When and Where do newborn sessions take place?

All newborn sessions are performed at my studio, located on 4295 Harris Hill Rd in Buffalo, New York. Newborn sessions typically take place before babies are 2 weeks old. The most ideal time is between 5-10 days after birth. All sessions take place in the morning, when baby is still relatively sleepy.

What happens if my baby is older than the recommended 5-10 days old?
There are many factors that may have gone into why a baby might not be seen in my studio until after they are 2 weeks old. I am here to tell you, you let me worry about that. Don’t worry about it or think your baby is “too old”. During you phone consultation we will discuss the specifics of what your session will entail. Having a “older newborn” has never been an issue for me!

How long does a newborn photoshoot take?
Newborn sessions often run long due to the nature and frequent nurturing of the infant, expect 2.5-3 hours. The baby runs the whole show when it concerns time. I do not rush the session, I let baby take as many breaks as needed. Baby’s comfort and safety is my number one priority.

Can I bring a family heirloom or something for baby?
Yes! I encourage my clients to bring a little something to incorporate in the session to make it more “them”. Whether you’re a huge sports buff, military member, or a special knit from a loved one, I will do my best to include this in the photos.

Can I bring siblings/grandparents?
Absolutely! I HIGHLY recommend that if siblings are coming to the shoot that you
1) have them ready so we can do the photos at the beginning of the shoot.
2) if siblings plan on staying the whole time, that you bring snacks and something to occupy them since it will be a long photoshoot.

Last but not least, the super important question i get is “What should we wear?”
This is a whole blog post in itself. Which I conveniently placed for you to read here! But to make a long story short. Keep it simple. Don’t over think it.

Having a newborn is crazy enough. Your photoshoot to capture this once in a lifetime moment

The post What to know about doing a newborn session with Amy Doak photography appeared first on Amy Doak Photography | Buffalo Newborn + Maternity + Baby + Family Photographer.

If you’re pregnant and trying to decide whether or not to book a maternity session, let this be your sign.

This season of life is fleeting, powerful, and unlike anything else—and it deserves to be remembered in a way that feels just as meaningful as it is. Whether you’re doing this for yourself, your baby, or your family, a maternity photoshoot is something you will never regret.

Here are 5 reasons why you should absolutely say yes to it:

1) To feel beautiful

Swollen feet, double chins, constantly needing to pee… glamorous, right?

Pregnancy isn’t always the most comfortable season—but that doesn’t take away from the fact that your body is doing something truly incredible. You are literally creating life.

A maternity session gives you the chance to pause and feel that.

Hair and makeup services can be requested for your session, allowing you to be pampered and fully taken care of—giving you a moment to just breathe and feel your absolute best.

And the experience doesn’t stop there—our studio offers a complimentary Client Closet filled with custom gowns, elevated looks, and carefully selected jewelry so you feel completely styled and confident without the stress of figuring it all out yourself. Every piece is thoughtfully curated to photograph beautifully and flatter your body during this season.

Even if you choose to do your own glam, I promise you this: the second you step in front of my camera, something shifts.

You’ll feel confident. Radiant. Powerful.

And yes—consider me your personal hype woman the entire time.

2) To remember this incredible journey

Every motherhood story looks different.

In my years as a maternity photographer, I’ve heard it all—IVF journeys, surrogacy, unexpected miracles, long-awaited prayers. No matter how your story began, it brought you here.

And that deserves to be honored.

Pregnancy isn’t always easy. It can be emotional, overwhelming, and sometimes even uncertain. But it is also one of the most transformative seasons of your life.

That’s why I always recommend scheduling your session between 30–34 weeks—when your belly is beautifully full and you’re close enough to the finish line to truly reflect on everything it took to get here.

This session becomes more than just photos.
It becomes a celebration of your strength, your story, and your transition into motherhood.

3) To capture the legacy you’re creating

What is a legacy?

As Lin-Manuel Miranda said in Hamilton,
“Legacy is planting seeds in a garden you never get to see grow.”

This season you’re in right now?
This is where it begins.

Your maternity photos are the first chapter of your child’s story. These are the images they’ll look back on one day and see how deeply they were loved before they were even here.

It’s not just about documenting a baby bump—it’s about preserving the beginning of your family’s legacy.

These portraits become heirlooms. Pieces of your story that will live on far beyond this moment.

4) Because this moment is fleeting

It may feel like pregnancy lasts forever when you’re in it—but one day, you’ll look back and realize just how fast it went.

The kicks. The anticipation. The quiet moments of wondering who your baby will be.

All of it changes in an instant once they arrive.

A maternity session freezes this exact moment in time—before everything shifts. It gives you something tangible to hold onto when this season becomes a memory.

Because one day, you’ll miss this version of you too.

5) Because you deserve to be celebrated

So much of pregnancy is focused on preparing for baby.

The nursery. The registry. The appointments.

But this? This is about you.

Your strength. Your body. Your transformation.

A maternity session is your chance to step into an experience that is fully designed around you—where you don’t have to think, plan, or stress. You just show up, and I guide you through every step.

We’ll play music. You’ll dress up. You’ll be taken care of.
And you’ll walk away not only with beautiful images—but with a feeling you didn’t even realize you needed.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about booking a maternity session, let me gently remind you:

You don’t need to feel “ready.”
You don’t need to feel “perfect.”

You just need to be here—in this moment.

Because this chapter of your life deserves to be captured, celebrated, and turned into something you can hold onto forever.

 Where captured moments become masterpieces.

The post 5 reasons to do a maternity photoshoot! appeared first on Amy Doak Photography | Buffalo Newborn + Maternity + Baby + Family Photographer.

“What’s the difference between a mini newborn session and a full deluxe newborn session?”

To better serve families and meet different needs, I now offer both Mini Wrapped Newborn Sessions and Deluxe Newborn Sessions. Each experience is thoughtfully designed—but they offer very different approaches depending on what you’re looking for.

What is a Mini Wrapped Newborn Session?

A mini newborn wrapped session is a shorter, baby-focused experience designed to keep things simple, calm, and efficient.

During these sessions, your baby remains wrapped the entire time. This helps them feel secure—similar to the womb—which often allows for a smoother, more settled session.

What to expect:

• 45–60 minute session
• Baby is fully wrapped for comfort
• 2–3 softly styled setups
• Minimal posing transitions
• A select number of digital images included
• Option to add parent or sibling images

These sessions are perfect for families who want beautiful, timeless images of their baby without a longer time commitment.

What is a Deluxe Newborn Session?

A deluxe newborn session is a fully customized, luxury experience that allows for more variety, connection, and storytelling.

These sessions are completely baby-led and unhurried, giving us time to capture a wide range of images—from wrapped poses to unwrapped, natural newborn details, as well as family moments.

What to expect:

• Up to 2–3 hour session
• Wrapped and unwrapped posing
• Multiple setups and styling variations
• Parent, sibling, and family images included
• Full access to props, textures, and styling
• Images and artwork selected after your session

This experience is ideal for families who want a more complete gallery that captures both baby and connection within the family.

Why I Started Offering Both Options

Over the years, I’ve worked with so many families—all with different needs, schedules, and visions.

Some parents want a quick, simple session to capture those early newborn days without committing to a longer experience. Others want a fully guided, in-depth session that includes the entire family and a variety of looks.

By offering both options, I’m able to:

• Give families more flexibility
• Create an experience that fits your lifestyle and comfort level
• Ensure every client receives something meaningful and aligned with their vision

No matter which session you choose, the goal remains the same:
to create timeless, natural images that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Which Newborn Session is Right for You?

If you’re looking for something:

• Simple
• Baby-focused
• Shorter in length

→ A Mini Wrapped Session may be the perfect fit.

If you’re wanting:

• Family images
• More variety and styling
• A relaxed, full experience

→ A Deluxe Newborn Session is likely the best choice.

A Final Note

There’s no “right” or “wrong” option—only what feels best for your family.

Whether you choose a mini newborn session or a full deluxe experience, your session will be thoughtfully guided, beautifully styled, and centered around your baby’s comfort.

Ready to book your newborn session?

If you’re expecting and looking for a newborn photographer in Buffalo, NY, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels effortless and truly meaningful.

The post Mini Wrapped vs. Deluxe Newborn Sessions: Which One is Right for You? appeared first on Amy Doak Photography | Buffalo Newborn + Maternity + Baby + Family Photographer.

What’s Been Happening in These Last Four Years?

Over these past few years, I’ve had the joy of capturing beautiful memories for so many incredible families, documenting everything from tiny newborn details to glowing mothers-to-be. These sessions are what light me up, and every time I step behind the camera, I’m reminded of how grateful I am to do this work.

Personally, I’ve been balancing the demands of work, motherhood, and business ownership, all of which have influenced my growth as both a person and a photographer. This period of time has helped me refine my style and dig deeper into my creative vision. It’s also been a time of expansion as I’ve explored new ways to celebrate and empower women and families through my photography.

New Offerings to Celebrate You

One of the most exciting developments in my work is the addition of new types of portrait sessions, specifically Motherhood Sessions. As moms, so often the only time we get in front of the camera is during pregnancy or the occasional family photoshoot. I believe this has to change! Motherhood Sessions are designed to capture you in this moment of life, celebrating everything you are as a mom and as an individual. These sessions allow moms to be in the spotlight, capturing the beauty and strength of motherhood in a deeply personal and authentic way.

I’ve also been scaling my boudoir photography offerings, creating a dedicated space for women to express their confidence and embrace their unique beauty. Boudoir photography is a completely different genre from my maternity and newborn work, which is why I launched a separate website at amydoak.com. Here, I share my boudoir portfolio and offer a different kind of photography experience—one that is focused on self-celebration and empowerment. Feel free to check it out if you’re interested in learning more!

A Seamless Client Experience

Behind the scenes, I’ve been working tirelessly to make sure that every step of your journey with me is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. From booking to final image delivery, I’ve left no stone unturned to ensure that each session is thoughtfully crafted and truly reflects who you are. This effort to enhance the client experience has been a priority for me, and I’m so excited to see it come to life for you.

What to Expect From the Blog Moving Forward

Reconnecting through this blog feels like the start of something special! This space will be a mix of storytelling, tips, inspiration, and a closer look at what goes into capturing your most precious moments. Here’s a preview of what you can expect:

• Session Highlights: I’ll share some of my favorite recent sessions, celebrating the beauty, strength, and individuality of each family and woman I’ve had the honor of photographing.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Ever wondered how we capture those gentle newborn poses or the radiance of a maternity shoot? I’ll give you a glimpse into my process, from prop selection to lighting techniques.
• Preparation Tips: Preparing for a session can feel overwhelming, so I’m here to make the experience as smooth as possible. I’ll share advice on everything from wardrobe to mindset, ensuring you feel relaxed and ready.
• Celebrating Family, Motherhood, and Individuality: Each story is unique, and every photo has a story behind it. I’ll be sharing stories that celebrate families, moms, and all the beautiful moments in between.

Thank you so much for being here, whether you’ve been with me for years, recently booked a session, or are simply stopping by out of curiosity. Your support means the world, and I’m grateful to have the chance to reconnect with you in a new way. Here’s to new beginnings, celebrated moments, and the beautiful journey ahead—let’s make these memories together, one post at a time.

With heartfelt thanks,
Amy

The post Back to Blogging: Four Years Later! appeared first on Amy Doak Photography | Buffalo Newborn + Maternity + Baby + Family Photographer.

Outdoor photo sessions are really popular these days and with winter fast-approaching, I’m booking up fast, so let’s schedule your consultation. While nature is a part of the scenery, when outdoors you want clothing that isn’t going to blend in with your surroundings.  You want your clothing to stand out.  

Something else you’ll want to know is that it’s okay to mix and match with others who are in the session.  You don’t have to match exactly. Coordinate, but stand out with your own style.

Here are a few things to consider.

Spring and Summer Photo Sessions:

For Summer you can pretty much choose any color to wear.  Keep in mind that you will be outside, where things are bloomed and there is a lot of green happening.  This may be where you consider not wearing green as you might blend in with the scenery, if your have your photo session outside.

Thing to keep in mind

Dress for the heat and humidity.  You don’t want sweat rings and stains on your clothing.  Consider light clothing. If you’re nervous about your little one making a mess on their outfit on they way to the photoshoot, I suggest either packing a backup OR switching them into the outfit once you have arrived to the photoshoot location.

Footwear

Footwear is also important during the seasons.  Adorable sandals and sometimes even barefoot can work.  If you’re session is at the beach, dont even worry about shoes! Chances are we will leave them in the sand and won’t even bother to pick them up until we are all done with the session.

Accessories

They are fun for this season as well.  From adorable hats to jewelry, the list is nearly endless. Check out my pinterest board on exactly this subject matter!

Fall and Winter months: 

Start with a basic color and go from there.  You don’t have to match, it just has to go together.

Accessories are great for these seasons as well.  Boots, hats, scarves, and the list goes on here.

Colors are great during this time of the year.  You have bright and vibrant colors to work with which is awesome!

Layers are wonderful to work with.  Jackets, vests, you name it! Not only can you work with different styles in layers, you also can work with different colors too.

Consider Colors:

If coordinating colors, choose a main color.  You’ll then want accenting colors.  

In the end,

No matter what your clothing option will be, the most important thing to remember is to keep unique to you and your style. Comfort and style will make your photoshoot even more thing to enjoy. That comfort that you have in your clothing selection will translate onto camera. Comfort and style will make your photoshoot even more thing to enjoy. And if all else fails and you’re still feeling weary about your selection, please always know you can reach out to me prior to your photoshoot and I would be more than happy to help you with your selection.

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Our Cake-smash sessions include a beautifully hand-crafted cake, custom-selected décor to match your desired theme, a mini-family session, and a 3-part cake-smash/bubble-cleanup session.

Time of day

• Cake smashes should be planned for the time of day when baby is the happiest. Only you will know when that tends to be. The studio will coordinate with you on when this time of day works best for your little one and family.

Decor and Theme

• Let us know what type of décor and solid
  background color you’d like. It can take several weeks for specific colors if
  we don’t already have them in stock.

• It is great to incorporate some decorations from
  the first birthday party (such as a crafty banner). We have discovered that
  most of our clients follow the “less is more” philosophy.

Outfits

• Most babies simply wear a diaper cover (like bloomers), a tutu or cloth diaper for the cake smash. Some parents prefer to do the cake smash with the baby fully clothed instead of in a diaper, and this is totally fine with us. Just be aware that the clothing worn during the shoot MAY potentially be ruined by the icing coloring (trust me I found out the hard way). 
  
• My client closet does entail some cute outfits for baby girls. For boys, I do have an array of suspenders and bowties in the studio that can be used for the cake smash. I highly suggest searching amazon or Etsy for a more customized set.

• Please bring a clean change of clothes that baby can go home in after the cake smash session.

How to get get messy

• Let your baby have cake at least 2 times in the weeks leading up to the cake smash session. This way they will be familiar with cake enough to move past the exploration phase and they can get excited about it like the rest of us! I like to suggest getting a cupcake and letting your little one get familiar with the texture and taste of something as sweet as a cake. Or even whipped cream or some frosting is a great way to help your little one get used to having something sticky on their hands.

Alternatives to cake

• If cake isn’t your littles one’s thing, you can also get really creative with this milestone.  Donuts, tacos, etc. Anything that your little would enjoy eating or getting messy with! It’s more about them experience of them getting into their smashing vs what they are actually smashing.  Don’t limit your ideas to just cake! Take a look at my Pinterest Board for some awesome cake smash alternatives!

Outdoor vs Indoor

We can have the cake smash outdoors if you really want to! Outdoor cake smashes are a great way to take advantage of the beautiful summers that we have here in Buffalo and to maximize those golden hour vibes.

However, there are many things to consider about the possibility of an outdoor cake smash: The session must be scheduled according to the best natural lighting (usually around sunset), which may not coincide with your baby’s naptime. So planning naptimes are essential! We also have to take account for the weather on that day and having a rain check date is a must. Outdoor cake smashes have minimal props! With all the gorgeous scenery of the outdoors, props are mostly unnecessary. The bathtub splash session is still performed afterwards, with everything being toted in my giant rolling wagon

A few additional tips

• Have a few dry snacks and some water on-hand in case your baby gets thirsty. Cake smashing is hard work!

• Keep a spoon handy within arms-reach in case we need to give your baby a little “help” smashing into the cake.

• Bring a small plastic toy (that can easily be cleaned) handy to give your baby to grab their attention and keep them entertained.

• Make a playlist ready to go on your phone that your baby loves to jam out to! This will help with making your little one feel like they’re having fun and forget that the camera is even there!

A cake smash session can be best described as a beautiful fun mess! If you’re interested in a cake-smash photoshoot with your little one, let’s talk! I’m also happy to share my Pinterest page that has a lot of well-thought-out “pins” on the subject. Check them out below!

I hope you found some of these tips and tricks useful to make the most success out of your cake smash session! I hope to share this day with you! To find out more information on how to book a milestone cake smash session, please contact our studio today!

Happy Cake Smashing!

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Also, this a fake bump FYI. 

1) Utilize your spouse or kids!!! My husband and my 8 year old took these shots. If you want them in the shot, get a tripod that has a remote. Amazon makes great ones for phones if you don’t have an actual camera. 

2) Be picky with your time if you can. Golden hour (an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset) is the BEST. But work with what ya got.

3) Practice posing in front of a mirror so when you get the camera out, you already know what to pose to nail. 

4) If you gotta use your phone, try using the back camera. It’s better quality.

 
5) Edit your photo. YouTube has some great tutorials on how to edit in Lightroom mobile (an app for your phone) and you can even get presets for Lightroom mobile from places like Etsy. I edit all my personal photos with Lightroom mobile. Bc the coloring straight on from your phone is horrible.

 
6) If you don’t wanna go outside, find the room where you have the most amount of light. Turn on some music and just feel yourself and just shoot away. Make sure to work those angles. 

7) Posing- sideways angle: leg closest to the camera is popped out. Think of that leg standing on your toes to give you a nice curve. Straight on: shift your hip to one side. Create separation between your waist and arms. Gives the illusion of curves. 

8) Throw on some makeup/ lashes. Again plenty of tutorials on YouTube on how to do a simple look. Also I will be posting a simple makeup look that will take you less than 10 mins to do and you probably already own most of it in your house! Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! 

9 ) All these gowns are from my client closet. Shop from your closet! Find something that accentuates your bump and flatters you’re shape. We all have curves, just know how to accent them!

10 ) If you haven’t checked out my Facebook, I recently did a live that talked about posing for your maternity photos and some other tips for your DIY maternity photos. And remember your body is a walking miracle. It is 1 of 1. Limited edition. One of a kind. Embrace it! Just have fun!

The post 10 Tips for Outdoor Maternity Photos appeared first on Amy Doak Photography | Buffalo Newborn + Maternity + Baby + Family Photographer.

Whether you’re picking outfits for your annual Christmas card (I know, I know, too early right?), have a new addition to the family, or you just want updated photos, you’ll want everyone looking their best. 

When we sit down to decide what attire works best for your session, remember that it doesn’t need to be difficult! Focusing on a cohesive overall look and dressing in outfits will maintain a timeless look. 

I love Summer/Fall because we finally get some good weather (and sunshine)! It allows us to get outside and show off the beautiful are we live in.

Pastel colors work well in the Summer and into Fall as well as winter-white and blue hues. Other trendy ideas may include floral or striped patterns whether it on your clothing or accessories. For the ladies, dresses and skirts are popular and nice shorts or khakis are great for the gentlemen.

Statement jewelry or accessories are a great way to feature your favorite florals. 

Cheerful colors will make your photos “pop.”

If you have young children, bows are an adorable accessory and also functional to keep hair out of eyes! 

A few of my favorite color schemes this year are:

Blush and Teal

Blush and White/Winter-White

Light Blue, Tan and White

Navy, Yellow and White

So what are you waiting for? Book your first consultation with me to discover what type of session works best for you and/or your family. I look forward to seeing you! 

The post Planning Your Next Photoshoot appeared first on Amy Doak Photography | Buffalo Newborn + Maternity + Baby + Family Photographer.

As with many things: location, location, location! Location is one of the most important aspects of portrait photography and moving outside of the controlled environment of the studio can be tricky but FUN if we do it right. I’ll be sure to bring all of the proper props and lighting (unless you have props you want to incorporate, we can chat about that in your consulting session). It’s up to you on what wardrobes you’d like to wear – but I always offer a wardrobe consultation with my portrait photography clients. As always, we can chat poses and decide on the most suitable poses. 

An outdoor shoot is SO FUN because it’s unique and offers elements that a studio can’t! 

Choose a Meaningful Place – This can be great for obvious reasons, but you’ll want to capture your personalities with your location, so choosing a location that holds a special place in your hearts is important. Also incorporating props that relate to your hobby and interests will create a more rich experience. 

Natural Lighting – Even though it’s nice to be able to control the light, the best photos are taken in natural light! When choosing an outdoor location, it’s important to choose a brightly lit location with diffused, natural light. Timing can be vital to an outdoor shoot – avoiding direct midday sun can help avoid shadows. Early morning or early evening shoots are usually best as the sun isn’t as strong. 

Nearby Shelter – Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate and that’s okay (who said a rainy photoshoot can’t be fun?), but in case the weather tries to spoil our fun, it’s important to have a sheltered backup plan. 

Choose Somewhere Quiet – Crowded and busy places can pose problems if you’re waiting for people to move out of the frame or if you get anxious with others watching the shoot. Local parks, trails off the beaten track or moving just a few hundred yards away might even solve the issue. 

No Distractions – Location is important, but not more important than YOU! We will be sure to keep the focus on you (and your family) during our photoshoot. 

Choosing the perfect portrait location takes time and energy, but it will be worth it – I promise! If you are open to suggestions, I am happy to offer them. We will tell a story with your photos and capture the essence of you (and your family)! 

The post 5-Tips on Finding the Perfect Portrait Location appeared first on Amy Doak Photography | Buffalo Newborn + Maternity + Baby + Family Photographer.

Whether we’re indoors or outdoors, there are tips to getting foolproof photos that will focus on your baby bump, but keep things interesting! Amy understands the difference between a decent photo and a stunning photo. As always, she’ll give you direction and make you feel comfortable, but if you want to practice before your photoshoot or plainly be more confident, keep reading! 

Of course this list isn’t all-inclusive, but we did our best to showcase the most important tips that you can put to use when you book with Amy Doak Photography.

A bit of confidence, paired with Amy’s expertise is a sure-fire way to create BEAUTIFUL and unforgettable memories with Amy for your growing family. 

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