Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

Newborn portrait session at the studio | Costa Mesa Baby Photographer

We were excited when this mom chose our adorable aviator beanie from SweetPeaHatsAndMore for her newborn photo shoot, as we’d been waiting to see how it would photograph.  It was as adorable as we thought it would be! We accessorized with baby wraps from Mom N Pop Photo Prop spread out almost like a flowing scarf behind the little guy.

Our vintage 7UP crate from 247 Overstock was another perfect prop. The session, with its neutral colors and backdrops felt all together timeless and high key.

Mom and big brother joined baby brother for a few of the pictures and we think they will all cherish the images.  It’s amazing how much the two boys already look like each other—especially in their happy eyes! We love being able to mix some family or part family portraiture in with newborn sessions, so just let us know ahead of time, and then feel free to bring siblings, grandparents, or even pets. It’s a beautiful way to show how excited everyone is to have a new little one join the family. Don’t fret too much over wardrobe choices either. Since most parents prefer photographing their newborn in only a wrap (because look at that yummy, soft skin!), you don’t have to worry about coordinating. Something casual and classic is usually best. We also have a huge inventory of newborn props, wraps, headbands, beanies, and other accessories, so we can match whatever you have on.

Newborn sessions are best scheduled in the first month after having baby, so plan ahead. If you’re having us do your maternity session, we can even book at that time, saving you one more thing to do once baby is born. Our studio provides the perfect temperature and lighting, so your newborn (and you!) will be warm and cozy, and able to go to or stay asleep.

 

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    Meet the Gilmores:

    Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

    Fun Facts:

    PLace we call home:

    Newport Beach & Queen Creek

    Number of kids:

    3 boys

    Years in business:

    Since 2002

    As seen in:

    Newborn Sessions

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    Simple Sophistication

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    What nobody tells you about being in front of a camera.

It feels awkward… at first.

You don’t know what to do with your hands.
You’re thinking about your smile.

That part? Completely normal.

Here’s what actually happens:
I guide you through everything, keep it moving, fix the little details…

And then it shifts.

You relax.
You stop thinking about the camera.
And it finally feels like you.

📍Coto de Caza

Do you think you’d feel awkward in photos? 👇
    Here are things to look for when choosing a wedding photographer.

This decision matters more than most couples realize.

Because once the day is over…
this is what you have left.

Here’s how to actually choose the right one:

1. Style that reflects your vision
If you don’t love how it looks now, you won’t love it later.
2. Experience handling real wedding days
Timelines shift. Lighting changes. You want someone who can adapt.
3. A genuine connection
You’ll spend a lot of your day with them. It should feel easy.
4. Professionalism you can count on
Clear communication, reliability, and someone who shows up prepared.
5. Full galleries, not just highlights
Anyone can post the best 10 images. Ask to see the whole story.
6. Real reviews and reputation
Look for consistency, not just one good experience.
7. Value that matches what you expect
Not just price… what are you actually getting?

Here’s what I’m doing behind the scenes:
guiding when needed, adjusting to the day as it unfolds, and making sure nothing important is missed.

Because your photos shouldn’t just look good…
they should feel like your day.

What matters most to you when choosing a photographer? 👇
    Most people think they’re just for announcements… But they end up being so much more.

This countdown? One of my favorites.

Here’s why:
It gives you something to look forward to. A way to mark the days, celebrate the little milestones, and stay connected while they’re away.

And it turns these photos into something you actually use… not just something that sits on your phone.

Because this season? It’s a big one.

And having something tangible to hold onto during it…
matters more than you think. 🤍

Would you do a countdown like this? Comment MISSIONARYSTORE for our item on Etsy Shop
    How long does a cake smash session really take?

About 45 minutes and here is everything we fit into that time.
We start with portraits first. Clean outfit, no cake, just your baby being adorable. Then we bring in the cake, swap into the smash outfit and let the chaos begin. 🎂

And if you want to keep going, we can do a quick splash session at the end. Some of the biggest smiles of the whole session happen right there.

Three different looks. One session. 45 minutes.
It goes fast so I make sure every minute counts.

Are you surprised we fit all of that in? 👇
Ready to book your cake smash?
    Should you still get photos done when your kids are teenagers and older?

Life starts changing fast.

Schedules don’t line up the same.
They’re out with friends more.
Conversations get shorter.
And before you realize it… the house feels a little quieter.

Here’s how I approach these sessions:
I don’t force anything that feels unnatural. No overly posed moments. I guide you into simple, relaxed interactions so it still feels like your family, just in this season.

Are your kids at this stage yet? 👇
Ready to book your family session?

    Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

    Session by appointment only

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