Buffalo, New York
Buffalo maternity & newborn photographer
I’m Shelanise. Bump sessions in the last of the evening light, then a gentle newborn morning at home a few weeks later — the same warm, unhurried photographs, from waiting to holding. Sessions run across Buffalo, Rochester and Utica.
Request your date→Growing families
Maternity sessions
While you’re still waiting
- Best timing
- Most bump sessions land between 28 and 34 weeks, while movement is still easy.
- Where we shoot
- Buffalo parks and waterfront at golden hour, or soft window light at home.
- What to wear
- We plan two looks together — flowing fabric first, something simple second.
- Partners & siblings
- Bring them. Some of the best frames are the ones nobody posed for.
Newborn sessions
The first two weeks
- Best timing
- The first 5 to 14 days, when newborns sleep deepest and curl naturally.
- Where we shoot
- In your home, so feeding, changing and warmth are never a problem.
- Pace
- Baby leads. We take breaks for feeding and settling as long as it takes.
- Included
- Solo portraits, parent and sibling frames, plus quiet detail shots of hands and feet.
Booking both together is the easiest way to do it — we hold a bump date and pencil in a newborn week around your due date, then confirm once baby arrives.
Good to know
Maternity & newborn questions
Where are you located?
I'm based in Western New York and shoot across upstate — Buffalo, Rochester, Utica and everywhere in between.
Do you travel?
Yes. For sessions outside my usual radius, travel amenities like gas and tolls are covered by the client.
How far in advance should I book?
At least 2–4 months in advance, depending on the type of shoot. Weddings and larger events fill up first.
How long until I receive my gallery?
Roughly two weeks, depending on how many images you purchased.
Do you help with posing?
Absolutely. We'll work with whatever you're comfortable with — and I'll gently push the boundaries to get the best shot possible.
What should I wear?
We'll talk through outfits, colors and layers together during your planning call.
What's your cancellation & rescheduling policy?
A non-refundable 25% retainer holds your date and goes toward your total. You may move your session once for free, as long as you let me know at least 7 days ahead and a new date is available. If you reschedule with less than 7 days' notice — or need to move the date a second time — a new 25% retainer is required. If you cancel, the retainer is not returned. Bad weather is the exception: outdoor sessions are always rescheduled at no cost.
Still wondering about something? Send it over in the booking form and I'll answer personally.
Book a maternity or newborn session