Newborn Photography in Huntsville, AL

8 Tips for Helping Your Baby “Sleep Like a Baby”

I will never forget the first time a mom told me I could come over any time, because she had never seen her newborn baby sleep as well as the day I came over for his newborn session!

The more sleep your newborn gets, the more sleep you can get, and you both need all the sleep you can get. So, I will be sharing 8 tips for helping your baby “sleep like a baby” over the next few weeks.

Tip #1: Swaddle

Image of sisters with newborn photograph in Huntsville, AL

After the nurses are done weighing and measuring your new baby, what do they do?

Swaddle.

The hospital nurses help you swaddle your baby when it’s time for your baby to sleep.

Nurses swaddle babies to help keep the startle reflex (Moro reflex) from waking themselves up.

Also, the hospital nurses tell you to remove the swaddle to help your newborn wake up enough to eat during breastfeeding or bottle time.

So, why would you stop swaddling once you get home?

Newborn photography in Huntsville, AL image of baby wrapped in purple swaddle

I was so exhausted with my first baby that I didn’t realize that a lot of easy swaddling devices have an option for leaving your baby’s arms out. Sometimes you will have a baby who absolutely hates having their hands tucked in. There are lots of positions for baby’s hands while swaddling. Don’t give up! (I wish I hadn’t with my first, and I was so glad I was a better swaddler with my second!)

Check with your pediatrician that you are swaddling correctly to avoid hip dysplasia. Thankfully, a lot of the easy swaddles and sacks will help you swaddle correctly.

Another great thing about swaddling: there are transitional swaddles and then there are sleep sacks.

I have found sleep sacks are Amazing at keeping young toddlers from being able to climb out of their crib. Yay!

Huntsville Hospital will usually send you home with an easy swaddle like the Halo swaddle/sleep sack. (Note: I do NOT include affiliate links, because I believe advice is best freely given.)

I love photographing babies swaddled, especially when I am photographing them with siblings and family portraits. That way, it doesn’t matter if baby is awake- they will look calm and peaceful because they are relaxed by the comforting swaddle that mimics mama’s womb.

Newborn photographer in Huntsville, AL, Ellen Adams, created a portrait of a mom holding her newborn baby

Vintage Baby Photoshoot

For this first Baby Plan session, I created a vintage baby photoshoot by adding a classic bonnet and a beautiful matching knit blanket.

Also, I included a doll bed my grandfather made for me when I was a little girl.

Ellen Adams Photography is the best baby photographer in Huntsville AL.

Simple, elegant details can elevate your portraits to heirloom pieces that you will want your great-grandchildren to find some day.

I love when moms tell me they were drawn to my photography because of its timelessness. Part of how I achieve a classic look is by keeping my backdrops and props fairly neutral and staying away from props that are too trendy.

Vintage baby photoshoot in Huntsville AL by Ellen Adams Photography, as the first session of the Baby Plan Club.

Her album is going to look stunning in her Victorian home!

Albums are the coveted artwork your children will fight over long after you and I are gone. They hold precious memories of images, but also of experiences each and every time you open the book together.

If you are looking for a Huntsville Baby Photographer, contact me today. I would love to style a vintage baby photoshoot especially for you!

Hays Nature Preserve Family Portraits

Family picture at Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

When a family books their family portraits with me, one of the locations I always suggest is the Hays Nature Preserve. Kids change so much, especially during the early years. That’s why so many families like to do annual family pictures. This family wanted to capture their daughter’s fun and sweet personality, and they wanted to create some memories of life as a family of three before becoming a family of four.

Family portrait at Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, captured by Ellen Adams Photography.

For most of my family and maternity sessions, outdoor, open-air environments are always my first choice. I love shooting in wide-open natural spaces because the light is divine, especially during golden hour. (I do things differently for babies to protect them from things like being too hot or cold, sunburn, and such with their delicate skin.)

Maternity photo at Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, AL, captured by Ellen Adams Photography.

I love to take some posed pictures during a family or maternity session, but I also love to capture you interacting as a family and enjoying each other. Your personalities and beauty should be the focus of the session. I want your photos to be natural and timeless.

Picture of the big swing at the Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville by Ellen Adams Photography.

My goal is simple: for your session to be as fun and stress-free as possible! At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you wear won’t matter nearly as much as the fun we have together and the memories you make.

Child photography at Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, AL, photographed by Ellen Adams Photography.

However, I sure do love the wide-open spaces at the Hays Nature preserve for your little ones to run around and for you to play together.

Family photo at Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

The bridge at the Hays Nature Preserve is another one of my favorite spots to take family and maternity pictures.

Photos of family at Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

Even in late fall when most of the leaves have fallen, this location has stunning scenery.

Hays Nature Preserve portrait of dad holding little girl, by Ellen Adams Photography.

Hays Nature Preserve pictures in Huntsville, AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

The big swing is always a favorite with my clients. It’s perfect for family sessions and maternity sessions with baby’s older sibling(s).

Hays Nature Preserve portrait of a family during a maternity session in Huntsville, AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

I had the Best time capturing this family’s sweet and playful memories.

Hays Nature Preserve photography of a child by Ellen Adams Photography.

I would love to meet your family!

Hays Nature Preserve family photoshoot in Huntsville, AL by Ellen Adams Photography.

Book your family portraits at the Hays Nature Preserve here.

Hays Nature Preserve pictures of little girl with her dad by Ellen Adams Photography.

Green Mountain Family Photos

Green Mountain is one of my favorite places in Huntsville to take family photos. The Madison County Nature Trail is one of the most beautiful places in our city. Also, I love that there are so many places for your kids to play.

During a family photoshoot, I always try to include some formal poses, but the pictures that show your family’s personality and love for each other are my favorite.

Picture of siblings at the Madison County Nature Trail in Huntsville, AL.

“Ellen did a family photo session for us on Green Mountain. We like to have photos taken annually to document the growth and changes in our family.

Ellen was very flexible when we needed to change our session times…twice! Once for a work trip and a second time for an illness.

Green Mountain family photo of family walking in the woods on the nature trail.

We included our 1 year old puppy in the photo shoot and Ellen was very helpful with suggestions of how to include Apollo in our session. She took beautiful photos of our family and our dog and even had some time carved out in our session to take some generational photos of my mother, my daughter, and myself.

Green Mountain Family Pictures generational shot of daughter, mother, and grandmom

I would highly recommend Ellen Adams Photography to others. She was professional, courteous, and a wonderful person to work with. We now have lasting memories we can enjoy for years to come thanks to Ellen!”

Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain family photo.

I so enjoyed working with this engineer family, and I would love to meet your family.

Click here to schedule your family photos on Green Mountain!

Huntsville Christmas Pictures

Huntsville Christmas Picture of boy holding magical Nutcracker book, by Ellen Adams Photography,

Huntsville & Madison Mamas- it is Christmas picture time!

If you want to have the perfect Christmas card picture this year, now is the time to sign up.

Limited Edition Christmas Sessions

October 19 at First Baptist Church
Up to 30 minutes with Ellen
Session fee donated to Pre-Born! to hep pregnant moms
Beautiful images lightly retouched by Ellen
Complimentary in-person preview of images and product ordering appointment

$99 (Normally valued at $175)

Products start at $59.

Santa picture in Huntsville, AL of girls with ballet shoes, captured by Ellen Adams Photography.

You can have your Christmas cards ready to be mailed at the beginning of the Christmas season instead of at the end of December.

You can also have Christmas gifts for your parents and grandparents done before Black Friday.

That means you can relax and enjoy the Christmas festivities, with Christmas Cards and Christmas presents for your family already checked off your to-do list!

Christmas picture in Huntsville, AL of a boy writing a letter to Santa, by Ellen Adams Photography.

After booking, I will give you more detailed instructions on how to get there, what to wear, and what to do about the what-ifs in life such as kids getting sick.

I will also share my top-secret method to getting pictures that include a touch of Santa, with Smiling little kids!

Please contact me to check availability.

Skip the boring fruit basket this year, and give your friends the gift of a portrait session!

Gift certificates may be redeemed for newborn photography sessions, as well as maternity, baby milestone (Baby Plan), family sessions, and Christmas picture sessions. Gift certificates may be used for the session fee and/or purchasing of files, wall portraits, and albums.

You can have All of your Christmas shopping done before Black Friday and all of the craziness of the season, and capture precious memories to cherish for generations.

Christmas card picture in Huntsville of sisters hugging, captured by Ellen Adams Photography.

Huntsville Newborn Photography | Baby John

It is such a privilege every time a Huntsville or Madison mom asks me to come to her house to take newborn pictures of their newest family member! This little man is loved to the moon and back by his parents and two older sisters. Every baby is such a treasure, but as a friend told me, she really hopes that all of her friends get at least one boy and one girl just to be able to have the experience of being a parent to each gender. I’m so glad this family has that opportunity!

It was so fun to see this proud papa watching over his sweet son throughout their newborn session. I always try to offer up a chance for at least one parent to catch a nap during the session since I know sleep is so badly needed by new parents. Now as a mom of two, I know that sleep is even more so precious and needed by new parents who have older children. However, this little man’s mom and dad stayed watching over him the entire time. (And I had a wonderful time swapping stories with them!)

This little man slept through most of his session and was such a sweetheart!

My heart is to capture your joyful, fleeting moments. Your baby will never fit so tiny in your hands again.

Whether you are expecting a baby, or your baby is expecting your grandchild, let me help you with newborn photography in your Huntsville area home by clicking here to book a session. Or if you have a friend who is expecting, help her capture her memories with a gift certificate.

Newborn Photography in Huntsville, AL

As a mother myself and a Huntsville newborn photographer, I provide studio styled newborn photography directly in the homes of new moms in the Huntsville, AL area. Mamas of newborns are exhausted, stressed, and most aren’t up for getting their newborn to a photographer’s studio on time in the morning (the typical best time for babies).

Yet, you would regret not having studio-quality portraits to capture the joyful, fleeting moments that they are.

As a mama of two- I’ve been there!

Image of a newborn picture in Huntsville focusing on a newborn baby's tiny fingers.

I am a germaphobe and a safety fanatic, and I will do everything in my power to keep your baby safe. I believe all babies are a precious gift from the Lord; every good and perfect gift is from above- and that definitely includes our children!

Huntsville, AL newborn photographer Ellen Adams is North Alabama's only Qualified Newborn Photographer certified photographer through the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International association.

I had pregnancy complications, and I know how rough pregnancy and having a newborn can be. I missed the opportunity to have quality portraits with my first baby as a newborn, because I wasn’t up to getting out of the house until a ridiculously long time after he was born. I don’t want you to miss out too. Sleepy smiles and little details deserve to be captured and remembered always.

Picture of a newborn's ear, captured by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

My heart is to provide you with in-home newborn photography sessions that are studio-quality, in-home ordering appointments, and deliver the final heirloom products directly to your home.

Therefore, you can relax in the comfort of your home without the worry of forgetting to pack something or the rush of trying to get somewhere on time while dealing with the newborn-haze.

Your baby will never fit so tiny in your hands again.

Image by the best newborn photographer in Huntsville, AL of a new mom holding her newborn baby.

Don’t miss the small window of opportunity (first two weeks) to get curled-up sleepy poses of your newborn.

Leave a legacy for the next generation- create newborn portraits for your great-grandchildren to find one day.

Whether you are expecting a baby, or your baby is expecting your grandchild, let me help you capture your joyful, fleeting moments with newborn photography in Huntsville by clicking here to book a session. Or if you have a friend who is expecting, help her capture her memories with a gift certificate.

Madison County Nature Trail Pictures

When I was growing up in Huntsville, my family would pick up a bucket of KFC after church and head up to the Madison County Nature Trail. (Back then we called it the Green Mountain Nature Trail.) We would have a picnic lunch and then play around on the trails, covered bridge, and feed the geese at the lake. While I was pregnant with my second baby I did my maternity pictures in front of the lake. Now, I take my children to the lake to turtle watch. This place holds a very special place in my heart, so, I was thrilled when this family wanted to document their special time in their lives with family pictures at the Madison County Nature Trail!

Picture of family holding hands while walking at the Green Mountain Nature Trail.

I am honored that I did their first photo shoot as a family of four. Their youngest recently turned one and was ready to do some walking!

Little girl looking out of a window in a covered bridge.

I helped them pick out the perfect collection of portraits during their complimentary design consultation at their ordering appointment. They told me that they have files from every photo shoot they have done since their engagement, but they have few prints and wanted to start a gallery wall in their bedroom.

Madison County Nature Trail Pictures from a family session by Ellen Adams Photography.

Galleries can be added onto each time you do a session, building the story of your family as you grow.

They chose the picture on the left because it embodies their oldest daughter’s sweet personality and the picture on the right because it captures their youngest daughter’s bold and lively personality. It’s common to put a family picture in the middle of a gallery wall, but I thought it was fitting that they chose a picture of just the two of them for the middle. It focuses on the beginning of their family’s story- when it was just the two of them.

My mission is to help you create something not only tangible for your home, but also deeply moving for you and for your children to love and adore as the years pass.

I plan to ensure that your printed portrait art does nothing but grow in sentimental value as your children grow, and as time rapidly rushes by.

Madison County Nature Trail picture of family on a bench.

I adore taking formal portraits, as well as photos of tender moments that capture the feeling of this moment in your life.

If you would regret not having photos to capture the stage your family is in right now, schedule your session today!

Monte Sano Family Pictures

As a Huntsville photographer who serves busy families, whether I am doing a newborn photo shoot or family pictures on top of Monte Sano, I always provide an in-home image premiere and ordering appointment. As a part of this experience, I provide all Ellen Adams Photography families with a complimentary design consultation.

After premiering your images from your session, you have the option to create your own collection to suit your needs, so you get exactly what you want.

Monte Sano anniversary photo shoot image of a couple celebrating 15 years of marriage together

(This sweet couple is celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary this year, so I made sure to include some portraits of just mom and dad together. )

Monte sano picture of child holding flowers on top of the mountain

It can be hard to pick just one portrait to hang in a special place in your home. That’s why I offer portrait collections for a ready-to-go gallery wall.

I bring a whole collection of frame samples, so you can see what the frame will look like against your paint. I am partnering with a local business to create custom built frames for each of your portraits. You can read why I stopped selling unframed prints here.

Also, I use software that allows you to view your images on your own walls at different sizes- to find just the right products for your house.

Monte Sano picture from a photo shoot of a family on top of the mountain

These three peas in a pod have a new home and they were ready for new family portraits.

What better way to make a house a home?

You can have family pictures on top of Monte Sano, in the woods, or by a peaceful lake. There are so many beautiful locations in Huntsville to choose from! If you are ready to book your family photo shoot click here.

Downtown Huntsville Photoshoot

As a Huntsville newborn photographer, I feel privileged every time a mom asks me to capture their family’s joyful, fleeting moments to preserve their legacy. I took maternity pictures for this sweet mama almost two years ago and then did a newborn photoshoot.

Pregnancy picture of mom with heart shaped hands and her newborn, captured by Ellen Adams Photography.

This little girl is about to turn two, so it was time for her family session! I usually do family pictures out in nature, but this family had a need to do a session elsewhere, so we took to Huntsville’s beautiful downtown.

Portrait of a child in downtown Huntsville from a family photoshoot by Ellen Adams Photography

This adorable little girl absolutely stole my heart during her family session. She kept running up to me and giving me hugs!

Pictures of a family in downtown Huntsville, AL during a family photo shoot by Ellen Adams Photography.

Of course, mom got even more hugs!

Big brother was such a delightfully energetic young man, and I enjoyed giving mom and dad a chance to be themselves for a moment, just the two of them. It’s important to remember that you were husband and wife first, before you became mom and dad.

Picture of a little girl twirling her dress in downtown Huntsville, AL during her family pictures by Ellen Adams Photography.

There was lots of running, twirling, and laughing.

The last session in a Baby Plan is a complimentary Family Photoshoot when your toddler is 12 – 24 months old. This little girl is turning two this weekend!

If you have a baby in the Huntsville area, join the Baby Plan Club today!