A Cozy Evening with the Millen Family | Lancaster PA Newborn Photographer

Three Kids, One Cozy Evening, and a Newborn’s First Portraits

One of the best parts of what I do is watching families grow. When Rebecca reached out to book a newborn session for their third baby, I was genuinely so excited. I’ve photographed their first two little ones, and it felt extra special to help them complete this next piece of their story with the same soft, timeless look they already love.

They chose an evening session this time, which made a big difference. In Rebecca’s words, “We were able to keep our three kids (3, 2, and newborn) on their regular schedule, which helped the photo session go smoothly. They were able to nap, get baths, eat, and be in good spirits at their best part of the day.”

And that’s exactly how the Millens roll. They’re casual, home-loving people who enjoy the simple things: gardening, birdwatching, cooking, building with Legos, and exploring the world from their own backyard. I could feel that energy in their session. It wasn’t about perfect poses or looking a certain way. It was about being together, making each other laugh, and soaking in the sweetness of this season.

Baby Miles slept peacefully, wrapped in a soft blue, with one of the happiest little smiles I’ve ever seen. Rebecca told me that photo is her favorite and I have to agree it’s a good one.

Throughout the session, the girls took turns being silly and sweet. Amelia made us all laugh. Ainsley, true to her independent spirit, let us know exactly when she was done taking photos. I love moments like that because they tell a real story. These aren't just images to fill a frame. They’re pieces of your family’s life, just as it is right now.

Rebecca shared something that really stuck with me. She said, “I’d like to remember the unexpected hugs, kisses, ‘I love yous,’ and those random, sweet moments that come from little kids being so uninhibited.”

Those are the moments that often go unnoticed but mean the most. It reminded me of what so many of us want to hold on to as our babies grow…those genuine, unplanned bursts of love.

To the Millen family: Thank you for coming back to me time and time again. It means the world. Watching your little ones grow and getting to freeze these sweet memories for you is truly an honor.

If you're reading this and thinking about booking a session, I’d love to work with you too. I am currently booking due dates through September with the rest of the year opening very soon! If you want in, now’s a great time to reach out. We can plan something relaxed, real, and totally you.

Let’s make some magic together.

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session

Preparing for your newborn photo session is an exciting time, and a little preparation can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

1. Timing

As a newborn photographer, I recommend scheduling your newborn photos when your baby is around 10-14 days old. However, at Angie Englerth Photography, I understand that life happens, and I am very flexible if you cannot get your baby in before then. Newborns are typically sleepier and more amenable to posing during the first two weeks, which helps us capture those precious, peaceful moments, but we can still create beautiful images beyond that timeframe.

2. Feeding and Sleep

A well-fed baby is a content baby. Plan to feed your little one right before the session to encourage a full tummy and a restful sleep. This helps us achieve those serene, sleepy poses that parents love in their newborn photos.

3. Creating a Comfortable Environment

Our studio at Angie Englerth Photography is designed to be warm and cozy, ensuring your baby feels secure. We maintain a comfortable temperature and provide soothing sounds to mimic the womb environment, helping your newborn relax.

4. What to Bring

• Outfits and Accessories: While we provide a variety of props and outfits, feel free to bring any special items you'd like to include in your newborn photos, such as a cherished blanket or heirloom.

• Essentials: Pack extra diapers, wipes, and any feeding supplies you may need. Having these on hand ensures you're prepared for any situation.

5. Family Involvement

Including parents and siblings in the session adds a personal touch to your newborn photos. Coordinate simple, neutral-colored outfits to keep the focus on your family's connections.

6. Patience is Essential

Newborn sessions can last up to 2 hours to accommodate feeding, changing, and soothing. We take the time to ensure your baby is comfortable, allowing for natural and beautiful moments to unfold.

By following these guidelines, we aim to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience, capturing the tender moments of your newborn's early days. If you have any questions or specific requests, please don't hesitate to reach out to your trusted Lancaster Newborn Photographer.

Celebrating 10 Years of AEP | Lancaster PA Maternity & Newborn Photography

10 Years

As I sit here writing this blog post, I can hardly believe it’s been 10 years. There have been plenty of struggles and growing pains over the years, but I couldn’t be more grateful for every single year. I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for AEP in the years to come!

I thought it would be fun to look back at some of my favorite photos (there’s no way to include them all)! If you came here from Facebook or Instagram, you may already be aware I am also giving away a photo session and digital collection valued at $775! See below for details on how to enter!

To enter, simply head to the Giveaway Entry Form and submit to win!

Addison | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Addison

Danielle and Andrew joined me in the studio back in October. Their sweet Addison had arrived and big sister Veronica came along as well! I often get asked if siblings are able to join in on photos at a newborn session. The quick and easy answer is YES! Absolutely! I always include sibling and/or parent photos in every newborn session that would like them! Veronica got started by playing in the playhouse and exploring the studio a bit and then when she was warmed up, she came right over and jumped in some photos with her new baby sister! Addison was an absolute gem to work with and pulled off each and every setup flawlessly! Now I know you came to see some newborn photos and we’re almost there, but I wanted to share some of what Danielle had to say when asked about her experience.

What was your favorite part about our session together?

“I really enjoyed how Angie took control of the session from the start. She took our daughter and began getting her prepped for the session. My husband and I were looking to have our older daughter in some photos and Angie was extremely patient and flexible. She told us she will start taking the newborn photos and when our older daughter was ready and comfortable enough to be in pictures she would accommodate. When our older daughter was ready, we walked over and Angie stopped what she was doing and got her right in the pictures!”

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

“I felt very unprepared for the photo shoot. I didn’t have outfits picked out or planned. My husband and I were blown away when we saw how many wraps and outfits Angie had to offer for all ages! This immediately calmed my nerves of my pictures coming out terrible because I didn’t plan ahead. Our experience was fantastic. The best part for our older daughter was the little toy kitchen area. That kept her busy while newborn photos were going on. Angie also had a tv on with our daughters favorite show and snacks! Very welcoming for siblings!”

Do you have a favorite photo from your session? If so, which one?

“The pictures of both my daughters together just melts my heart! I also love how Angie captured ONE picture of our newborn smiling!! It’s so hard to capture those moments.”

What would be your advice to someone considering booking with AEP?

“You do not need to bring anything with you to this session!! Angie has everything you need! Maybe a pacifier to calm your newborn through out the session if needed!”

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?  

“Seeing our girl and her heartbeat at every ultrasound appointment!”

Did you have any pregnancy cravings? What were they?

“Chocolate chip pancakes!!”

Do you have other children? How do they react to the pregnancy?

“We have a 2 year old daughter. We would talk to her about her baby sister everyday. Now that she is here, she is the best helper to mommy and daddy!”


What is your best advice to other moms regarding this age?

“Soak up every second! It’s amazing how quick time goes.”


And now, the part you’re really here for…here are some favorites from Addison’s newborn session!

Ainsley | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Ainsley

When Zach and Rebecca reached out about booking a session for their newest baby girl, I was thrilled! Amelia was in the studio last spring and now I had the privilige of capturing sweet Ainsley!

I asked Rebecca a few questions and would love to share what she said with you all!

What was your favorite part about our session together?

“Seeing all the cute outfits Angie picked for our girl! It was also fun getting our first daughter into a few pictures with her new sister.”

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

Angie had done our first baby's newborn shoot, so we knew we wanted her to do the second, too. We wanted the same "tone" to the pictures so we could display them side by side and didn't want to go to another photographer who didn't have the same vision.

Do you have a favorite photo from your session? If so, which one?

Yes! Angie found a beautiful lace wrap with a dusky rose / floral pattern on it and a matching headband and photographed Ainsley in a basket with dusky pink lining - it's BEAUTIFUL.

What would be your advice to someone considering booking with AEP?

If you have any preferences as to how you want your pictures to look, talk to Angie either before or during the session. She's really good about working with your tastes and what you're envisioning for poses/colors/props/etc.

What is the first thing that ran through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?

I was SHOCKED. Our first baby came after years of unexplained infertility, tests, and treatments, and I was not anticipating a second one being so uncomplicated. I found out I was pregnant again when my first baby was six months old.

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?  

This pregnancy was significantly more challenging, as I was already taking care of a baby, but there were plenty of good moments - most memorable was announcing that Amelia, my first daughter, was going to be a big sister and finding out on Christmas morning that we were having another girl! We used hot chocolate bombs with pink marshmallows inside to tell our family members.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings? What were they?

This time around, I loved Taco Bell chicken quesadillas (same as with my first pregnancy) and iced coffees.

Do you have other children? How do they react to the pregnancy?

Yes, I have a fifteen month old named Amelia - she was thrilled when we brought Ainsley home! From the first day we introduced them, Amelia referred to Ainsley as "May May" so that is now her name around the house. Amelia is a great helper and likes to rock her sister in the swing and the car seat, and she helps me change diapers and give bottles. We are working on being "gentle" with the baby, and so far, she's doing a great job!


What was the first thing you thought when you saw your baby for the first time?

I thought she looked exactly like her big sister!


And now, the part you’re really here for…here are some favorites from Amelia’s newborn session!

Rachel & Weston | Lancaster PA Maternity and Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Rachel & Weston

I first met Rachel and Ryan for their maternity photo session. They were busy with new puppies and snuck away for the session. Rachel looked beautiful in every shot and we talked in anticipation of their newborn session. Fast forward a bit and it was time to come back for their newborn session. Weston was wonderful and his session went flawlessly! Ryan and Rachel and their families are big college football fans! Scroll through the favorites to see which team they wanted to feature with Weston’s photos!

Just for fun…here’s some Q&A with Rachel herself:

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

We didn't do much in preparation for the newborn photos besides venture outside the house. We had a great experience; Weston was totally comfortable with her and all the props and outfits. We could not have been happier with the end results!

What would be your advice to someone considering booking with AEP?

Do it! We did maternity and newborn and very thankful we did so we have those memories forever.

Have we done a session together before? If so, why did you decide to book another?

We originally booked as a package but if we didn't we would have definitely rebooked for newborn shots after our fun experience getting maternity shots done in some not so ideal weather.

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?

My pregnancy wasn't easy but having maternity shots done highlighted such a monumental time in our lives as a married couple about to welcome a new family member.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings?

Chick Fil-A everything

And now for the part you’re really here for….here are some favorites from their sessions with me!

Rachel & Stella | Lancaster PA Maternity and Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Rachel & Stella

Where do I begin? When Rachel and Jared told us they were expecting, I may have let out a scream! Rachel is Ben’s younger sister and we have been looking forward to this moment for so long! After their long journey to get to this point, we were all thrilled for them! Fast forward to being able to capture Rachel’s maternity photos as well as Stella’s newborn photos, I was honored! I may be biased, but my niece is the cutest!

We had a lot of fun incorporating Mark (their first baby/fur baby) into their maternity session! Then we included their favorite sports teams into Stella’s session! My kids took advantage of the session to sneak a few extra peeks at their cousin! Let’s just get right to it, shall we?! Here are lots of favorites from Rachel’s maternity session as well as Stella’s newborn session!

Amelia | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Amelia

When Zach and Rebecca reached out about booking a session for their baby girl, I was thrilled! We used to go to church with these two and seeing them become parents was such a joy for me! Their baby girl Amelia is clearly their world…and rightfully so! She is the sweetest!

I asked Rebecca a few questions and would love to share what she said with you all!

What was your favorite part about our session together?
My favorite part was being able to rest and trusting Angie completely with our daughter - changing, posing, adjusting - and knowing she was safe the whole time. Even that two hours gave us a little break from the stress of being newborn parents!

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?
We have known Angie for years and were very comfortable with her skill level and expertise. Before the shoot, we fed our daughter so she was sleepy and cooperative, knowing that even if she wasn't, Angie would be able to work with her anyway. She was the perfect client, and we were all were very happy with how the shoot went and how Angie kept it fun the whole time and worked with props we brought along.

Do you have a favorite photo from your session? If so, which one?

Yes! The pictures with Daddy's bird feathers came out beautifully. I did not even anticipate our daughter looking like an egg in a nest, so that was an awesome surprise - just a testament to Angie's eye!

What is the first thing that ran through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?
I was surprised and relieved and scared all at the same time. We underwent fertility treatments and eventually an IUI procedure and got pregnant on our first round, which I was not expecting, so when the nurse called and told us it had worked and we'd have a baby in nine months, my whole world suddenly changed. I knew my body worked, I was capable of bringing a baby into this world, and that we had gotten what we had prayed for for years!

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?
I was blessed to have a very easy pregnancy, so I really enjoyed it! I loved feeling my daughter kicking and moving around and sharing those moments with her daddy. Watching my bump get a little bigger each week and documenting it in my daughter's baby book was really fun. I also can truthfully say I loved the birth experience, meeting my girl at the end of it, and getting to see my husband become a father.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings?
In the very beginning, I wanted feta cheese on everything. Then I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes around 30 weeks and craved everything I wasn't allowed to have. Taco Bell quesadillas were a favorite throughout my pregnancy, though!

And now, the part you’re really here for…here are some favorites from Amelia’s newborn session!

Emerson & Leona | Lancaster PA Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Emerson & Leona

Twins are always exciting and when Leesha reached out to schedule her maternity and newborn sessions with me, I was thrilled. Her maternity session was magical and the twins session did not disappoint!

Ellie | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

ELLIE

Better late than never, right?! When Lauren & Jeremiah reached out about booking a newborn session for their newest addition, EXCITED is an understatement! I was so happy for them to have another bundle of joy and honored that they chose me to capture her for them! Ellie was due on Christmas so I could relate to Lauren with that because my Sawyer was due and came on 12/23! Ellie ended up arriving a little ealier though! Maddie is the best big sister to sweet little Ellie and capturing them was an absolute joy! Here are some favorites from their session with me!

**Take note of one where Ellie was on the beanbag posing and sweet Maddie came to lay her hand on her as to reassure her that all is well! It was the sweetest moment!!!

2020 Highlights | A Year in Review

As I sit here to write this blog post, I’m not sure where to begin. I know I am not alone in saying that 2020 was a hard year full of challenges and obstacles that we were forced to find ways to navigate through. In my personal life alone, there were challenges.

We watched my Mother in law battle cancer and brain tumors that required surgery and radiation.
I landed in the hospital three times in March and April for kidney trouble, alone as the hospital was on lockdown.
We struggled, and are still struggling, with remote learning with our oldest.
We navigated through months of my business being closed and my income going from a substantial part of our household to nothing.

When I began to work on gathering highlights for the year, my heart sank. It truly hit me how hard this year has been. My folders for Milestone, Maternity and Family sessions that once were full of many moments captured, felt insufficient. When I began to run my numbers for the year, I felt a pit in my stomach, like I was letting my family down. This year was HARD.

That said, I also realize just how fortunate we are. God provided and we were always able to pay our bills. I was able to get the medical care I needed to avoid any permanent kidney damage. My mother in law was able to complete her treatments and is currently doing great! Our son is still struggling with school, but after actively seeking answers this year, we were able to get him the help he needs and he is on his way to being the best version of himself.

My family has grown stronger this year with all the time we’ve been forced to spend together. We’ve gone on camping adventures together, hiked and explored together, build box forces together, played games together, laughed together, cried together and grown together. That alone makes all the hardship worth it to me. I pray that I never take it for granted again to spend time with my kids while they are still kids and form bonds with them that will last a lifetime.

My sister in law recently reminded me of Hebrews 13:5 “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” That could not be more true for me this year. I am not sure what I would do if I did not have the hope that God is in control and he works all things together for my good.

Now for the highlights, which I know is why you are all here anyway. A huge highlight for me was being able to spend more time on sessions for friends and family. Instead of cramming them into my schedule where I could, I was able to dedicate time to them alone which made for some magical sessions! I gained a new niece and nephew and was able to have sessions for them as well! I also have a client, Alyssa, who definitely deserves a serious shoutout after trusting me to capture her fourth maternity and newborn sessions in a row. (Thank you Alyssa!)

The newborn aspect of my business remained fairly stable throughout the year and I cannot state enough how thankful I am for trusting me to capture these first moments for you. Sure, studio sessions looked a lot different this year, but thank you to those who accepted the new policies and just rolled with the punches to get through sessions safely!

I also feel the healthcare workers deserve a special shoutout! I am sharing some of my clients this year who are frontline workers, but there are so many more of you out there. Sincerest thanks for all you do and are doing!

I know this year isn’t going to be a magical reset button, but I am hopeful and optimistic that I will be able to see more of you this year and capture more priceless memories for your family. Cheers to 2021 and God Bless!