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Vanessa MONTANO

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lifestyle newborn | Hospital fresh 48

The Bay Area Newborn Photography Experience

Welcoming your baby into the world is tender, emotional, and fleeting. Those first quiet days — the tiny fingers, the sleepy stretches, the way they fit perfectly in your arms — deserve to be preserved with intention.

As a Bay Area newborn photographer serving Brentwood, Livermore, Danville, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, and surrounding East Bay cities, I specialize in relaxed, in-home lifestyle newborn sessions designed to feel calm and natural.

My signature style focuses on light-filled imagery, soft neutral tones, and genuine connection — creating photographs that blend beautifully with your home while highlighting your baby’s natural beauty. No heavy props. No stiff posing. Just your family, exactly as you are.

Most sessions take place in your home, where everyone feels comfortable and unhurried. I guide you gently through the entire experience — from preparation to posing to capturing those tiny yawns and stretches — so you can simply be present.

Newborn sessions are best reserved during pregnancy to ensure availability during those first 1–3 weeks after birth.

A BABY IS PROOF THAT LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT DOES EXIST.

1. say hello

It starts with a simple message. Tell me your due date, whether this is your first baby or your fourth, and what this season of life feels like for you right now.

We’ll choose a tentative session date based on your due date, then adjust once baby arrives. I only book a limited number of newborn sessions each month to ensure flexibility for early or late arrivals.

From the very beginning, my goal is simple: to make this feel easy.

You don’t need:
– A perfect nursery
– A spotless home
– A baby who “sleeps through everything”

You just need to show up.

2. get on my calendar

Once you're ready, we’ll officially reserve your session with a signed agreement and retainer. This secures your spot on my calendar around your due date — with built-in flexibility in case baby arrives early or late.

After booking, you’ll receive a detailed welcome guide that walks you through everything: what to wear, how to prepare your home (hint: it doesn’t need to be perfect), and exactly what to expect.

We’ll also plan styling together so your images feel cohesive, timeless, and beautifully you.

From this point forward, you can relax — I’ll handle the rest.

I intentionally accept a limited number of newborn sessions each month to ensure every family receives a calm, unrushed experience.

3. planning

Now the fun begins — and you don’t have to plan it alone.

Most newborn sessions take place in your home, where everything feels familiar and comfortable. I’ll guide you in selecting rooms with the best natural light (typically the nursery, primary bedroom, and living room). No perfectly styled nursery required — soft light and connection matter most.

Before your session, we’ll finalize:

• Location (in-home lifestyle or hospital Fresh 48)
• Wardrobe styling for the whole family
• Meaningful details you’d love captured

I’ll bring a small collection of neutral wraps and swaddles that photograph beautifully in any space, while keeping the focus on your baby and your connection as a family.

For Fresh 48 sessions, you’ll simply notify me once baby arrives, and we’ll schedule within the first 24–48 hours.

Everything is designed to feel simple, calm, and natural.

4. Your Session

his is the day you simply get to be present.

Your session is calm, baby-led, and gently guided. We’ll begin with relaxed family portraits and then move naturally through a series of simple prompts that encourage connection — cuddling on the bed, rocking near a window, tiny fingers wrapped around yours.

There is no rush. Newborn sessions typically last 60–90 minutes, allowing time for feeding, soothing, and breaks as needed. Your baby sets the pace.

I’ll guide you every step of the way so you never feel unsure of what to do. Most parents are surprised by how easy and relaxed the experience feels.

You don’t need to perform — just love on your baby. I’ll take care of the rest.

5. your photographs

Within three weeks, you’ll receive a beautifully curated online gallery filled with the moments that mattered most — the tiny details, the quiet in-between expressions, and the connection that makes your family yours.

From there, you’ll select the collection that best fits your home and your story. Many families choose to preserve their images through heirloom albums and fine-art prints designed to live on your walls, not just your screen.

These early days pass quickly. Your photographs become the way you return to them.

The Bay Area Newborn Photography Process

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Investment Details

Newborn photography collections begin at $550.

Each session is designed to feel calm, guided, and effortless during your baby’s first precious weeks. From planning to delivery, every detail is handled with care so you can focus on what matters most — your growing family.

Click below to explore full pricing details and choose the collection that fits your vision and your home.

Pricing

"We had the best experience with Vanessa and our photos came out really good. She also was so good with our son who was also instantly smitten with Vanessa. Vanessa was also very responsive, recommended good locations and we got our photos on time. I would highly recommend Vanessa."

Sarah

Client Testimonials


"We had such a wonderful experience taking our newborn photos with Vanessa! She put us instantly at ease and it was such a special, meaningful experience for us. The pictures were beautiful and her turnaround was so quick even though I know she's still very busy with wedding season! We can't wait to work with Vanessa more as our family grows!"

Katie

Client Testimonials


"We used Vanessa for our maternity and newborn photos and couldn’t be happier with the experience. We both felt instantly comfortable with Vanessa and she made sure to capture a variety of poses. I love that she captures the newborn photos in the home so we could get a more natural experience. The photos all turned out beautiful. Highly recommend!"

Mellissa

Client Testimonials


"We’ve had the absolute best experience working with Vanessa for our maternity, newborn, and family photos. She is incredibly talented and has such a natural way of making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. She captured the most beautiful, timeless photos that we will treasure forever. From the tiniest newborn details to the joy of our growing family, her eye for moments is truly outstanding. We couldn’t recommend her more highly to anyone looking for a photographer who is both professional and genuinely passionate about her work."

Kristina

Client Testimonials


"Vanessa does amazing work. She arrived at our home and brought some props with her and made our session feel so comfortable and easy! I will definitely recommend her for family photos and newborn photos!"

Michelle

Client Testimonials


"We had the best experience with Vanessa and our photos came out really good. She also was so good with our senior dog who was also instantly smitten with Vanessa. Vanessa was also very responsive, recommended good locations and we got our photos on time. I would highly recommend Vanessa."

Ashley

Client Testimonials


"We had the best experience with Vanessa and our photos came out really good. She also was so good with our senior dog who was also instantly smitten with Vanessa. Vanessa was also very responsive, recommended good locations and we got our photos on time. I would highly recommend Vanessa."

Kiley

Client Testimonials


"Vanessa is an incredible photographer. She took our family portraits for us this year. She had so much patience with my children allowing them to get comfortable & laugh on their own terms. She showed up early & recommended a beautiful location where the sunset provided perfect lighting for the photo shoot! I can't say enough good things about her & how talented she is. We loved all the photos & still have trouble choosing which ones to frame! She truly captured our family & each unique personality in the photos, they were so much fun to look through & we will cherish them always! Thanks so much Vanessa!!"

Stephanie

Client Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I reach out to schedule my bay area newborn session?

A: The ideal time to book your Bay Area newborn photography session is between 13–27 weeks of pregnancy. This allows us to reserve space around your due date and plan ahead.

Most in-home newborn sessions take place within the first 1–2 weeks after birth, when babies are still extra sleepy and curled up. Fresh 48 hospital sessions are scheduled once baby arrives, typically within the first 24–48 hours.

Booking early ensures availability on my calendar.

Q: what is a bay area newborn lifestyle session?

A: A lifestyle newborn session is relaxed and natural, focused on capturing genuine connection at home — cuddles, tiny stretches, quiet feedings, and the soft in-between moments.

I specialize in in-home lifestyle newborn photography because it celebrates real life and raw emotion. These images reflect your family as you truly are — warm, connected, and authentic.

Q: What’s the difference between a Fresh 48 hospital session and an in-home newborn session?

A: A Fresh 48 session takes place in your hospital room within the first 24–48 hours after birth. It captures the brand-new details — hospital bracelets, first introductions, and those early emotional moments — with minimal posing.

An in-home newborn session takes place during the first few weeks at home. These sessions focus on relaxed family portraits and lifestyle storytelling using natural light and a calm, baby-led approach.

I offer both Fresh 48 and in-home newborn photography throughout the Bay Area.

Q: how should i prep for my bay area newborn session?

A: You don’t need a perfectly styled nursery.

After booking, you’ll receive a preparation guide covering what to wear, how to prepare your space, and how to help siblings feel comfortable. Most sessions simply require tidy areas near windows with good natural light.

My goal is for you to feel relaxed and confident — I’ll guide you through everything.

Q: do you offer newborn props?

A: My style focuses primarily on connection rather than elaborate setups. I bring a small collection of neutral swaddles and simple wraps that photograph beautifully in any home.

If you have meaningful keepsakes, heirloom blankets, or special outfits, you’re welcome to include them.

Q: when will i receive my images?

A: our online gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks of your session. From there, you’ll select your digital collection and can choose heirloom albums or fine-art prints to preserve your images for years to come.

Many families find me while searching for a Brentwood newborn photographer or Livermore newborn photographer, depending on where they’re located. I serve families throughout Brentwood, Livermore, Danville, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, and across the East Bay.

I also offer Fresh 48 hospital newborn photography for families who want those first hours documented right after birth — capturing tiny details, emotional introductions, and the beginning of your story.

Many families choose to pair a Fresh 48 session with an in-home lifestyle newborn session once they return home, creating a complete, beautiful record of both the hospital and homecoming experience.

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I respond within 48 hours with gentle help with dates, pricing, and planning.

Currently booking 2026–2027 weddings & newborns in Northern California!




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