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.

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!

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!

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!!!

Wyatt | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

WYATT

Cheyenne came to be just before her due date and thankfully, I was able to fit them in. I’m so glad it worked out because this family was so easy to work with and fun to chat with! Wyatt was just the sweetest and slept through his whole session. We finished everything in record time and the photos turned out wonderful! I will of course share some favorites, but first, here is a little Q&A with Cheyenne.

What was your favorite part about our session together?
Everything, watching my newborn smile and her capturing us and him.

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out? 
Our experience was great. She knew her stuff, was quick, didn’t have to think, and was gentle with my son. The photos were AMAZING!!!!!

What is the first thing that ran through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?
Finally!! I am so excited and happy!!

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?
Feeling him kick. Rubbing my belly, not getting morning sickness.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings? What were they?
Rice crispy treats, lol, but I really wanted Savory foods.

Beckett | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

BECKETT

Ashleigh first came to me back in 2016 (I think?) when her and Trevor were expecting their second child. They returned for more photos and then moved away for a few years. I was obviously thrilled to find out they moved back to PA and were expecting another sweet babe! This family is seriously the best and every session together just feels like hanging out with friends! Here are some favorites from Ashleigh’s latest maternity session as well as Beckett’s newborn session. Yes, these were from earlier this year. Yes, I have been a serious slacker with blogging. I’m sorry! I will try very hard to do better! Enjoy!

Rose | Lancaster Newborn Photographer

ROSE

Elizabeth reached out to me before the pandemic and had her sweet baby Rose right in the middle of it all. On top of that, Rose had to spend some time in the NICU since she came quite early and was only 3.8 pounds. I cannot even imagine how difficult that truly was for them. I was so excited when she reached out again that she was ready to try for a newborn session. Rose was six weeks old by then, but since she was not at her gestational age yet, she was still itty bitty and a great sleeper! I can’t wait to share my favorites from her session! First, here is a little Q&A I did with Elizabeth.

What was your favorite part about our session together?
How sweet and gentle you were with our baby and how much she loved being swaddled.

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?
I had a lot of complications which were very frightening but otherwise I loved being pregnant and feeling her kick, especially.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings?
Eggs, peanut butter, and tacos. I was never sick.

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out? 
This was one of our first outings after she got home from the NICU and we were nervous about taking her out but SO excited. It turned out beautifully and was so relaxing.

And now for the part you came for….photos from Rose’s sweet newborn session!

Marabelle | Lancaster Newborn Photographer

Marabelle

Marabelle is my sweet niece who is now no longer a newborn (whoops), but I felt her session still deserved to hit the blog! She is a rainbow baby and the sweetest little sister to her bigger brothers. She fits into our giant cousin crew (now nine kiddos) perfectly and I, for one, cannot wait to see the young woman she grows up to be! Now for the fun part, here are some favorites from her session!

Alexander | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

Alexander

Alison reached out to me just before Christmas and we were able to get her and Alex in at the beginning of the new year. He was the first newbie in the studio in 2020 and did a great job for his session!

Now, enjoy some favorites from Alexander’s session!

Theodore | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

Theodore

When Jenna first told me about her pregnancy, I may have let out a little squeal! I have had the pleasure of working with Jenna since she was a mom of two and now she has FOUR beautiful blessings! Theodore was so mellow for his session and his older siblings just adored him which made for smooth sailing when it came to pictures! Here’s a little Q&A with Jenna and then some favorites from his session!

Please tell me some small details of your birthing process. When did you go into labor? Time of birth? Who all was at the hospital with you?

We decided to keep this pregnancy a secret from family and friends. I had a lot of health issues and we thought we were going to loose him that were unrelated to my health issues. We didn’t want to worry anyone. Let’s just say everyone was shocked after he was born! We had a c section scheduled at 36 weeks  and he was born at 2:25pm. Since it was a surprise, it was just my husband and I.

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

I was really worried if he would have to go to the NICU since his sister was also born at 36 weeks and needed to. He ended up needing to go and I was so emotional since I knew the road we had ahead of us.

What was your favorite part about our session together?

My favorite part was knowing that Angie was capturing these precious moments and of course catching up with her!

Do you have a favorite image from your session? Was there any favorite setups or props used?

There are so many to choose! I love the ones with one of the kids and him. They show there personalities and how in love they are with him.

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

I was worried about what everyone was going to wear and having the time to actually fix myself up. That comes very rarely now a days! I also was hoping everyone was going to behave since I have four kids. Thank you Angie for the candy! They all did wonderfully!

What would be your advice to someone getting newborn photographs taken?

To try and relax and know you are in good hands. Angie takes so many different photos that there are many to choose from. It’s always so hard to decide!

Do you have other children? How do they react to the new baby? Feel free to share a little about them here.

I have three other children besides him, four total. They all want to help and hold him. The last two are 18 months apart and she is constantly loving up on him, kisses galore! I’m really lucky they have all been so good with him.

Anything else you'd like to add about your session and final images?

They all were so precious! And now I have them to look back on for years to come. Thank you, Angie

Now, enjoy some favorites from Theodore’s session!

Jenna | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

Jenna

Devon reached out to me early on in her pregnancy about a newborn session. I was thrilled because way back in 2014 when I first started my business, I captured their engagement pictures. I was honored they sought me out to now capture their first baby’s newborn photos. Jenna was awesome for her session and barely made a fuss! I asked Devon some questions about her experience and here is what she had to say:

Please tell me some small details of your birthing process. When did you go into labor? Time of birth? Who all was at the hospital with you?

I went in on December 27th to be induced for medical reasons. Jenna was born two days later via c-section at 4:50pm. My husband David was with me when she was born, but my mom And in-laws where at the hospital with us.

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

I couldn’t believe how alert she was! As soon as the nurse put Jenna on my chest We Locke’s eyes and it was the most incredible feeling ever. She was her safely and she was wide awake and looked right at me.

What was your favorite part about our session together?

I loved how sweet Angie was with Jenna. She worked with whatever Jenna was willing to give her. She captured all of the sweetness of her newborn smirks and was so patient.

Do you have a favorite image from your session? Was there any favorite setups or props used?

My favorite image is the naked one that is focused on Jenna’s face. She was on the beanbag with a coral headband on. My favorite prop was the tiny wooden drawer.

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

We prepared by following Angie’s instructions, we absolutely loved our experience, because we had worked with Angie before we weren’t nervous or worried at all. We just love how all of the images turned out!

What would be your advice to someone getting newborn photographs taken?

Do it! After getting our photos done, I think it was so worth the price! We’ll cherish these images forever!

Now, enjoy some favorites from Jenna’s session!