Contact Us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right. 

4201 Hamilton Ave
San Jose, CA, 95130
United States

Bay Area Newborn, Maternity, Family Photographer, serving San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Menlo Park, Santa Clara

BLOG

Filtering by Tag: palo alto baby session

Palo Alto Newborn Photographer | Cherishing Baby’s First Days in the Bay Area

Ozlem Bal Herdem

Palo Alto Newborn Photographer | Cherishing Baby’s First Days in the Bay Area

Welcoming a newborn into the world is one of the most beautiful and emotional milestones in life. As a Palo Alto newborn photographer, I specialize in capturing these fleeting moments with soft, natural, and timeless images that celebrate your growing family.

Whether you're searching for a newborn photographer in Palo Alto or nearby Bay Area cities like Menlo Park, Los Altos, or Mountain View, I offer both cozy in-home lifestyle sessions and beautifully styled studio newborn photography in West San Jose — just a short drive from downtown Palo Alto.

📸 Why Hire a Professional Newborn Photographer in Palo Alto?

Newborns change rapidly in the first few weeks, so preserving their tiny features and sleepy cuddles is something families treasure forever. With professional photography, you’ll have:

Artistic portraits that reflect your baby’s unique personality

Carefully styled setups using natural tones and soft textures

Safe, baby-led posing in a calming environment

As an experienced Bay Area newborn photographer, I ensure every detail — from lighting to props — is handled with care so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

🏠 In-Home Newborn Photography in Palo Alto

Many Palo Alto families love the comfort of staying home during those early weeks. In-home lifestyle sessions:

Focus on candid, cozy moments in your own space

Highlight your nursery, your family’s connection, and quiet snuggles

Are perfect for siblings and pets who feel more relaxed at home

You don’t need a “perfect” home — just natural light and love. I’ll bring wraps, bonnets, and everything else we need.

🛋️ Studio Newborn Photography Near Palo Alto

If you prefer a styled experience, my West San Jose studio is designed specifically for newborns and families. With carefully curated props, backdrops, and lighting, I create:

Wrapped and posed newborn portraits

Family shots with artistic direction

Clean, minimalist, and soft-toned galleries that feel timeless

Clients from Palo Alto often make the short drive to the studio to enjoy this experience, knowing every detail is handled for them.

📅 When to Schedule Your Newborn Session

Newborns are best photographed between 7–20 days old, when they’re sleepy and naturally curled. I recommend booking your session during your second trimester to secure your spot — then we’ll finalize your session date once your baby arrives.

Whether you're looking for in-home photography or prefer a professional studio, I’ll walk you through everything so your session feels easy and special.

💫 Let’s Capture Your Palo Alto Newborn Story

Every baby’s story is unique — and it deserves to be documented with care, creativity, and love. As a newborn photographer in Palo Alto, I would be honored to help preserve these first precious moments for your family.

View my newborn portfolio or contact me to start planning your session.

Palo Alto, CA Newborn Photographer | Bay Area Newborn Photographer

Tags: Bay Area Newborn Photography, Bay Area Newborn Photographer, San Jose Newborn Photography, Palo Alto Newborn Photographer, Newborn Photographers, Newborn Photography Near Me, Newborn Family Photos, Newborn Photo Shoot, Newborn Photography Bay Area, Baby Photoshoot, Newborn Photographer Near Me, Newborn photographer San Jose, Newborn photography Palo Alto, Newborn photography San Mateo.

Palo Alto, CA Newborn Photographer | Bay Area Newborn Photography

Ozlem Bal Herdem

Palo Alto Newborn Photographer | Bay Area Newborn Photography

If you're looking for a newborn photographer near Palo Alto, you're in the right place. Today, I’m sharing highlights from a beautiful in-studio session with a sweet 10-day-old baby girl — and why newborn photography is so meaningful in the earliest days of life.

As a Bay Area newborn photographer, I specialize in creating timeless, simple portraits that focus on the purity and softness of your baby. With families traveling from Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, and surrounding areas, I aim to make each session peaceful, safe, and memorable.

The Best Time for Newborn Photos

Newborn sessions are ideally scheduled when your baby is between 7–14 days old. This is when they’re the sleepiest, snuggliest, and easiest to gently pose in those womb-like curled-up positions. Babies change so quickly in those early weeks — it’s a magical time to preserve their tiniest details.

We photograph newborns in a quiet, cozy space with soft natural lighting, gentle wraps, and a calming flow that allows plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing. Whether you’re local to Palo Alto or anywhere in the Bay Area, the experience is designed to be stress-free.

Natural, Minimalist Newborn Portraits

My style is soft, neutral, and baby-led. I love working with natural colors, timeless wraps, and simple backgrounds that highlight your baby’s features without overwhelming the scene. I believe less is more — no flashy props or distracting accessories, just warm, heartfelt portraits that feel personal and pure.

Each baby is unique, and I take time to get to know you and understand what matters most to your family. We plan your color preferences and styling ahead of time to create a session that reflects your vision.

Why Parents in Palo Alto Trust My Studio

Working with newborns requires patience, experience, and a deep understanding of how to keep babies calm, safe, and comfortable. I’ve worked with hundreds of families in Palo Alto, San Jose, Los Altos, Menlo Park, and Sunnyvale — and many of them return for milestone and family sessions as their babies grow.

My studio in West San Jose is a short drive from Palo Alto and offers a fully stocked setup, including wraps, headbands, bonnets, and client wardrobe options for moms. You just bring your baby — I’ll take care of the rest.

Ready to Plan Your Newborn Session?

Whether you're in Palo Alto or anywhere in the South Bay, I’d love to help you preserve your baby’s first days in a way that’s peaceful, professional, and truly timeless.

View my newborn portfolio or Contact me to inquire about availability.

Bay Area Cake Smash Photographer | 1st Birthday Photoshoot | Cake Smah Photography | Palo Alto | Menlo Park

Ozlem Bal Herdem

Bay Area Cake Smash Photographer | 1st Birthday Photoshoot | Cake Smah Photography | Palo Alto | Menlo Park

Boho Style Cake Smash Session: Capturing Your Little One's First Birthday Memories

As a Bay Area cake smash photographer, I'm always excited to capture the magic and joy of a child's first birthday and there's nothing quite like a boho-inspired cake smash session to truly showcase the unique personality of your little one. In this blog post, I'll take you through the process of planning and executing a boho style cake smash photoshoot, and offer some tips for making the most of this special moment in your child's life.

What is a Cake Smash Session?

A cake smash session is a fun and playful photo shoot that celebrates a child's first birthday. The idea is simple: your little one gets to dive into a cake and make a mess, while a professional photographer captures all the laughter and excitement. The result is a series of adorable, candid photos that you'll treasure for years to come.

Why Choose a Boho Style Cake Smash Session?

Boho style is all about embracing individuality, freedom, and creativity. It's a relaxed, earthy aesthetic that is perfect for capturing the playful spirit of your little one. Whether you opt for soft, muted colors, or bold and bright patterns, a boho style cake smash session is the perfect way to showcase your child's unique personality.

How to Plan a Boho Style Cake Smash Session

Planning a boho style cake smash session starts with choosing the right photographer. As a Bay Area cake smash photographer, I have the experience and expertise to create a truly unique and memorable photoshoot for your little one.

Once you've found the right photographer, it's time to start planning the details. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Pick the Right Outfit

When it comes to your child's outfit, the boho style is all about flowy, comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Think cotton or linen dresses, rompers, or overalls in earthy tones, like white, beige, or green. You can also add some fun accessories like flower crowns, headbands, or necklaces to add a pop of color and interest to the photos.

Decide on the Cake

The cake is the star of the show, so it's important to choose a design that fits the boho style. Look for cakes with earthy, organic details like flowers, natural elements like leaves or branches, and simple, rustic details. And remember, it's not just about the looks, the cake needs to be delicious too!

Set the Mood

The most important thing is your baby’s mood. It's important to prepare the baby for the session to make sure it's a positive experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips for getting your little one ready for their cake smash:

  1. Timing is key. Plan the session for a time when the baby is usually happy and content, such as after a nap or feeding.

  2. Keep it simple. Avoid dressing the baby in complicated outfits with buttons, snaps, or ties that could be frustrating to remove.

  3. Get them used to the texture. Before the session, let the baby play with some soft, squishy objects to help them get used to the texture of the cake.

  4. Introduce the cake. Show the baby the cake before the session starts to let them get familiar with it.

  5. Make it fun. During the session, play with the baby and encourage them to explore the cake. Offer encouraging words and lots of praise.

  6. Keep it clean. Bring extra clothes and a change of outfit for the baby, as things can get messy.

  7. Captivate their attention. Bring toys or other items that will keep the baby's attention during the shoot.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your baby's cake smash photo session is a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. With a little preparation, you'll have gorgeous photos to remember this special milestone for years to come.


BAY AREA CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHER

Bay Area Cake Smash Photographer, Cake Smash Photography, Cake Photoshoot, Birthday Photoshoot Cake, First Birthday Photo Shoot, Cake Smash Session Near Me, Cake Smash Photographer Near Me, San Francisco Bay Area Cake Smash Photographer, Cake Smash Photo Shoot, Cake Smash Photoshoot Near Me, Cake Smash Photos, 1st Birthday Photoshoot, Cake Smash Photographer, Cake Smash Pictures.