PhotographyWhitney O'Brien

Newborn Photographer Boston - Blog

I'm a newborn photographer Boston with a studio in Dedham, MA, obsessed with all things pregnancy, birth, and baby. Take a look around to get a feel for my work.

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07.04.24

What to wear for your family photo session

What to wear for your family photos - family of 4 with a baby and toddler boy cute outfits in a field

You booked family photos with me, and now you’re wondering–What to wear for your family photo session? I know it can be so overwhelming to choose everyone’s outfits, so I am here to help make your life easier!

06.25.24

The best family photos location in Boston: The Arnold Arboretum

Did you know that 95% of the outdoor photos you see on my website and social media were taken in the Arnold Arboretum? Aside from the fact that its a 5-10 minute drive from my house, there are so many reasons that I think the Arnold Arboretum is the best family photos location in Boston (and outdoor maternity photo sessions.) Here are somethings I look for in outdoor shooting locations and why I prefer the Arnold Arboretum for outdoor photos in Boston again and again.

06.18.24

What its really like to get professional newborn photos

Have you seen gorgeous newborn photography images and wondered, what actually goes on at a newborn session? How do the photographers get every detail so perfect? How does everyone choose what to wear? How do they get the baby to sleep? What does the studio really look like?

Watch this video with photos behind the scenes of one of my newborn photography sessions in my Boston, MA studio to get a feel for what your newborn session will be like.

06.11.24

Studio lifestyle newborn photography—how my style has changed

Newborn Photography Studio Lifestyle - mom laying with baby on a bed, kissing nose

Did you know I’ve been photographing babies and their families for over 10 years? Now I would call my newborn photography style something like, “studio lifestyle,” but my style has changed a lot over the years, and began in a very different place than I am now.

05.14.24

Boston family photos in studio

One of the best things about being a photographer with a commercial studio, is I have an awesome alternative location for family photos–my studio! Don’t want to worry about the weather? Looking to take family photos in the Winter? Not sure if your toddler will cooperate during a evening photoshoot? All of these are great reasons to do your family photos in my Boston studio, located conveniently in Dedham, MA. Its true that my studio is designed for newborn photo sessions, but its also a perfect location for family photos!

Here are all the reasons that this Boston family photographer loves doing family photos in my studio rather than outdoors.

Excited to meet this baby today for a newborn photo session in my studio, just outside of Boston!
#bostonnewbornphotographer #familyphotographer #maternityphotos

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If you`ve just started researching newborn photographers, you might be wondering, what does a typical studio newborn photoshoot look like? After 12 years of photographing babies and their families, I have this process down to make it as seamless and easy as possible for families. Check out my latest post on the blog to learn more!

https://whitneyobrien.com/studio-newborn-photoshoot-what-a-typical-session-looks-like/ (link in stories)

#bostonnewbornphotographer #bostonfamilyphotographer #bostonphotographer #newbornphotographer

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4 years ago today it was so nice out that we went to the hospital to deliver this perfect baby without our coats ☀️ Happy 4 Rory ❤️🥰❤️

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Wow this just took me way too long to create 🫣🫣🤣😅

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Including siblings in newborn photos sounds sweet in theory.

In reality? It often involves snacks, bribes, strong opinions, and at least one child who absolutely refuses pants.

And that’s… totally fine. 😅

The goal of sibling newborn photos isn’t perfect behavior or everyone smiling at the camera at the same time. It’s capturing real moments — curiosity, chaos, cuddles, and the very beginning of a lifelong relationship.

We keep things low-pressure:
• We start with sibling photos while attention spans still exist
• We don’t force hugs (ever)
• We take breaks (lots of them)
• We fully expect some wiggles, wandering, and craziness

Some of the best photos happen between the planned moments — when a toddler leans in unexpectedly, declares the baby “too loud,” or gives a quick kiss and runs away.

Your kids don’t need to cooperate. They just need to show up as themselves.

And honestly? That’s where the good stuff is.

Swipe through to see what sibling newborn photos really look like 🤍

#SiblingsInNewbornPhotos #BostonNewbornPhotographer #RealLifeFamilyPhotos #ToddlerChaos #NewbornLife InHomeNewbornPhotography FamilyPhotosWithoutStress

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One of the biggest worries parents have before an in-home newborn session is whether their house is “photo-ready.”

Here’s the truth: it doesn’t need to be 🤍

During an in-home newborn session, we use just a few light-filled spots—your bed, the nursery, a cozy corner of the living room, a window with beautiful natural light. Real spaces where life is actually happening right now.

No perfect décor.
No spotless counters.
No pressure to make your home look like a magazine.

These photos are about connection, comfort, and documenting this fleeting season exactly as it is. The places where you’re feeding your baby at 3am, rocking them to sleep, and slowly finding your rhythm together.

Your home already tells your family’s story. I’m just there to help you remember it.

✨ Read more about what spaces we use during in-home newborn sessions on the blog.

#newbornphotographer #bostonnewbornphotographer #motherhood #lifestylephotographer #inhomenewbornsession

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✨ 2025 in review + what’s ahead ✨

2025 felt like a year of momentum and gratitude.
After some slower behind-the-scenes work in 2024, this past year was my busiest ever — 116 families, including maternity, newborn, and family portraits. I am so grateful to each of you who trusted me with your memories 🤍

I was also deeply humbled to be named Favorite Family Photographer (South of Boston) by Community Kangaroo — thank you to everyone who voted. It means more than I can say.

Some of the things I loved most in 2025:
• Launching the First Year Collection (seeing families grow over time has been incredible)
• Adding more product options to help you enjoy your photos in your home
• Streamlining communication and booking so your experience feels smooth and supportive

Looking ahead, I’m excited about:
✨ Studio upgrades (hello snacks & coffee ☕️!)
✨ Expanded styling + fittings
✨ Giving more love to in-home newborn sessions
✨ Showing up more here on Instagram
✨ Monthly newsletters that are short, helpful, and worth your time

Thank you for being here, for supporting my small business, and for letting me do what I love. I can’t wait to make more memories with you in 2026 🤍

— Whitney 💫

#BostonFamilyPhotographer #YearInReview #NewYearReflections #BostonNewbornPhotography #BostonMaternityPhotographer PhotographyGoals SmallBusinessLife ClientLove StudioLife

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If you’re due in the winter or early spring in Boston, outdoor maternity photos aren’t always realistic—and that’s where my studio truly shines 🤍

My light-filled studio features huge windows, soft natural light, and intentional styling, making it the perfect location for elegant, timeless indoor maternity photos all winter long. No cold temps. No wind. No stress. Just a calm, beautiful space designed to celebrate this season of motherhood.

If you’ve been wondering whether indoor maternity photos can still feel warm, natural, and elevated—the answer is absolutely yes.

I just shared a full blog post explaining why winter maternity sessions in the studio are ideal (and what the experience is like from start to finish).

👉 Read the full post—link in bio

#BostonMaternityPhotographer #IndoorMaternityPhotos #WinterMaternityPhotos #BostonPregnancy #LuxuryMaternity BostonStudioPhotography ExpectingInBoston NaturalLightStudio

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2026 intention: take photos of my own kids with my real camera

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PhotographyWhitney O'Brien

Whitney O'Brien Photography

333 East street

Dedham, MA 02026

Let's connect

Boston newborn photographer with a luxury photography studio in Dedham, MA.

I specialize in natural, timeless portraits of motherhood, including maternity, newborn baby, and family photography sessions.

I serve Boston, MA neighborhoods such as Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Dorchester, and Hyde Park, as well as Dedham, Needham, Newton, Brookline, Westwood, Chestnut Hill, Arlington, Dover, Natick, Wellesley, Milton, Weston, Quincy, Norwood, Walpole and beyond.

To see my latest work and photos of my own kids, follow me on social media!