Preparing for a Newborn Photo Session with Siblings

Tips for preparing for your newborn photo session with older siblings

Bringing a new baby home is an adjustment for everyone, especially older siblings and pets, and there are a few tips I have to help prepare everyone and set some expectations.

As a Lancaster newborn photographer who has worked with countless families over the years, I have seen it all. Despite your home not being perfectly clean or everyone not being on their best behavior, rest assured we will capture some precious photographs of your family in this new season of life.

During your in home newborn session we always take our time and follow baby’s lead. If baby is fussy and needs a pause for a feeding or diaper change, that’s totally fine! If your toddler melts down and needs a snack or some quiet time, no problem! If you’re not quite ready when I arrive, please don’t stress. I’m a mom of three and I’ve been in your shoes. If you need me to hold your baby or play with your toddler for a moment while you finish getting ready, I am all for it!

I always make sure to introduce myself and allow everyone to warm up to me before I start taking photos. Usually I’ll ask siblings to show me around or give me a tour (and it’s helpful for me too so I know which spaces we’ll be taking photos in). I may even let them take a photo or two of their new baby sibling with my assistance :)

Beforehand: Don’t hype up the session too much but mention it in casual conversation so you can help set expectations. “In a few days a photographer will come to take some special photos of our family with your new baby brother/sister. Let’s look at some photos of you when you were a baby.”

1. Talk About It: A few days beforehand let them know about the session and talk about how exciting it is to be a big brother or sister.

2. Let Them Choose: Give them outfit choices. Or perhaps set aside a few outfits for baby and let them choose which one baby will wear first.

3. Give Them a Job: Tell them they are the helper of the photographer and if they want they can give a tour of baby’s room or the rooms where we might take photos.

4. Set Expectations: I’m not opposed to a bribe or reward after the photo session. Explain that they can have a special treat (perhaps a snack, activity, toy, or game) after photos.

5. Bring a Helper: While it’s not required, I’m very open to having a grandparent or family member present for the session as a helper. If it helps ease stress and make things easier for you to be present for your session, I’m all for it! And I’m always happy to snag a couple photos with Grandma or Grandpa too.

6. Pets Welcome Too: I know that pets are a part of your family too and if you’d like to include your dog or cat in photos, I’m fine with that! The only thing I ask is if at any point your pet seems distressed or anxious about my presence I would suggest moving them to a separate space for the duration of the photo session. I never want to risk anyone’s safety, and I completely understand how a pet might not be comfortable with a stranger in their home and could become uneasy or protective of the new baby.

During the session: We go with the flow, usually starting with family & sibling photos and take breaks as needed. I emphasize presence, comfort and connection over posed perfection.

1. Be Flexible: Every kid is different and while some might be super proud to show off their new baby sibling, others may not be interested at all. We will let them take their time to warm up. If something isn’t working, we can pause or have the sibling take a break with dad while I take photos of mom and baby by themselves or vice versa.

2. Give Them a Task or Activity: Ask them to get a swaddle for baby or show them a favorite stuffy. Maybe they can help brush or comb baby’s hair or help give them a pacifier or bottle. Perhaps they have a favorite song they could sing for baby. Snuggle up and read a book together or let them play with their favorite toys.

3. Take Sibling Photos First: Usually I’ll try to take photos of the whole family together first before toddlers get wiggly and lose interest. Depending on the age and number of siblings, sometimes I’ll have them lie down together to compare sizes- “How much bigger is your hand/foot than baby’s?” or I’ll have them show me how they hold and cuddle baby (with assistance from mom and dad).

4. Try to Avoid Screens: In my experience, allowing a toddler to be on a screen usually backfires and creates a meltdown if they are asked to turn off the screen at any point. I’m ok with playing music on a phone as long as they aren’t tempted to watch the screen or think it means viewing a video.

5. Timing is key: I schedule newborn sessions mid-morning around 10 a.m. when babies and toddlers tend to be happiest. If possible make sure everyone’s belly is full beforehand to help avoid hangry kids.

6. Embrace the chaos: Don’t worry if everyone is not on their best behavior. I am extremely patient and the goal is to capture the beauty of real, genuine, candid moments as they unfold. If one idea isn’t working, I am great at redirecting attention and switching gears if needed.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family, maternity, newborn and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA and beyond. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

Ideas for a Magical Christmas Photo Shoot In Your Home

Christmas has a way of sprinkling a little extra magic over everything, and as a Lancaster family photographer, I believe there’s no better place to capture that wonder than right inside your own home. Home is where tiny toes pad across familiar floors, where favorite toys wait to be shown off, and where kids feel free to sparkle in their own silly, joyful ways. And here in Lancaster, PA—where November and December bring frosty noses and swirling snowflakes—the warmth of an indoor photo session feels like stepping into your own cozy Christmas story.

Even though the holidays can feel a little chaotic, setting aside intentional time for photos in your home doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of it instead as a pause—a chance to slow down, snuggle close, and make new memories wrapped in the glow of twinkle lights. Choose a few simple activities that spark joy for your family, and let the moments unfold naturally.

For the bright and festive family photo session featured here, this mom and her three young boys began in dressy, casual Christmas outfits. They had just moved into a new home, and even though the space was small, we captured beautiful, magical moments in both the living room and bedroom. After taking some photos in their “fancy” outfits, they changed into matching Christmas pajamas for photos of them snuggled up reading a book together on the bed. We ended the session with a fun gingerbread house decorating activity—hot tip: mom used a premade kit with everything included, which made it easy and stress-free.

Ideas for your in-home Christmas family photo session with kids:

• Snuggle up on the couch or bed in your Christmas pajamas and read a favorite book

• Sip hot cocoa at the kitchen table, complete with whipped cream mustaches

• Decorate the Christmas tree (or re-hang a few ornaments for the kids to place)

• Dance in the living room to your favorite holiday songs

• Decorate cookies or build a gingerbread house

• Cut paper snowflakes and hang them in the windows

• Set up a special train set that comes out only at Christmastime

• Wrap a gift together or exchange small presents

• Or add your own treasured tradition—because every family has its own kind of Christmas magic

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

How I Create Playful Family Photo Sessions Through Movement and Prompts

If you want to get an idea of what a family photo session might look like when you hire me, check out the photos and list of prompts below. These are some of my favorite ways to create movement during family photo sessions with young children. Most of these are prompts or games you can play. When I’m photographing families, I try to document the movement from various angles as well as up close and far away. I will often have them repeat the actions a couple of times. In my experience, this makes photo sessions playful and fun for everyone (and a good workout for parents too! 😄)

Below you will see various examples from this Lancaster family photo session at Overlook Park that show movement and play. My goal is to make everyone feel at ease by using simple guided actions, which allows both children and parents to feel comfortable and be themselves. For the most part, I allow kids to run the show. If they don’t like my suggestions or don’t want to go along with the prompts, no problem! I try to let the children be the guide and will often ask them for ideas so they can contribute and feel like they have a say in our activities. I may even offer to let them snap a photo or two!

FAVORITE PHOTO SESSION PROMPTS FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS:

1. ring-around-the-rosie

2. superman with mom or dad flying them through the air on their belly

3. swinging variations with parents holding hands and having the child jump and swing or spinning them in a circle

4. london bridge: parents form a bridge with their arms and kids run underneath

5. kid tornado: have kids run around the parents while parents hug in the middle

6. follow the leader: have someone pull everyone in a line

7. airplane pose: have parent lift child in the air above their head or they can lie down on a blanket and lift them

8. blanket hammock or blanket parachute play. Parents hold both sides of the blanket and swish it up in the air while kids run under or use the blanket as a hammock.

9. twirling/dancing together

10. sitting on shoulders

---

RING-AROUND-THE-ROSIE:

This one is a classic. Have everyone hold hands and move around in a circle. Works best for groups of 4 or more.

SUPERMAN

Parent lifts child in the air on their belly so it feels like they are flying. If there is more than one child, parents can each lift a kid and have them fly towards one another. This move can also be done lying down and lifting the child on your knees or with your arms, depending on how heavy they are.

SWINGING:

There are many variations to the swinging prompt but the basic one is where the child stands between both parents and holds their hands and then jumps or swings in the air.

LONDON BRIDGE:

Parents form a bridge with their arms and kids take turns running underneath. For added fun, parents can try to capture the kids as they pass through.

KID TORNADO:

Have parents stand in the center and hug while kids chase one another around the parents in a circle, hence the kid tornado.

FOLLOW THE LEADER:

Have someone pull everyone along in a line holding hands. I love to use this prompt for silhouettes because you can see everyone’s shape perfectly against a big open sky.

AIRPLANE POSE:

Have a parent lift their child in the air and make them fly. Very similar to superman pose, just a different name. Or you can have everyone pretend to be airplanes and ‘fly’ around with their arms out.

BLANKET HAMMOCK OR BLANKET PARACHUTE PLAY:

Parents hold both sides of the blanket and swish it up in the air while kids run under (parachute) or use the blanket as a hammock and have kids sit in the middle while parents gently swing it back and forth.

TWIRLING OR DANCING:

Twirling or do-si-do is always a fun option, especially when you’re wearing a fun twirly dress!

SITTING ON SHOULDERS:

An easy go-to prompt with young children is to put them on your shoulders. It almost always brings a big smile, especially if parents dip up and down as they walk or tilt to the side. I also like to have parents kiss while their little one(s) is on their shoulders or have kids try to kiss their parent.

Want to know how this family felt about their photo session? In her own words, this was what mom had to say upon receiving their photo gallery:

“Melissa, wow wow wow — I have about 75 favorites. I am amazed by what you were able to capture amidst the chaos. The girls’ personalities are shining loud in so many of these photos.” 

It means the world to me to hear when my clients love their photos and I always appreciate every bit of feedback! If you are looking for a fun family photo session experience, I hope you’ll reach out!

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

Tea for Two Summer Photo Session in the Rose Garden at Buchanan Park

I absolutely love it when families come to me with an idea or vision for their family photo session. Little Nola was turning 2 and so her mom came up with the idea to have a “tea for two” theme. I knew the rose garden at Buchanan Park in Lancaster City would be a the perfect location. Roses of all colors bloom in this perfectly landscaped rose garden from June to September. The garden is surrounded on one side by tall pine trees where the light hits just right at golden hour. Incorporating a theme or activity into your family photo session with toddlers is always a great idea. I love the photos of the family together sipping their tea on the blanket in the rose garden.

Another favorite location of mine at Buchanan Park is the willow tree that sits just below the hill. We were able to capture some tender moments between mother and daughter under the willow tree to document and remember their bond shared during breastfeeding. It is so magical to wander under the branches that create a big tent above and the golden backlight during this session made it even more ethereal. The hillside also provides the perfect opportunity for a sunset silhouette, as you will see below.

As an added sidenote, I have to give a shout out to Sam Hernandez (mom) for doing such a great job pulling together all of the outfits and props for this tea party session. Her gingham dress and her daughter Nola’s frilly dress fit the occasion perfectly. I have photographed their family several times over the last couple of years and every time they nail their outfits spot on. Also worth noting is that Sam is a professional hair stylist who specializes in curly hair and she is the owner of CRWN’d Salon here in Lancaster so check her out if you’ve got curly hair!

If you are looking for a family photographer to capture some of your favorite things to do together as a family, I hope you’ll reach out! I would love to tell your story in a setting that feels natural and fun. Having a themed photo session also creates a memorable experience for kids and provides more opportunities for genuine expression and play. And if you’re looking for ideas, I’m always happy to help! Depending on the season there are lots of possibilities; picking apples in an orchard, creek stomping, a fall picnic in the park, an evening at the local fair, eating ice cream together at your favorite ice cream shop, roasting marshmallows in the backyard and catching fireflies, carving pumpkins, I could go on and on…

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

Best Lancaster Locations for Family Photos

A golden hour family photo session during the fall at Lancaster County Central Park.

If you are looking for a beautiful outdoor location to have your family photos taken in Lancaster County, here are some of my top favorite spots. These Lancaster photo shoot locations are all easily accessible, free and open to the public. Furry friends are welcome too! All of the parks listed below give children plenty of space to explore and have a variety of backdrops throughout the seasons.

CONSIDER THE SEASON

In addition to logistics, its also important to consider the time of year you’re having your photos taken. The season will determine what you wear and the start time for your session. The location combined with your clothing choices will set the tone and the mood. Are you running through wildflower fields in flowy dresses in summertime? Or layering with warm sweaters and scarves and walking through a colorful fall forest? Also keep in mind that the best start time for golden hour can vary from 4 p.m. in fall to as late as 7 p.m. in the summer. Timing is key for families with young children who have earlier bed times. I am open to early morning sessions, but my preference is always to photograph during evening golden hour.

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

As a seasoned photographer, I know many of these parks like the back of my hand. I know which spots have the best golden hour light (FYI, nearly all of the photos you will see here were taken during golden hour, about 60-90 minutes before sunset). I have a good idea of bloom times in spring for flowering trees and wildflowers in summer as well as peak times for colorful fall foliage. I have also learned to recognize the “no touch plants” like poison ivy and stinging nettle and will make sure we avoid them. If you hire me to take your photos, you will get an even more extensive location guide (with some of my top secret spots in addition).

But before I dive into the list of my favorite Lancaster family photo shoot locations, I need to preface this by saying that I believe it is not the location that makes the photos great but its the people (YOU) and how you interact with one another. In addition to having a skilled photographer (ME!) who understands the importance of light, angles and composition, it is important to bring a positive attitude and just be in the moment with your loved ones. Think of your family photo session as a fun playdate with your friendly camera toting friend rather than something you have to get over with. My job is to make you feel comfortable, give you gentle guidance, and capture the real, unscripted moments that showcase who you truly are as a family. Let’s ditch the stiff poses and let your personalities shine!

And without further ado, here is the list, starting with my top location for a family photo session in Lancaster PA.

---

1. LANCASTER COUNTY PARK

A family walks through a golden field in Lancaster County Park (and don’t forget to check for ticks!)

If I had to choose my number one favorite location of all, it would definitely be Lancaster County Central Park. This park is huge and there is so much variety throughout the seasons. Even during popular photo session times (spring and fall) there is still space for everyone. It has pretty much every type of backdrop you could want; from open fields to evergreen trees to magical forests, creeks and streams. It also has Historic Rock Ford which has a brick mansion with a wrap around porch and a barn (a membership is required to photograph at Rock Ford, which I have). Additional architectural structures that can be found in the park are a covered bridge as well as an old stone house where the Shuts Environmental Library is located. And a personal favorite spot is the Garden of the Five Senses which has a winding path that follows a little stream down to a waterfall. In late May there is a peony patch that blooms here. Below are some examples of family photos taken in Lancaster County Park throughout the seasons.

---

2.OVERLOOK PARK

Another popular location for family photos is Overlook Park. If you go into the pine forest during golden hour in the fall, you are bound to see several photo sessions happening simultaneously. For this reason, I tend to avoid photographing there on weekends during fall. Apart from the unique tall skinny pine forest, Overlook Park has some beautiful fields throughout with long grasses and sweeping vistas. During the summer months there is a native wildflower patch that adds a pop of color. In September the goldenrod flowers bloom in abundance. There are also a couple of ponds, though they can be difficult to capture in photos. There are lots of paved walking paths throughout the park as well which make it easy for strollers and little ones to access as well as heated restrooms in the colder months. One thing to be aware of is that poison ivy abounds in the pine forest, especially during summer and fall.

---

3. Long’s Park

Long’s Park is another favorite photo shoot location in spring, summer and fall. In addition to the pond with the ducks and gazebo, there is a wetlands area and several walking bridges and wildflower patches that bloom in summer. There are some stunning trees around the pond in both spring and fall as well. The main drawback to this park is that it is often crowded and the parking lot goes around the pond so it can be hard to work the angles to avoid parked cars. However it is very accessible and fun for little kids who like to watch the ducks.

---

4. Buchanan Park

Buchanan Park is located in Lancaster City near Franklin and Marshall College and even though it is small, I would argue that it has plenty to offer for a family photo session. The main two highlights of Buchanan Park are the rose garden which blooms May-September and the willow tree that sits just below the perfect silhouette hill. If you are looking for a family silhouette photo, this is the place to do it!

---

5. Greenfield park

Greenfield Business Park is lovely if you like water and willow trees. There are paved walking paths throughout this park as well as some small footbridges and a small creek at the far end that you can wade into if desired. It also has some interesting sculptures throughout. Cons are that it can be crowded with people at times and it sits between lots of buildings and parking lots so the angles can be limited. It has a more manicured landscaped feel with mulch and perfectly trimmed hedges and fountains if that is the vibe you are looking for. As a bonus there is a wildflower field close by that flowers May through July.

---

6. Landis woods park

Landis Woods is a forested location in Manheim Township with some nice easy walking trails through the woods. This location is not stroller friendly but the paths are easy to walk on. I think it is most beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. There is also a wooden fence that runs along one side of the entrance and some more open areas but for the most part this is a forest location where kids can run down paths and climb on logs.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

An Intimate In Home Maternity Photo Session in Lancaster, PA

As a maternity photographer in Lancaster, PA, I have photographed many pregnant mamas over the years but I don’t believe I’ve ever done an intimate in home maternity session quite like this one. This mom knew exactly the look she was going for; something cozy, simple and intimate with a focus on her growing belly. Though I am usually a color fanatic, I think the light neutral color palette along with the texture of her torn blue jeans really makes the warm skin tones pop.

When I arrived for their session, their home was undergoing some major renovations and she told me that she had just finished installing the headboard above their bed. It was formerly a fire mantlepiece in a historic local home and they refurbished it to become their headboard. It makes for a gorgeous standout piece to frame the setting. I love the textures of the wood and stone combined with the creamy neutral colored linens, her droopy sweater and the flowers.

One of the key elements in setting the stage for a beautiful in home maternity photo session is gorgeous natural light. It just so happens that their master bedroom gets nice bright sun in the morning so we made sure to schedule the session during the morning hours. The white sheer curtains also act as reflectors and can be fun to shoot through. In my opinion you can never go wrong with natural window light that feels soft and intimate.

This glowing expectant mama also had a few details she wanted to include such as an ultrasound photo and baby’s breath flowers. They lost their first son and she also wanted to include his photo in the background of some of these images. I think including personal details like these in your photo session are so important and special in telling your family story. And of course we captured a few photos with her husband and daughter. I think probably one of my favorite images from this series is the first photo below of her holding her daughter on top of her growing belly. I like the anonymity of the image and the focus on her pregnant belly and how it shows the love and connection she has with her daughter.

If you are considering an intimate in home maternity session, I’d love to chat with you! As a Lancaster maternity photographer, I think it is important to incorporate personal details into your story. I think having photo sessions done in your home makes your session unique to you and I’m here to document it all!

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

Early Fall Family Photo Session at Longs Park

What a gift it is to document families as they grow over time. I take it as one of the best compliments when clients come back to have me take their photos more than once!

I first photographed this family when their daughter Paige was a newborn and they were living in a tiny studio apartment in Harrisburg. Now they are about to welcome baby number two (a little boy!) and I cannot wait to photograph them as a family of four in their new home. Stephanie is absolutely stunning in her flowy boho dress!

As we all know, toddlers can be tricky when it comes to photos. Paige needed a snack towards the end and was not willing to give up her can of puffs without a fight so we got some photos of her at the end clinging to her puffs. She wasn’t a fan of wearing her hat accessory either but we managed to get one good photo of her wearing it (and Dad wore it too!) My best advice for photographing toddlers is to let them be themselves and don’t try forcing them into anything. If they want to pick a flower or throw a rock in the pond, let them do it! And with some subtle suggestions, beautiful in-the-moment photos can be made. I might suggest to have them let mom smell the flower or see if they can reach a tree branch when they sit on top of dad’s shoulders. I think it’s important to make it more about play and less about smiling at the camera to capture authentic expressions.

I love Long’s Park in the fall and it’s probably my favorite time of year to photograph there. Though it can be tricky to avoid people and parked cars in the background, I’ve discovered the angles that work well over the years and have my favorite trees and spots. It’s also an entertaining location for little kids because of the water and there are always ducks swimming around and fish (and sometimes turtles) to feed.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

A Summer Senior Portrait Session With a Horse in Lancaster, PA

I have always wanted the opportunity to do a photo session with a horse and this beautiful summer senior session was my moment! Sydney loves animals and she wanted to find a way to incorporate both her dog and her horse into photos. We found the perfect creek location at Drumore Park just a few minutes away from Silvertop Stables where the horse stables are located. We started with some photos at the park in the stream and then ended at the farm. I love this particular spot in the creek because it is easy for wading and has these huge giant boulder rocks on either side of the stream. There is also a native pollinator garden at this park where we took some photos in the flowers with her dog.

I was blown away by the beauty of the light on the farm as Sydney walked with her horse up in the open pasture on a hill. We lucked out with the most beautiful sunset too! As we drove away I had us pull over on the side of the road just so I could grab some photos of Sydney as the sun went down.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

A Late Summer Maternity Session at Wildflower Lookout in Lancaster, PA

I have been meaning to blog a session from Wildflower Lookout for a least a year now and I’m finally getting around to it! This photo location has really blown up since it opened about 3 years ago and every summer people from all over Lancaster County and beyond flock here for the beautiful photo opportunities. This session was taken in late August when the sunflowers were in bloom. We also spent a lot of time in a field of long grasses that were beautifully illuminated by the sun at golden hour.

As a Lancaster maternity photographer who loves color and flowers, Wildflower Lookout has become a favorite location for summer photo sessions. One key tip for this location is to get there about an hour before sunset. Any earlier than that and the sun is too high in the sky and this creates stark shadows. There is a sweet spot shortly before sunset when the golden backlight hits just right and that is my favorite time to shoot.

One fun aspect of Wildflower Lookout is that they often have props such as a wagon or a wicker chair in the field to use for photo ops. They have picnic tables as well if you’d like to take a picnic and enjoy the views!

Lea and Daniel are expecting their first baby this fall and they were so at ease in front of the camera despite the hot, humid, muggy August weather. At Wildflower Lookout you can rent a private field in advance for an additional fee or just pay a general admission fee to photograph in a variety of fields. I prefer to wander to the different fields and do the general admission fee but renting a private field is great, especially for mini sessions.

If you think you might want to use Wildflower Lookout as a location for your session, you can check their website and social media for field bloom updates starting as early as late May.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

How to Prepare for a Newborn Lifestyle Session

An in-home newborn lifestyle session in Lancaster, PA with baby Izak and his parents and big brother Ezra.

Tips to Prepare for Your In Home Newborn Photo Session

One of my most frequently asked questions from parents for in home newborn lifestyle sessions is how they can prepare for photos. I always start out by saying there is no need to worry about tidying up (you just had a baby!) and if anything needs to be moved around, I am happy to do that when I get there. You would be surprised at the beauty that can be captured in just a small corner with good natural light!

1. Open curtains and blinds: I typically photograph in the nursery and another space that gets nice light such as a living room or bedroom. If it’s nice outside or you have a sun porch, I’m also happy to take photos outdoors. I do have a light stand I bring to sessions for dark spaces so if your room needs an extra boost of light, I’ve got you covered! Usually overhead lights and lamps cast a yellow glow so typically I will leave the lights off.

2. Keep it warm: Babies are happiest when they are warm and cozy so make sure the spaces we are in are nice and warm ahead of time. I typically recommend keeping fans off so they don’t make baby cold when/if we do outfit changes.

3. Feed the baby: If possible, I recommend getting in a feeding before I arrive; however it is not the end of the world if that doesn’t happen because I understand how families are functioning on very little sleep. We will go by baby’s cues and if they are hungry or need a burp or diaper change, we take time for that. If they are bottle fed, perhaps have a bottle on hand ready to warm up.

4. Choose outfits in advance: I recommend laying aside a few outfits or favorite swaddles that you might want baby to wear during the session. I love using various cozy textures with newborns such as chunky knit blankets or stretchy muslin swaddles. For moms I recommend something comfortable and nursing friendly (if you are nursing). I do not recommend black simply because it shows every hair or speck of dust. I feel that lighter softer neutral colors typically photograph best with baby. This is not a hard and fast rule however, and ultimately you should wear what feels like you! Just keep in mind that the colors you wear will reflect off of baby’s skin so if you wear bright pink for example, their face is probably going to have a pink hue.

5. Minimal and meaningful props: As a newborn lifestyle photographer, I prefer a more documentary approach to newborn sessions so I don’t prefer to incorporate a lot of props. That said, I do bring along a moses basket and some faux fur mats and swaddles that you may use for your session. I do encourage you to think about any heirloom items that you might want to include such as a stuffy from your childhood or hand knitted blanket from a special family member.

6. Helpers welcome: If it is helpful to have a family member present during the session to help you get ready, prepare some coffee or lunch for afterwards, or just have an extra set of hands, feel free to invite them over!

If there are older siblings involved, often I’ll ask them to give me a tour of baby’s room, or their room or play room so they can get used to me. I’ve got three children of my own and am very experienced and comfortable with toddlers. I also completely understand the weariness of being newly postpartum and not knowing what day or time it is. I have been photographing newborn sessions in Lancaster for at least ten years now and I can assure you that despite all your worries, I will make your session a calm and stress-free experience.

Below are some photos of this brand new family of four! Little Izak did absolutely great for his session, and he mostly slept and peeked at us for a few photos towards the end. Seeing a tiny baby in an oversized chunky knit sweater is just the cutest! And I love the soft pastel color palette they chose for their outfits contrasted with mom and dad’s tattoos.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

Lancaster Family Photography: A Colorful Fall Family Photo Session with the Trains at Red Caboose Motel

There are so many great locations in the Lancaster area for family photo sessions and the Red Caboose Motel is one of the more unique theme locations for anyone who likes trains. I have been wanting to share images from this location in a post so that others can get a feel for what a session there might be like.

If you or your kiddos enjoy trains, the Red Caboose Motel is a great family friendly spot for a photo session. Along with a small wooden train that kids can play on, they also have a petting zoo with various animals (pigs, horses, llamas, etc). And if you prefer to have some greenery in your photos as well, there is a lovely weeping willow tree along the edge of the property that makes for a nice backdrop in addition to the colorful rows of train cars.

Strasburg is a cute little town that is perfect for train lovers. In addition to the motel, just up the road is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania as well as the Strasburg Railroad where you can book tickets for a short train ride. And if you’re looking for a kid-friendly spot to grab a bite before or after your session, Speckled Hen Coffee is one of our family’s favorites.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

A Fall Lancaster Maternity Session at the James Buchanan's Wheatland Home

The James Buchanan’s Wheatland home is just minutes from my house on the outskirts of Lancaster City and somehow I never thought to do a photo session here before. My family has enjoyed picnics here in the spring and my kids love the secret hidden fish pond. It turned out to be the perfect fall location for a maternity photo session in Lancaster, PA.

I made sure to get in touch with someone at Lancaster History (the non-profit that manages and maintains the property as well as runs tours) to request permission first of course. The property is beautiful in all seasons however the variety of trees on the on the grounds, which are a part of the Louise Tanger Arboretum, makes for an absolutely stunning fall backdrop. This Lancaster maternity session was timed perfectly at peak fall (which happened to be the end of October/early November in 2022).

I honestly would have a hard time choosing a favorite from this fall maternity session, but if I would have to choose, I would say probably the shot taken with my Lens Baby Sol 45 art lens amongst the orange and auburn red leaves. If you scroll down about midway through the photos, it’s a vertical image where the couple is standing together in the center of the frame and facing opposite directions. The lens creates a bit of a blur around the edges of the photo that makes it appear so dreamy. The Lens Baby Sol 45 is manual focus only and has the ability to tilt so that you can change what area of the image is in focus. It is hands down a favorite for portraits and maternity sessions and as a bonus it is very small and lightweight. I can’t say it always works great with active children, but I do bring it out for my family sessions from time to time.

Cecilia wore a flowy sage green maternity gown and is nothing short of glowing and radiant. It was one of those photo sessions where I had a hard time putting the camera down because it was just that good! And even though that golden sun only peeked through for a few shots, the overcast sky and wet leaves made the colors even more briliant. It was a pleasure to photograph these two (who were absolute naturals in front of the camera) and I was honored to document this new chapter in their lives.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

A Colorful Newborn Lifestyle Photo Session with Baby Marino

It goes without saying that I am a huge color fanatic. When you step in the front door of our 1950’s mid-century bi-level home you will see right away that bright bold colors are my favorite. From the golden wall arch behind our emerald green couch to the teal accent wall by the piano and a shelf covered in vibrant artwork, plants and jewel-toned pom pom garlands, color is everywhere. So you can imagine how excited I was to photograph this newborn lifestyle session for my fellow color-loving friend and photographer Tasha.

Baby Marino was born in October and he is very much adored by everyone in the family, including the pups. He was pretty chill the whole time, mostly sleeping and made a few funny faces and big yawns which are always the best to capture. Big sister Estella was excited to have me as a visitor and there was some music and dancing of course. She also brought out her camera and took a few photos.

I love the deep rich teals (my favorite color!) and jewel tones throughout their home. Tasha painted the blue ombre accent wall in Marino’s nursery herself and it feels like the Caribbean to me. I had to incorporate some fairy lights of course to make it feel magical. Hope you enjoy the photos of this beautiful family of four!

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

A Summer Family Session at Harvest Lane Farm and Overlook Park

Summer time is one of the best times to have photos taken with one of the many flower fields and flower farms throughout Lancaster County. Some wildflower fields can be found at public parks and others are farms where they grow pick-your-own fields that allow photo sessions in the evenings. The tricky part is knowing how to time your session so that you hit the flower fields at peak bloom.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that golden hour is the best time to shoot in flower fields when the sun is low in the sky otherwise you’ll be dealing with bright overhead light and shadows. Since the sunset happens much later in summertime, this is something to keep in mind for littles who have early bedtimes because starting at 7 p.m. is ideal for golden hour summer sessions. Because this session was done in September, we started at 6:30 p.m. and that was a perfect start time for that golden light.

In general, June is a great month for wildflower fields but there are blooms all the way through September in some places. Sunflowers are almost always in bloom late summer/early fall.

Harvest Lane Farm in Lititz has a lovely produce market and they also grow flowers to sell. They were kind enough to allow us to do this family photo session there. These photos were taken in early September and the sunflowers were about done but there were still colorful rows of flowers to photograph in. Afterwards we made a stop at Overlook Park to take some photos in the pine tree forest and managed to capture a few sunset silhouettes.

Little Caroline was a delight to photograph. She loved playing hide-and-seek with me in the rows of flowers and just wanted to run free in the park. I adore this family and the amount of color in this session.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

A Spring Cherry Blossom Family Photo Session at Lancaster County Park

Lancaster County Central Park is one of my favorite locations for photo sessions during all seasons of the year, but especially in spring time. If you time it right, you can find flowering dogwoods, red bud trees and cherry blossoms all in bloom at the same time and it is simply glorious.

For this family photo session we began at the Garden of the Five Senses and then wandered over to a row of pink cherry blossom trees. The kids picked flowers, blew dandelion puffs and rolled around in the grass. To end the session, we went to one of my favorite hill top locations in the park for sunset silhouettes.

Spring photo sessions are not quite as popular as fall, but in my opinion they should be! It’s the perfect time for Mother’s Day portraits (hint hint: I do offer gift certificates!) and photos before the weather gets super hot. If you’re thinking about scheduling a spring session, I recommend reaching out in February/March to book.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

A Summer Maternity Session at Pinnacle Point Overlook

I am excited to share these photos from my first ever maternity session at the famed Pinnacle Point Overlook in Holtwood, Pa. If you’re looking for a dramatic backdrop for a photo session, Pinnacle Point Overlook is a great location that is easy to get to. As a Lancaster maternity photographer, I am always looking for unique an picturesque outdoor locations for photo sessions that are accessible for expectant mamas.

Kiley and Josh are expecting their first baby in July and it was so good to get to know them a bit as we wandered around taking photos. I have only been to this location once before on a hike with my family and when we went we explored the trail in the opposite direction so I had never been out on the rocky overlook before. My only words of advice are to wear comfortable shoes and watch your step. This would not be a good photo location for a family with young kids, FYI.

We also discovered a beautiful forested area covered in ferns that made for some woodsy portraits. Because this was a summer maternity session, sunset didn’t come until nearly 8:30 that day so we waited until the sun was lower in the sky to take photos at the overlook. We lucked out with blue sunny skies after a day of clouds and rain. I love the way the light filters through Kiley’s long flowy dress in these photos. If you are looking for a stunning and dramatic location for your maternity photos in Lancaster, PA, I highly recommend Pinnacle Point Overlook.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

Lancaster Family Photography: A Snowy Winter Family Photo Session at Overlook Park

It was my birthday weekend mid-March and we got one last beautiful winter snow. This was probably the only time I have ever seen Overlook Park so empty. There was not a soul in sight. The snow was still untouched and the pine forest was covered in white and was so serene.

In my lifetime thus far I have had 3 birthday blizzards. I’ll always remember the one we had when I was in 5th grade because I was supposed to have a slumber party with all my friends but due to the oncoming snow, no one was allowed to stay overnight. This wasn’t quite a blizzard, but it was very gusty so even with minimal snow there was some drifting.

I could hardly wait to get out and take pictures in the winter wonderland and when Andrea asked if I would do a 6 month session for her son Griffin in the snow I was thrilled! He was so adorable wearing the bright red gnome hat and his big brother Bailey got a kick out of pulling him around in the sled. I am SO very thankful that the timing worked out perfectly for this snowy family winter photo session.

At the end of this session, I was able to grab some silhouette images of the boys and then I photographed some of the snow covered evergreen trees around the park. Later in Photoshop I overlaid the portraits of the boys with some of the tree images to create some unique black and white double exposure silhouettes. I am always happy to get creative with double exposures if time allows (and if the client has interest).

I realize that winter and snowy photo sessions certainly aren’t top priority for most families; however, winter photo sessions CAN be possible, even with little kids. Here are a few tips on how to prepare and make a snowy winter session successful:

1. Bundle Up: Yes, it’s obvious, but make sure everyone wears layers and has coats, hats, boots, scarves and mittens if necessary. Bring blankets! They can be used as fun props too and you can snuggle together. You can always take coats off briefly for shots and then put them back on if you want to get photos in special sweaters or outfits.

2. Make It Short & Quick: Because winter is typically my slower season and because it’s cold out, I will only do mini sessions for winter time. We keep it brief, 30 minutes or less so you don’t freeze your butts off (though you may have cherry red noses by the time you’re done).

3. Make It Playful: We will keep moving; wrap in blankets, pull someone in a sled, hold hands and run through the snow, play ring-around-the-rosie, etc. Snowy photo sessions have got to be fun!

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

A Narnia Inspired Winter One Year Session with Luna in the Evergreens

I know that winter is not necessarily the ideal time for family photos but I had been wanting to photograph a session at this location full of tall evergreen trees for a while and was looking for an excuse. I believe that there is beauty to be found in all seasons, even the cold and barren ones. This winter family photo session turned out beautifully and we lucked out with a warmish December day and beautiful golden light.

I convinced my dear friend Drea and her husband Dani to model for a family session and it also worked out as one-year session since their daughter Luna turned one in December. And wouldn’t you be surprised to know that it also turned out to be a pregnancy announcement because Drea is expecting a baby in June! So of course it was an opportune time to announce that Luna is going to be a big sister in 2022!

I am slowly growing a client closet of mostly dresses for women, children and babies and so I was motivated to photograph Drea in this beautiful blue velvet gown that I had just purchased from Baltic Born. I also found a coordinating velvet flapper style dress with fringes for Luna that I love (thanks to Etsy!). And last of all I recently added a faux fur coat from Joyfolie to my client closet which I think will be fabulous for winter maternity sessions. I made a winter flower crown for Drea using mostly plants and herbs (rosemary!) that I found growing around our yard. The fur coat definitely gives this session a Narnia vibe and if only we had some snow covering the ground it would have been perfect!

If you are considering a winter photo session I’m happy to recommend some magical locations and figure out ways to be creative and keep the littles warm.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

York Family Photography: A Sunny September Family Session at Samuel Lewis State Park

This family has probably been one of my most photographed families in the last few years and I always come away from their sessions with so many favorites! Not only are they easy going and super photogenic, they also know how to have fun during their sessions, whether it be dancing or frolicking through the forest or blowing bubbles.

It was a beautiful sunny September evening when we did this session at Samuel Lewis State Park in York. I’ve only photographed there once before and it was a morning session so the light was very different. I love the way the evening sun shines through the trees around the big boulder rocks. There is also a huge open hill and sky that is perfect for silhouette photographs and a grove of evergreen trees. I will definitely be returning to this location for future sessions in York!

This session is also the very last family session I photographed in 2021 before taking my maternity leave so it holds a special spot in my heart! With an October due date, it was hard for me to turn away so many photo sessions this fall which is typically a photographer’s busiest time of year but I’m glad I could end on this note!

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---

York Newborn Photography: Baby Aliyah

Darling baby Aliyah was born in March, a great month for birthdays (me and my son are March babies too!). I first met Aliyah’s mom Lilah when I photographed her maternity milk bath session at one of my favorite AirBnbs in Lancaster City (Renew On Walnut). Her stunning maternity session can also be viewed here. Lilah’s choice of a soft romantic color palette and floral patterns were so perfect for both her maternity photos and this newborn session.

It doesn’t always work out to photograph newborns in the first 2 weeks of life and in my opinion, in-home newborn lifestyle sessions can happen any time in the first 6 weeks after baby is born (that is the time period that they are technically considered newborn before they are called an infant). Baby Aliyah was about a month old when we did this session. Because I don’t offer posed newborn sessions in a studio, I don’t feel it is as important to photograph the baby when they are fresh out of the womb and sleeping all the time. However, they change and grow fast so of course the sooner the better! If you are considering a newborn lifestyle session, I encourage you to reach out at least a month or two before baby is due to schedule your session.

And another thing to note for newborn lifestyle sessions is that siblings and pets are more than welcome to be included! I like to let toddlers be themselves and you will see Aliyah’s big brother Kai having lots of fun bouncing on the bed in the photos below. I know it can feel stressful when you are trying to wrangle multiple littles for pictures but we can work with them to make it fun! Sometimes snack breaks are necessary, or I ask them to show me their room or their favorite toys. Toddlers have their world rocked when a new baby sibling arrives and that can be hard. And of course sometimes newborns need to eat or have their diaper changed too so we always make time for that in between photos. My goal is to document all the little details you want to remember about your tiny newborn.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

---