Baby Westley | Costa Mesa Newborn Photoshoot

I recently welcomed mom, Cari, dad, Liam, and their new baby boy, Westley, to my newborn studio.  This sweet family made the drive in from Costa Mesa this past March, and I knew right away that Westley’s session was going to be one for the books. I absolutely love it when parents bring a bit of their own story into the studio. Westley’s name was inspired by The Princess Bride, so mom and dad had some special props for his session.

Cari and Liam were so kind and incredibly laid-back, which always makes for the best sessions. When parents arrive with that “chill” energy, it sets a peaceful tone for the whole morning. This makes my job of photographing Orange County newborns so much easier!

Westley’s Costa Mesa Newborn Photoshoot at 8 Days Old

Because sweet Westley arrived a little bit early, he was still very tiny and wonderfully sleepy during his time with me. At just 8 days old, he was an absolute dream to photograph! His small size allowed for those perfectly snug, “egg” swaddles, and since he stayed sound asleep, we were able to flow through quite a few different setups without a hitch.

This baby was recently in the studio at 10 weeks old and stayed awake for almost the entire time!

For Westley’s solo portraits during this Costa Mesa newborn photoshoot, mom wanted white, cream, and soft grey. I started with a clean white swaddle on a white fabric background. While he was snoozing, I captured several macro details: his tiny profile, those miniature fingers, and the way his hair was just starting to fill in.

After the white swaddle, I changed him into a light gray wrap with a matching bonnet. So cute!

Personal Props From The Princess Bride and Star Wars

Of course, we celebrated his namesake. Cari and Liam brought props to make the session more personal- a copy of The Princess Bride and a plush dragon. Westley nestled next to both the book and the dragon was definitely a highlight! When I brought mom and dad to come over and see that were swooning!

Liam is also a lifelong Star Wars fan, so they brought an adorable Star Wars blanket to use as Westley’s main swaddle for the family photos. Cari chose the perfect dress from my client closet to bring out the blue in the blanket!

Wondering if Your Baby is Too Small for Newborn Photos?

Westley was born a bit early, so he was on the smaller side when he visited the studio. His mom, Cari, really wanted to capture just how tiny he was during this initial session.

She knew he would grow quickly and that those fleeting, early details would change in the blink of an eye. Because this stage felt so fragile, she planned for a second session a few weeks later to celebrate his growth and keep documenting his milestones.

Most newborns visit the studio within their first two weeks, though some families need to wait a little longer so they can heal and recover at home. If you come in during the first 10 days, babies are usually sleepier and much easier to swaddle, pose, and photograph.

As they get a bit older, they tend to stay awake longer, and much more curious of lights and their surroundings.

Ultimately, only you know what timeline feels right for you and your baby. No matter when you decide to come in, I will always capture beautiful images of these early days.

Family Photos for This Costa Mesa Newborn Photoshoot

I captured a variety of beautiful family moments across several different setups:

• The Vintage Chair: I started with Cari seated in my elegant cream vintage chair, cradling Westley close to her chest. I move around from straight on, to the side, to behind to get those “over the shoulder” intimate looks of Cari interacting with Westley.

• The White Futon: I moved them to the futon for more relaxed, “lifestyle” images. I captured the three of them snuggled together, with Cari and Liam looking down at Westley in total awe. I always encourage my new parents to whisper to each other and to allow themselves to be playful in the moment, as well as putting their heads together, kissing, and laughing. Those shots always become the gallery favorites.

• Standing Portraits: I had Liam stand for some “protective dad” shots, holding Westley in his palms to emphasize just how small his son is. Then, I brought Cari back in for some standing family shots, catching a sweet moment of Liam kissing Westley’s forehead while Cari leaned in close. I particularly love how Cari lovingly looks up at Liam as is holding Westley and smiling down at him.

• Intimate Details: I love to change perspectives, finishing with a detailed close-up of both parents’ hands protectively surrounding their new addition. Moms hands on dads hands, with both on baby, is such a classic shot.

I finished this Costa Mesa newborn photoshoot with the whole family on the white futon. I loved catching a sweet moment of Liam kissing Westley’s forehead while Cari leaned in close, followed by a detailed shot of both parents’ hands protectively surrounding their new addition.

Perfect Baby Boy Color Palette

I used a soft, timeless color palette with a fun pop of blue for Westley’s session:

• Periwinkle Blue

• Cream

• White

• Soft Grey

• Khaki

Cari looked radiant in an ASOS periwinkle blue dress from my studio client wardrobe. It was a beautiful choice for a March session, adding a soft pop of color. I loved the shots of her cradling Westley against her shoulder.

Check out baby Maya’s session to see a newborn photoshoot with a one month old baby

Liam went with a classic, high-end neutral look, wearing a cream Henley shirt and khakis. This monochromatic style is a photographer’s dream because it keeps the gallery feeling cohesive and ensures the focus stays on the baby rather than the clothing.

Ready to book your Costa Mesa Newborn Photoshoot?

Jennifer Imus Photography is a luxury, full-service newborn photography studio in Old Town Tustin, serving families throughout Orange County, including Orange, Irvine, and Newport Beach. Recognized as the 2025 Best Photographer of Tustin, I provide a baby-led experience complete with a curated client wardrobe, professional hair and makeup, and a stress-free environment.

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