Planning newborn photos in the Bay Area?

You’re in the right place. If you’re a new parent looking for a relaxed, heartfelt, and simple way to capture your baby’s first days, I’m here to help. In this blog, I’ll answer your most common questions, share what to expect, and help you decide if I’m the right newborn photographer in the Bay Area for your family.

Hi, I’m Ellen. Your Bay Area Newborn Photographer

I’m Ellen, the heart behind Ellobelle Photography. I’m a lifestyle photographer based in Millbrae, California. I serve families all across the San Francisco Peninsula and San Mateo County. That includes Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Carlos, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Belmont, Foster City, Los Altos, Pacifica, and San Bruno.

I specialize in newborn, family, maternity, and couples photography. My sessions are relaxed, meaningful, and filled with warmth. I work with natural light and love photographing outdoors one to two hours before sunset to capture that golden hour glow that feels soft and magical.

My work is filled with real moments. Laughter. Connection. Hugs. Kisses. Joy. I gently guide my families so they feel comfortable and free to be themselves. I make space for natural moments to unfold. I’m easygoing and laid back, but I also care deeply about the details and delivering a professional experience.

I don’t just show up to take pretty photos. I create an experience that feels joyful, calm, and personal from start to finish.

Why Choose A In Home Bay Area Newborn Photographer?

Let me come to you and photograph the quiet, beautiful moments of your newborn’s early days. These are the images I wish I had of my own baby.

In home sessions are perfect for families who want to remember this tender chapter in an honest and meaningful way. There is no need to pack up or head to a studio. You can simply stay close to your baby while I gently document your story.

This chapter moves quickly. Those soft newborn stretches, sleepy smiles, and tiny fingers only last a short while. My in home newborn sessions are designed to preserve these details without the pressure of a studio setting.

I come to you and gently document your family’s story where it began. At home. These sessions are calm, baby led, and filled with natural light. Whether it’s feeding time, snuggles, bath time, or just rocking your baby to sleep, I will guide you with care while creating a gallery full of timeless images.

You stay close. I do the rest.

When Should You Book a Bay Area Newborn Photographer?

The best time to book your newborn photographer in the Bay Area is before your baby arrives. Even if your due date feels far away.

Why?

• I only take a limited number of sessions each month to keep things personal
• Booking early guarantees a spot in my calendar
• We can plan for flexibility. Babies come when they want

I usually photograph babies within the first 5 to 14 days. But if you need more time, that’s okay. Lifestyle sessions are flexible.

What to Expect During Your Newborn Session

Your newborn session will be calm, natural, and unrushed. I will gently guide you while leaving space for Your newborn session will be calm, natural, and unrushed. I will gently guide you while leaving space for feeding, diaper changes, and cuddles.

Your gallery often includes:

• Natural, connection filled images
• Sweet details like tiny hands and toes
• Interactions with parents, siblings, and even pets
• Cozy moments in your nursery or favorite spaces at home

Here’s what one mom said:

“I was so worried about the mess and the baby crying the whole time. But Ellen made me feel totally at ease, and the photos turned out STUNNING.” — Jen M., Palo Alto mom of 2

When you hire me as your Bay Area newborn photographer, here’s what your session will look like:

• I arrive at your home with everything I need. Including patience
• You don’t need to clean up. I’ll find the good light and magic
• We go with the flow. If baby needs to feed or cry, that’s totally fine
• Sessions last about 60 to 90 minutes. Just long enough to capture connection without chaos

When you hire me as your Bay Area newborn photographer, here’s what your session will look like:

• I arrive at your home with everything I need. Including patience
• You don’t need to clean up. I’ll find the good light and magic
• We go with the flow. If baby needs to feed or cry, that’s totally fine
• Sessions last about 60 to 90 minutes. Just long enough to capture connection without chaos
• No stiff poses or baby in a basket. Just real, cozy, beautiful moments

Most families book within 5 to 15 days after birth, but I am happy to photograph your baby at any age in those first precious months. We will set a tentative date and adjust once your baby arrives.

The Best Time of Day for Your Newborn Session

We usually aim for mid morning. The light is soft and baby is more relaxed.

But I’m flexible. I read the energy of your family and meet you where you are. That’s the benefit of working with a newborn photographer in the Bay Area who values connection over perfection.

What Should We Wear?

Newborn photos are all about connection. But I get it. You still want to feel good in what you’re wearing.

Here’s my advice:

• Neutrals and soft tones photograph beautifully
• Avoid loud prints or logos
• Keep baby in a simple swaddle, onesie, or even just a diaper
• Barefoot and messy buns are very welcome

I send a full outfit guide when you book me as your newborn photographer in the Bay Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my baby is fussy?

Totally normal. We take breaks. We soothe. We breathe. This is about presence, not perfection.

What if my house isn’t Pinterest perfect?

It doesn’t need to be. I find beautiful light and simple backgrounds. Your home is enough.

Can siblings join in?

Yes. Some of the sweetest moments come from big brothers or sisters.

Resources I Loved as a Bay Area New Mom

As a Bay Area newborn photographer and new mom myself, I know how overwhelming those early weeks and months can feel. When I was preparing for my baby’s arrival, I leaned on a handful of resources that truly supported me—mind, body, and heart. These tools helped me feel more prepared, confident, and connected to myself and my baby. Below, I’m sharing everything I personally used and would recommend to other Bay Area moms navigating pregnancy and postpartum.

Whether you’re prepping for your newborn session, building a sleep schedule, or just trying to make it through the fourth trimester with some support, I hope this list offers something helpful. If you ever want to talk more about postpartum or newborn photography in the Bay Area, I’m always happy to connect.

This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. Learn more here.

Prenatal Resources for Bay Area Moms

Built To Birth – Online Childbirth Course

An online course to prepare for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum – without the overwhelm. I wasn’t the type to sit through an 8-hour in-person hospital class (and neither was my husband). Instead, I binge-watched this modern, self-paced course in the evenings. It felt like chatting with a calm, encouraging friend who really gets birth. So helpful.

If you’re not ready to purchase the course, Bridget Teyler also shares tons of free and super helpful videos on YouTube.

Check out: Built To Birth

Nandi Yoga – San Mateo Prenatal Classes

Their prenatal yoga classes were my Saturday morning ritual. A cozy, welcoming community of moms-to-be that felt like a little club. Moving, breathing, and connecting with other women in the same season was so grounding. A few of us mommys-to-be even formed a group text and would give tea and coffee together after class.

Visit: Nandi Yoga

Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month (Book)

My OB recommended this book because it’s published by ACOG and packed with legit info. I loved following it month by month—each chapter felt like a little countdown to meeting my baby. It’s clear, calm, and super reassuring. About $23 on Amazon.

Find it on Amazon

What Helped Me Most in the Fourth Trimester

As a Bay Area newborn photographer and new mom, I know how overwhelming the early weeks can feel. Between round-the-clock feedings, navigating sleep, and adjusting to your new identity, it is a lot.

Here are the postpartum resources that helped me most. I hope they offer you comfort, clarity, and support as you find your rhythm.

Sleep Training Tools That Worked

Sleep was my number one priority. I knew that if my baby could rest, I could too. These were the tools that helped us get to 12-hour stretches by 12 weeks.

• Taking Cara Babies – Newborn Sleep Class
  This course was a lifesaver. It is clear, kind, and easy to follow. No guilt. No pressure. Just real guidance that works.
  Pro tip: Watch this course before baby arrives. You will not have the energy to absorb it later. Explore: Taking Cara Babies.
• Moms on Call Book
  Gave us easy-to-follow daily routines. We printed the sample schedules and taped them to our fridge. It made bottle feeding and naps feel so much more manageable. I loved the clear tone and zero-pressure approach. Find it on Amazon.
• Babywise Book
  Another great guide that helped us set predictable rhythms. I appreciated the structure and paired it with the other tools to build a flexible plan that worked for our family. Find it on Amazon.

By 12 weeks, my son was sleeping through the night. I waited to drop the middle-of-the-night feeding until he hit the recommended weight and everything clicked into place soon after.

In-Person Breastfeeding Support

• Mills-Peninsula Breastfeeding Support Group
  This free weekly group was one of the most grounding things I did. It meets every Tuesday from 10:30 to 12:00 at the Family Birth Center, Conference Room 2336. You do not need to register—just show up. I met other moms, shared stories, and felt seen. That sense of connection made a big difference. Learn more: Mills Peninusla Breastfeeding Support Group.

Postpartum Movement and Recovery

Getting strong again after baby was really important to me. Not for weight loss, but to reconnect with my body and reclaim a sense of self.

• Brianna Battles Postpartum Athlete Program
  I started her eight-week course at five weeks postpartum. It gave me short, intentional workouts I could do during naps or at the condo gym.
  By 10 weeks, I returned to CrossFit. Not back to my old self, but back to myself.
  Her approach is empowering and education-based. Highly recommend if you want to rebuild strength with purpose and safety.
  Check out: 8 Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program. You might try the code 50PERCENT6MOVES for a discount. It worked for me.
• Orangetheory
  I started Orangetheory on Sundays and two years later, I am still going. I love the color zone heart rate training, especially hitting the 12-minute orange zone goal early in class and easing into the rest. What I love most is the core and pelvic floor work. I truly believe this helped my postpartum recovery. The workout is intense enough to build strength but not overwhelming. It is scalable and based on effort, not speed. If you are newly postpartum, I recommend starting with one class per week and slowly building up. Be patient. It takes time to heal, and that is completely okay. Check out Orangetheory.

Final Thoughts and Ready to Book?

If you’re searching for a Bay Area newborn photographer who will show up with warmth, heart, and a deep love for storytelling, I would be honored to document your family.

I believe your newborn photos should be easy, fun, and natural. This is a special seaons and you deserve phots that you’ll treasure for generations.

Let’s capture this fleeting season with presence and love. As always, if you have any questions about photography or newborn, prenatal, postpartrum, sleep trianing, feel free to reach out. I truly love talking about this and am always happy to share what I’ve learned.

Click here to book your newborn session or reach out with any questions.

Ready to get inspired? Browse my portfolio to see what’s possible for your session.

If you love reading this blog, you will also love:

• Newborn Lifestyle Photography: Sweetest Moments at Home
• When Is the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos?
• Tips for Family Photos with Toddlers