Bay Area Newborn Photographer

Calm newborn photos at home, without needing a perfect house or a perfectly sleepy baby

Bay Area newborn photography

You do not need a perfectly sleepy baby or a perfectly prepared house to have beautiful newborn photos.

I provide relaxed, baby led newborn photography for families who want natural images that feel like their real life, not a staged version of it.

My job is to make the experience feel easier than you expected.

I'll guide the planning, find the best light in your home, and leave plenty of room for feeding, soothing, changing, and real life so you can focus on your baby instead of managing the session.

Most parents arrive feeling tired, overwhelmed, and worried about how everything will come together.

"At five weeks old, my daughter was very fussy, but Ellen had a great energy and made the process seamless and stress-free—she was able to capture the most raw, real moments." 

- Su, Newborn Mom

My Promise

  • The newborn scrunch.
  • The tiny fingers and toes wrapped around your hand.
  • The way they curl up on your chest.

My goal is to help you preserve this season in the easiest way possible.

You do not need a perfectly sleepy baby or a perfectly clean house.

We just need one room with good natural light. I'll guide the posing, manage the pacing, and follow your baby's lead so the session feels calm and easy.

These are the moments that feel ordinary today and priceless a few years from now.

Feeling tired, overwhelmed, and wondering if this is even the right time for photos?

My house is not ready.

My baby might not sleep.

My older child might not cooperate.

I do not want to pack everyone up for a studio.

I feel tired and overwhelmed.

I do not want stiff, overly posed newborn photos.

The truth is that newborn photos do not require a perfectly sleepy baby, a spotless house, or everything to go according to plan.

You might be thinking:

I'll guide the session while creating space for your baby and family to settle into a natural rhythm. That's often when the most meaningful moments unfold.

Feeding breaks, soothing, diaper changes, curious toddlers, and real life are completely welcome here.

01

I find the best light in your home

You do not need a picture perfect house to create beautiful images.

We just need one room and a window with natural light. I'll find the best light in your home and keep the focus on your family.

Why families tell me it felt easier than they expected

02

I provide easy, natural guidance

You'll never be left wondering what to do or how to hold your baby.

I'll gently guide your family so your images feel natural, connected, and true to this season.

03

I manage the session flow

Awake babies, sleepy babies, fussy babies, toddlers, and family pets are all welcome here.

I'll guide the pacing and adapt as needed, leaving plenty of room for feeding, soothing, changing, and real life.

04

I include siblings and pets seamlessly

Welcoming a new baby changes the whole family dynamic.

Big sibling energy, curious toddlers, and family pets are all part of the story. I'll use gentle prompts and follow their lead to capture genuine connection without forced smiles.

Client 5-Star Reviews

"She had ideas of poses and found great locations in my home where she spotted great lighting for us to take photos."
– Janice H.

"On the day of, she gave clear directions so the poses came out looking natural, and she is flexible enough to still get great shots even if not all family members are cooperating."
– Zaneta C.

"She has captured so many of my most meaningful family moments, including most recently my newborn shoot with my daughter, and her turnaround time is amazing."
– Eva Y.

A few things families often say after their session.

San Francisco Bay Area newborn portfolio

A simple, stress free experience

Book your session

Reserve your due date and complete your booking online in just a few minutes.

Once your baby arrives, send me a quick text or email and we'll schedule your session.

Enjoy Your Session

Relax, love on your family, and let me guide the rest. I'll manage the session flow and provide natural, comfortable poses for your family and baby, so you're never left wondering what to do next.

Receive Your Gallery

Within two weeks, you'll receive a private online gallery filled with beautifully edited images, along with a complimentary custom designed photo album.

Plan together

I'll send you my welcome guide with everything you need to prepare.

You'll receive wardrobe recommendations, simple preparation tips, and guidance to help your session feel calm and easy.

Newborn Session Pricing

  • In home newborn session, typically 60 minutes
  • Gallery of 50+ beautifully edited high resolution images delivered within 2 weeks
  • Download access to all gallery images
  • Complimentary custom designed photo album featuring 30+ images from your gallery, thoughtfully designed and delivered to your home
  • Immediate family and pets are always welcome

Bump to Baby Package

  • Two full sessions including a maternity session and an in home newborn session
  • Gallery of 50+ beautifully edited high resolution images from each session, delivered within 2 weeks
  • Download access to all gallery images
  • Immediate family and pets are always welcome
  • One complimentary custom designed photo album featuring 30+ images from both sessions, thoughtfully designed and delivered to your home

For families who want a seamless, beautifully guided experience for both major milestones.

  • Add grandparents or additional family members for $150. Includes up to 12 family members total.

Most Popular Package

$950

$1,700

Newborn Session

For families who want a calm, baby-led experience in the comfort of their own home.

Extended Family Upgrade

These first weeks change quickly

The newborn scrunch fades.
Tiny fingers and toes grow.
The moments spent with your sleepy baby curled on your chest become less frequent.

Most families reserve their newborn session during pregnancy so it's one less thing to think about once baby arrives.

Let's Plan Your Newborn Session

I’m a Bay Area newborn photographer offering relaxed, baby-led in-home newborn sessions for families in Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, Palo Alto, and throughout the San Francisco Peninsula.

Expert tips for a smooth, stress-free newborn session

Not sure when to schedule your newborn session? This guide explains the best timing for newborn photos and what to expect during those early weeks.

Simple outfit ideas and styling tips to help your family look coordinated, comfortable, and natural in your home.

Wondering how your toddler will do during newborn photos? Learn how I keep siblings engaged and capture genuine family connection without forcing smiles.

Newborn Session Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

What Families Ask Before Their Session, family photography FAQ

Curious about how to prepare for your session, what to wear, or when to book maternity photos? I’ve gathered answers to the most common questions families ask before their lifestyle photo session with me.

FAQ

Absolutely. I love capturing moments with your full family, including your pets. Just make sure someone can help manage them during the session, especially around young children or newborns.

→ read my Tips for Photo Session With DogS

Start with what makes you feel confident and comfortable. I recommend choosing your outfit first Mama then coordinating the rest of your family’s look around you. If you love bold tones, like mustard yellow or denim blue, pair them with soft neutrals. Earthy colors and textures photograph beautifully.

→ read my blog on What to Wear for Family Photoshoot

For outdoor sessions, the most flattering light is usually 1 to 2 hours before sunset, when everything feels soft and warm.

Morning sessions can also work beautifully, especially 1 to 2 hours after sunrise. This is often a great option for families with young children and earlier bedtimes.

For indoor sessions, mid to late morning is typically ideal, when natural light fills your home most evenly.

We will work together to find a location that fits your family’s vibe. It could be your home or one of the many gorgeous natural spots around the San Francisco Peninsula. I love recommending hidden gems with beautiful light and space to play.
For newborn sessions we will shoot at home using the best natural light in your space.



Your child is perfect just as they are.

I never expect kids to pose perfectly. In fact, the magic often happens when they’re simply being themselves. Whether they’re striking a pose, being silly, or off exploring, we’ll follow their lead and let their personality shine.

Throughout the session, I’ll guide you with poses and prompts, but more than anything, I’ll create space for your family’s connection to unfold naturally.

To help things go smoothly, make sure your little one is well-rested and has had a snack and some water. Letting them know ahead of time that a kind, friendly photographer will be joining can also help them feel more comfortable from the very beginning.

You will receive your private online gallery within 2 weeks, often sooner. If you need them sooner you can add expedited 3-day turnaround for an additional $100.




I always monitor the weather and will reach out if we need to reschedule due to rain or extreme conditions. If someone in your family is sick we can easily find a new date that works. Your comfort and health always come first.





Absolutely! I am happy to add professional headshots for $100 per person. You will receive 3 or more fully edited images per person with expert posing lighting and a polished finish. These are perfect for work or social profiles.

I typically recommend scheduling maternity sessions between 30–35 weeks, when your belly is beautifully round and you still feel comfortable moving with ease. However every pregnancy is different and I am happy to photograph you any time during your second or third trimester.






I recommend scheduling newborn sessions within the first 3 months. This allows you to choose what you want to remember most, whether that is a sleepier newborn in the first 2 weeks or a more alert baby in the first few months. I am always flexible and happy to photograph your baby at any age during this season. When booking, we will choose a tentative date and adjust as needed once your baby arrives.

A 50% non-refundable deposit is due when you book your session. The remaining balance is due one week before your session date.





If you have more questions, please contact me directly at hello@ellobellephotography.com.





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