Newborn Photography in Huntsville, AL

Shh! Help Your Baby Sleep

Instinctively, we all know to say “Shh” when we want quiet. There’s no need to feel rude if you say it to your baby, because your newborn will find it comforting! Repetitive “shh, shh” sounds mimic the sounds your baby heard when he was inside your body. It mimics the sound of blood whooshing through your blood vessels.

Picture of a newborn baby's ear by Ellen Adams Photography.

Experienced moms seem to really have this down. During a newborn session, I will hear moms repeating “shh, shh” to their baby as they snuggle.

Then, the moms get an excited and relieved look when I pull out my Baby Shusher.

Tip #3: Use a White Noise Machine

Who knew? They’ve made a device that will say the shushing for you! I used it with my second baby, and it worked like a charm. So, I make sure to bring it with me for every newborn session.

There’s a whole world of white noise machines out there, and I have several that I like to use for my babies and for newborn sessions. This is just one that is especially useful during baby’s “Fourth Trimester,” when he is getting use to his new environment.

Take a look around at all of the white noise machine options out there, and have fun exploring the possibilities!

(Just a reminder: None of my links are affiliate links, because I believe advice is best freely given.)

Read the rest of my tips to Help Your Baby “Sleep Like a Baby”:

Tip #1

Tip #2

6 Month Baby Pictures

Your First Baby Plan Session marks the time when your baby is sitting up on his own, but not quite on the go. Personality is coming out in so many ways, along with giggles, coos, and an insatiable curiosity about the world.

This session is usually held at 6-8 months old and celebrates the milestone of sitting all on his own!

Inspiration for your 6 month baby pictures, created by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville, AL.

Here are 3 Tips to prepare for your baby’s First Baby Plan Session at 6-8 months old:

Tip #1: Dress in Solids

I love that this little man is in a white outfit. Solids photograph better than patterns and are more timeless. I always suggest solids in neutrals or light colors for sessions.

Baby boy 6 month pictures of a baby in white, by Ellen Adams Photography in Huntsville.

When you choose neutral or light solids, it helps bring all the attention to your baby’s face and his lovely smile!

Tip #2: Rise and Shine

Schedule your 6 month baby pictures around your child’s nap time. You want your baby feeling fresh and happy.

Mornings are typically when babies are at their best.

6 month sitter milestone photo of baby boy captured by Ellen Adams Photography of Huntsville, AL.

I will come during your baby’s morning nap to setup my studio, in whichever room you have that is wide-open and doesn’t have carpet. That way, I can be all set to go when your baby is up from his nap and at his happiest.

Tips #3: Nap time Attire

Speaking of naps, have your baby nap in a loose onesie or at least extra loose pajamas to avoid indentations on his skin.

I will never post naked baby bottom pictures online (for baby’s privacy), but you have the option of including those pictures during this session.

Baby boy picture inspiration for the first milestone session, by Ellen Adams Photography.

Here are just a few of the images I included for this handsome little man’s Expressions Panel. Cherish those chubby faces! The Expressions Panel highlights the bubbling personality of your baby in a 9 part collage. Capture the love, laughter, and even the serious faces your child exudes.

Baby Plan Club members have exclusive access to products especially designed for their milestone sessions, including the Expressions Panel.

Learn more about Joining the Baby Plan Club & Apply to get on my quickly filling calendar!

I can’t wait to meet your baby!

Baby Language: Your Baby’s Talking to You

My 2nd tip to help your baby Sleep Like a Baby, is to learn your newborn’s language. Your baby is talking to you! Newborns have their own language, and if you can master it, you can help your baby be more comfortable. And really, these tips are all about making baby more comfortable, so that your baby can sleep better and you can too.

My husband and I laid down on the floor of our first child’s nursery exasperated. Our newborn was lying next to us crying. He had been crying and crying. We had tried this, we had tried that. We were going through our mental checklist trying to figure out what he needed.

Then it dawned on me- my poor baby was crying because he was hungry. In my sleep deprived state, I had forgotten that it had been a little while since he’d eaten (perhaps because it didn’t feel like that long ago since newborns eat all the time).

Tip #2: Learn Your Baby’s Language

By the time I had my second baby; however, I had learned that newborns have their own little language. So, whenever he cried, I knew what he needed. He seemed to trust me more than my first baby, and he was a much happier and more laid back baby.

My secret was this:

Priscilla Dunstan has all sorts of resources for new moms to learn their baby’s language at dunstanbaby.com.

I wish I had known this secret for my first baby, but at least now I can help you!

A happy, comfortable baby is a lot more likely to be able to sleep well, and therefore you will be able to get more sleep too. So, I hope you give this a try with your newborn.

(Note: as always, none of my links are affiliate links. I believe advice is best given freely.)

As a Huntsville, AL Newborn Photographer and mother of two, I try to help moms transition into life with a new baby with the greatest ease possible, by providing a full studio experience brought to your home for your newborn session, in-home ordering appointments, and hand delivery of your newborn’s portraits directly to you.

Read the rest of my tips to Help Your Baby “Sleep Like a Baby”:

Tip #1

Tip #3

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

Read the rest of my tips to Help Your Baby “Sleep Like a Baby”:

Tip #2

Tip #3

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.