Baby Isabella | Newport Beach Newborn Photoshoot

Sarah and Travis and baby Isabella made the drive from Newport Beach, California to my studio this past September for their newborn session. As I write this blog, I’ve also been editing this gorgeous mom’s second maternity session that took place near the Balboa Pier at sunset. Even though the clouds rolled in, the ocean was the perfect backdrop with so many white-capped waves.

We first connected at the Bump to Baby Expo at the District at Tustin Legacy last fall. Sarah was pregnant at the time and looking to document her baby’s entire first year. After we completed her maternity session last June, she loved the experience and booked their Newport Beach newborn photoshoot and joined my First Year Collective Membership. As an Orange County newborn photographer, I loved getting to photograph them again after Sarah’s maternity session.

Isabella was 7 days old for this session, and she gave us the perfect mix of awake baby photos, sleepy swaddled images, and cozy family moments

An Awake Start for this Newport Beach Newborn Photoshoot

Isabella was an absolute joy to photograph, though she definitely wanted to be part of the action! She was awake for a good portion of the morning, showing off those bright, curious eyes. Because I always follow the baby’s lead, we took our time, hitting the pause button for extra feedings and snuggles whenever she needed them.

Isabella was 7 days old for this session and was had the perfect amount of sleepy vs. awake time in the studio!

For Isabella’s solo portraits during this newborn photoshoot, I kept everything clean and soft. I started with a classic “white-on-white” look, using a simple white swaddle against a crisp white backdrop. While she was alert, I captured a few sweet photos with her eyes open. As she eventually drifted into a light sleep, I slowly undid the swaddle for those darling “bare baby” shots that show off her tiny rolls and soft skin.

Looking for a session with lots of detail shots and tender moments? Check out Baby Adina’s newborn session here. 

I also made sure to capture those essential macro details. There is nothing like those tiny eyelashes or their perfect little hands tucked under their chin. We even got a few shots of Isabella’s sweet personality shining through with a big, sleepy yawn and a little smile!

What to Expect When Baby Won’t Sleep

Do I love it when babies sleep the entire time during a session? Yes? Do babies sometimes arrive wide awake and ready to party? Also yes!

Please don’t worry if your baby is awake during their newborn photoshoot. There is no pressure over here. Whether your baby drifts off into a deep sleep or stays wide awake taking in their new surroundings, I am going to capture all of it.

We always work at your baby’s pace with plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and cuddles. If they stay awake, I get photos of your baby’s beautiful eyes. And even those impromptu smiles, frowns and yawns. These are always parent favorites in the final gallery.

And while it’s incredibly rare for a newborn to stay awake for an entire session, it can happen. But after some feedings and snuggles they’re usually calm and happy to be held and swaddled. As a Newport Beach newborn photographer, I will tell your baby’s unique story, awake or asleep.

Family Photos During Isabella’s Newport Beach Newborn Photoshoot

Ok now it was time for family shots! We started with mom and dad standing close, baby centered between them, both leaning in naturally. I had them bring their foreheads in slightly and look down at baby, which immediately softens everything.

From there, we shifted into a few where they looked at each other, then back down at baby, creating that mix of connection and interaction. Nothing overly posed, just small direction so it feels like them.

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

Then we moved them onto the futon to open things up a bit.

They sat close together with baby resting across their laps, dad’s arm wrapped in for support while mom cradled baby in. We started with a clean, straight-on portrait, then I guided them into more relaxed moments.

Dad leaning in toward mom, mom adjusting baby slightly, both of them looking down. These little shifts allow me to shoot tons more angles and pose variations- without disturbing baby. We finished with a slightly wider photo so the image had more space while still keeping everyone close.

After that, we decided to so one more set up with just mom and baby. She sat on the futon with baby laid across her lap, then brought baby up into her arms for a more upright hold. We captured her looking down, then a few looking up at the camera.

Outfits and Details: A Soft, Neutral Look

We used a classic, soft color palette for Isabella’s September session:

• White

• Cream

• Light Tan

• Khaki

As a Newport Beach newborn photographer, I offer my clients access to a full wardrobe of dresses, Sarah chose a beautiful Anthropologie white lace dress from my studio client closet. The delicate textures and timeless color looked incredible against the bright, airy studio light. We captured some of my favorite moments of Sarah cradling Isabella, including a tender shot of her looking down at her daughter with so much love.

Travis coordinated perfectly in a classic cream Henley and light khaki pants. I love this neutral, monochromatic. The goal for every Newport Beach newborn photoshoot is a gallery that feels cohesive and intentional.

Ready to Book Me as Your Newport Beach Newborn Photographer?

Jennifer Imus Photography is a luxury, full-service newborn photography studio in Old Town Tustin, serving families throughout Orange County. 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.

I can’t wait to see Isabella back in the studio for her sitter session as part of her First Year Collective!

Looking for a “just-show-up”, full service newborn experience in Newport Beach? Let’s chat!

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