done a beautiful job creating gorgeous newborn pictures for these new parents. You can tell that Mom and Dad are just smitten with their new daughter!
Andrea Sollenberger says
Thanks you for sharing your feedback with me, Michelle. I am delighted that you loved darling newborn photos of Collins during her earliest days of life! I appreciate your comments!
Hannah says
This is a lovely set of newborn and family photographs. So cute in the pinks and hair accessories.
Andrea Sollenberger says
Thank you Hannah! So glad you enjoyed this newborn photo blog. It really is fun to add accesories to newborn photos to give them a special touch that parents love!
Brandi says
Her sweet cheeks!!! I can’t even handle it! I love the 3 tips you shared on finding the perfect newborn photographer too!
Andrea Sollenberger says
So much fun to see this sweet couple welcome their baby girl and become a family! I absolutely loved working with them, listening to their ideas and creating photos of their precious first few days of life with newborn Collins. She is a beautiful baby in pink! Thanks for commenting Brandi!
Susie says
Wow, these parents really wanted the best photographer possible for their newborn by driving 2.5 hours to get there.
And it is so worth it! Andrea is an expert with her creativity, the most comfortable and accommodating studio, and her strong, tender techniques of posing and capturing the most gorgeous photographs. I can understand why these folks would make the drive..
Andrea Sollenberger says
Thank you for your high praise Susie. It was truly a joy to create gorgeous newborn photos of Collins. I loved working with her Mom and Dad!
Nadia Angerhofer says
Just amazing how many different adorable pictures you can do with a sleeping baby. So glad these new parents did the long drive to your studio and were awarded with stunning pictures of their family. For sure Andrea knows how to gently take care of babies to make them be comfortable for all the different poses. After raising four children of her own and with several grandchildren she for sure has a loving touch with babies.
Andrea Sollenberger says
There are countless different ways to make newborn photos look different: posing, color palette, props, accessories, angles, lighting. Every baby session takes on its own uniqueness as parents explain their preferences and I artfully style newborn sessions to mom and dad’s unique preferences. It is helpful feedback to hear that you appreciate the different adorable pictures that we can achieve, Nadia. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments!
Christine says
Beautiful work! What a sweet little one to hold and to cherish. The little wrapped poses looked so comfy and cozy, so sweet to see those little fingers cuddling the soft toy. I love the cream, pink, pearls and floral combination!
Safety and comfort are high on Andrea’s list for providing the perfect newborn photo experience. Congratulations to the happy parents on this sweet blessing.!
Andrea Sollenberger says
I appreciate your super kind words, Christins. Newborn safety in posing and handling are priority for newborn photo sessions, and comfortable, peaceful newborn photos are a must at the studio. Collins was a dream to photograph and I loved her in cream and pink and pearls and florals too! Thank you for your comments!