I'm Svetlana, a professional San Diego newborn photographer. I specialize in maternity, newborn, and family photography. I am proud to be selected as one of the best San Diego newborn photographers and San Diego maternity photographers for the last few years. I am an award-winning and internationally featured fine art photographer, known for my beautiful posing techniques, use of shadows, color harmony, and soft and dreamy editing style.
Although I am primarily self-taught, I’ve mentored with the best newborn photographers from around the world to make sure I offer the best experience for my little clients. It took me 13+ years of practice photographing hundreds of newborns to hone
and perfect this skill and to find my true style. I have a very efficient workflow and always work with an assistant. As a highly experienced team, we can deal even with a fussy baby and provide amazing newborn pictures for you to treasure for years
to come. Our clients often call us baby whisperers and comment how amazing it was to watch us working with their newborn babies and creating stunning art in front of their eyes.
As a mom of two handsome boys, I know how fast time flies. The newborn stage with those first sleepless nights will be a blur, but these photos will capture all those precious little details that you want to remember. Your baby’s peachy chubby cheeks,
wrinkly little hands and feet, fuzzy little ears, and rosy baby lips will all be photographed in the best way possible using some of the most beautiful props, luxurious textures, and outfits created with love specifically for newborn photography.
My goal is for you to create family keepsakes that your family will enjoy and share with generations to come. Artwork includes beautiful fine art albums and books, heirloom prints & museum-quality gallery-wrapped canvases, metal prints, and handmade
wooden blocks. Everything is custom-designed and made just for you, your family, and your home. These are your forever memories and I feel honored that you are considering me to be your newborn photographer in San Diego. I promise I will love and
take care of your baby as my own.
I have been a professional photographer in San Diego for over 20 years, photographing families, engagements, weddings, and portraits for San Diego families. I was primarily a wedding photographer for many years until my brides started having babies.
For the last 13 years, I have exclusively specialized in maternity and newborn photography and photographed over 1,000 newborns. With all my knowledge, skills, perfectionism, and love for people, you can rest assured I will guide you through the whole
process and provide you with the most beautiful pictures of you and your baby, that will make your friends jealous! :)
I love planning newborn sessions! It's so much fun to come up with creative ideas and plan out the perfect session for each San Diego family. The first thing I ask my clients when we are planning a newborn session is, "What color is the nursery?" I have so many backdrops in my newborn photography studio in San Diego that I can match almost anything you have in your home! I provide all the props and outfits and can create custom setups just for your newborn shoots in San Diego. You don't have to bring anything, just your baby!
Pregnancy is the most magical moment in a woman's life because you are developing a new human being!
Your body is beautiful and powerful. It created a new life inside of you and feeling the movement of your baby is the best feeling in the world. A maternity photo session allows you to look back and remember this special moment with your family for
the rest of your life. As a San Diego maternity photographer I love capturing the joy of anticipating the arrival of your newborn baby, as well
as the gorgeous glow that all expectant mothers radiate.
Let’s celebrate that special moment in your life with gorgeous maternity pictures that will bring that memory alive for you for years to come. I want you to feel comfortable and beautiful during your maternity session which will result in stunning
maternity portraits that you will be proud to share with your friends and family. I encourage you to bring your spouse and older kids to the maternity photoshoot for some fun and memorable maternity pictures.
As a San Diego newborn photographer, I feel so lucky to call this place home. We are spoiled with warm weather and can do newborn outdoor photo sessions almost year-round. I just love our beautiful San Diego outdoors with endless background options.
As you might already know, newborns settle best when they're very warm. This means that if you decide to go with an outdoor newborn photography session, your newborn will be wrapped or dressed in a warm stylized outfit unless it's hot outside, then
we can squeeze in some cute naked baby pictures. A heater and a pop-tent are used to keep the baby warm and cozy and protected from direct sunlight. Outdoor newborn photography in San Diego is always dependent on the weather and what’s blooming in
the area. As a result, each session is unique due to the location, time of day, and preferred style. Outdoor sessions tend to be more vibrant, and colorful and feature natural elements, greenery, and flowers. If you prefer neutral colors such as white,
cream, and gray, you would need to go with a studio session where setups are designed to match your nursery and home décor. If you can not decide which session is best for you and want to have the best of both worlds, you can go with a combo package,
that comes with a 1.5 hour studio newborn session and a 1.5 hour outdoor newborn session. I tend to do both sessions on the same day, with the studio newborn session scheduled in the morning and an outdoor newborn session in the afternoon, about 2
hours before sunset for the most beautiful golden hour lighting.
If you are interested in booking a newborn session in San Diego and not sure if you want it to be done in the studio or outdoors, I offer both options. There is a huge collection of props available in the studio including various baskets, swings, little beds, and hammocks. I carefully selected the best handmade newborn outfits, hats, and delicate headbands. With a degree in engineering and fashion design, I love to make my own props and outfits which allows me to create one-of-a-kind newborn pictures. My goal is to make your newborn photo shoot stress stress-free experience. My clients always comment on how amazing it was to watch me do my magic, safely posing their babies in very cute and comfortable poses and using my numerous baby soothing techniques. There is a comfortable sitting area in the studio where parents can feed their babies and even take a nap while I and my assistant work our magic photographing newborns. A regular session is about 3 hours. It usually allows for plenty of time for posing, feeding, diaper changes, and soothing the baby. Multiple babies and sessions with siblings or pets usually require more time. Clients can extend their sessions if needed. I always encourage bringing grandparents to your San Diego newborn photography session whenever possible, as it allows us to create priceless three or four-generation pictures that become family heirlooms.
As a bird owner and all-animal lover myself, I am always so excited when I get a chance to photograph newborn babies with their furry siblings. I understand how important those pictures are for dog owners. They want to capture this special moment in time when their little families just expanded and they welcomed a new baby into their wolf pack :). Their cute little puppies or kitties have been promoted to older brothers or sisters and become the best babysitters ever. This is just the beginning of their lifelong friendship and I am honored to capture those sweet first look and first sniff :) pictures! I photographed a lot of dogs, big and small, friendly and shy. I love them all. Please don't hesitate to mention if you want to bring your well-trained dog to your newborn photo shoot and take a look at my extensive online portfolio of San Diego dog photography. There is a story behind each picture I create and I remember all those little details. I love it when my clients bring their precious furry babies to my pet-friendly studio.
I love seeing my client’s families grow. It’s the best compliment to me when my clients return to my studio with their second and third babies. Family portraits are the most important part of my newborn sessions. I always encourage moms to get in front
of the camera holding their fresh new baby even though they might not feel their best after delivering a baby. They usually thank me later when they see their gorgeous family portraits.
Some poses come naturally, but other times you might need a little help. I will make sure that you are in the best position and with the best lighting for your body type. Looking good in your photographs is partly about feeling comfortable. I will
do my best to make sure everyone being photographed feels relaxed and confident.
As a San Diego newborn photographer I work with the most talented makeup artists and hairstylists in the area to make sure you look your best for your first family portraits.
When booking a newborn photo session you pay a session fee starting from $250. The session fee does not include any pictures. Prints, products, and digital images have to be purchased separately. There is a $600 minimum order required in addition to the session fee. You can decide on the final package when you see your pictures at your ordering appointment. On average clients spend $1000-$3000+
"Choosing a San Diego newborn photographer can be extremely overwhelming and Svetlana was the best decision we've made when planning for the arrival of our little princess. If you are looking for a fantastic photographer, stop looking, you've found her! I booked her when I was near my due date and knew she was the right choice after reviewing her websites (Yelp, Instagram, Google, and Facebook). Svetlana was very accommodating and responsive to my messages on Instagram and Yelp. She has a beautiful studio in her home in San Diego with a breathtaking set-up and just a ton of wonderful props, backdrops, blankets, etc. to use. Svetlana and her assistant were very patient and soothing with our newborn. I had absolutely no idea how the shoots were going to go and was worried my baby wouldn't cooperate, but I was totally wrong as she is truly a baby whisperer! I can't say enough about Svetlana and her assistant. We are so happy that we found ABL Photography while scouring the internet for San Diego newborn photographers. If you are hesitating - don't! I did plenty of research and am so glad I found Svetlana!! I highly recommend her for newborn photos. I cannot wait to see the finished product, but I am confident they will be stunning. Tips: - Book her in advance. - Show up on time (I know this is hard with a newborn, but this will allow maximum time for the session to go smoothly). - If you have something in mind let her know ahead of time to save time. We have received our pictures and the end result was excellent. We got many compliments already on our daughter's pictures. A newborn session is indeed an investment, but working with Svetlana and receiving such a high-end product makes it well worth it. If you are looking for a maternity or newborn photographer Svetlana is the best San Diego newborn photographer, she knows what she is doing! "
"Trusting someone with my newborn and maternity photos is not something I take lightly. One of my friends recommended Svetlana and she exceeded my expectations in every aspect. She is so fun to work with and puts me at ease through each shoot. She handled my fussy newborn with such care and ease for her photo session which really reflected in the photos.
The entire experience working with her was seamless. She was extremely flexible, considering that we did not know exactly when the baby would be born.
And finally, the quality of the photos was EXCELLENT. We loved her classic, elegant style. She is the best San Diego newborn photographer. We are so happy with the final product and will recommend her to all our friends!"
"I spent quite some time searching for a San Diego newborn photographer while pregnant with my second son. I was absolutely captivated by ABL Photography's portfolio. Given how stunning her work is, I assumed it would be out of our price range. I reached out to Svetlana and was shocked at how reasonable the pricing is for such a high-end product. We immediately booked with her and I was thrilled with the entire experience.
She was prompt to respond at all times. For our newborn shoot, she provided great details on how to prepare for the best shots possible. Upon arrival at the studio she has a large selection of both boy and girl newborn outfits, each one more adorable than the next, it looks like an Etsy showroom. Many were handcrafted by her assistant, they were so adorable it was hard to choose. She and her assistant are true masters of their craft, she has an eye for detail that cannot be matched. She and her assistant positioned my son perfectly. They are a dynamic duo with a talent that is beyond words. I was thrilled with the end result, my photos look like they belong in a magazine. I would highly recommend booking a photo shoot with ABL Photography. Do this early as she books up quickly. We now have priceless photos of our little guy we will cherish for years to come."
"I found Svetlana through Yelp and immediately fell in love with her work. We did a package deal for maternity + newborn photoshoots. I'm so pleased with how the pictures turned out for both shoots. The photos capture once-in-a-lifetime moments. Honestly, I'm not only in awe but in shock that she was able to capture such beautiful pictures considering how difficult my toddler was being during both shoots! Looking through the pictures, you would've never known he was cranky most of the time. Svetlana was very patient with us and had great direction. She was very quick to capture the fleeting moments when my son was sweet.
My mother and mother-in-law were able to see the pictures and could not stop raving about how beautiful they turned out. The only complaint was that I should have used her for my firstborn also!
It's true that you get what you pay for, and these pictures were worth every penny. I could not be any happier."
"This review is for newborn photos (although she does maternity and newborn!)
After searching extensively online for the perfect San Diego newborn photographer - I am 110% pleased to say I am SO HAPPY we went with ABL Photography! Svetlana and her assistant are the best! If you're looking for a photographer, look no further. ABL's in-home studio is awesome! She has every prop you can think of... and the clothes? Oh my, they're SUPER cute!
She isn't an award-winning photographer for nothing! She (and her assistant) are absolute professionals!
PRE-PHOTO OP COMMUNICATION.
- I reached out to her via email (as listed on their website) and she responded the same day (so awesome!)
- She mentioned the newborn session fee and what it entailed (3-hour in-studio photo session using the props she has available)
- She also sent the price list (which is also on her website)
- You don't have to commit to purchasing anything when you pay for your session fee. You can decide on the package you want when you see your pictures.
IN-STUDIO EXPERIENCE.
We arrived on time for our appointment and the 3 hours went by so quickly! Svetlana and her assistant were amazing! My husband and I are new parents, and a baby being 12 days old - we were still getting the hang of things (.. we still are!)
- She'll ask what poses you like/want to do - so do your homework on her website prior to in case there's one you really love. She has more that she'll show you in her studio, but again, if there's one you really love - save it on your phone and show it to her when you arrive.
- She has everything set up (lighting, white noise, etc) to help your little one be as comfortable as possible.
- Once you choose your poses, you'll get to choose the clothing as well. There are so many cute outfits to choose from - all made by her (talented) assistant! If I could purchase them, I would! They're all so cozy and comfy.
- There's a sofa for you to relax, so once she and her assistant get started, you're welcome to either watch or take a nap. My husband got a short nap before our family pics.
She highly recommends taking pics when babies are 5-14 days old - and only takes a limited amount of clients each month. So if you're interested, reach out to her right away. I reached out to her when I was 7 months pregnant and so happy I did! I didn't have to worry about whether she was fully booked/committed during our due date.
Tip - you're getting professional photos, so expect to spend some $$$. You get what you pay for. Svetlana's work is priceless!"
"There are literally not enough good words to describe Svetlana. Her portfolio is exquisite and after some research, I knew that I wanted to go with ABL photography for my kids' photoshoot. Her professionalism is off the chart - prompt with responses, super creative, easy to work with, and not to mention the unique ability to interact with children and really bring out their character and capture those spontaneous, goofy moments that we will look back on with such fondness for years to come. Svetlana is patient, knowledgeable, attentive to details, thrives for perfection, and at the same time is relaxed and so easy and comfortable to work with - an essential characteristic for both parents and children. My girls were smiling within minutes of entering her studio and as a result, the images turned out so natural and alive, I honestly can't take my eyes off them. Her props collection is so impressive-she has something for any taste. Svetlana was very helpful throughout the whole process, helped with picking the outfits, and was quick to share my images! I honestly can't recommend her enough!"
Lindsay J.
"Svetlana is the most professional newborn photographer in San Diego area! My Father is a retired photographer. I sent him a list of 10+ local San Diego newborn photographers, all of which were raved about in local Facebook groups. He said one of
those many were okay but he found Svetlana on an Association site. My husband, who also has an eye for art said there’s no question we’re going with her. And, wow, are we glad we did!
She took us to a park for the maternity shoot. We were rushed only to catch the good sunlight - oh she did! I’m obsessed with waterfalls and she went above and beyond to find a great spot.
Days after our son was born we went to her studio. Which I believe is the downstairs of her home but it was so nice and comfortable. As first-time parents we didn’t realize our poor little guy was so fussy because he was hungry. Although I was trying
to breastfeed it wasn’t working out so she gave us a small bottle of formula and he was happy as a clam. She even burped him and taught us how! The shoot went great. She has so many props. We told her my husband is a Car Guy and she found the perfect
kid-size car to sit our LO on."
Welcoming a newborn into the family is an unforgettable and precious moment. It is a time when we experience a sense of joy and happiness that is impossible to describe in words. A newborn brings with them a bundle of love and an undeniable feeling of connectedness within the family. One way to capture this special moment is by scheduling a professional newborn photo shoot. Not only does it preserve the memories, but it also has a profound impact on the child's self-esteem and feeling of being an important part of the family.
Newborn photography is an art form that requires great skill and experience. Professional newborn photographers in San Diego have the expertise and knowledge to capture those fleeting moments of a newborn's early days. They have the necessary tools to create beautiful and timeless baby photos that will be cherished for a lifetime. Additionally, a professional photographer can create a safe and comfortable environment in the newborn studio for the baby during the photoshoot, which ensures that the baby is happy and content throughout the process.
One of the primary benefits of scheduling a professional newborn photo shoot is the ability to hang those pictures on the walls of your home. Seeing those precious moments captured on camera every day has a significant impact on the child's self-esteem. When a child sees themselves on the walls of their home, it gives them a sense of importance and worth. It tells them that they are loved and that they are an essential part of the family.
Hanging baby pictures on the walls also fosters a feeling of connectedness within the family. It reminds everyone of the love and joy that the child has brought into their lives. Additionally, it helps to create a sense of family history, where the child can look back at their baby pictures and see how much they have grown and changed over the years. This sense of history and connection is crucial for a child's emotional well-being and helps to develop a strong sense of identity.
Furthermore, hanging newborn baby photos on the walls of the home helps to create a warm and inviting environment. It adds a personal touch to the home and reminds guests and visitors of the love and warmth that the family shares. It creates a feeling of comfort and belonging that is essential for both children and adults.
When choosing a San Diego newborn photographer, look for someone who specializes in newborn photography and has experience handling infants. Check their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision. It's also important to consider their safety practices and reputation within the community.
The world of newborn photography offers a multitude of creative and adorable poses that capture the innocence and beauty of newborns. While individual preferences may vary, here are some of the most popular newborn poses frequently requested in newborn photography:
The "Tushie-up" Pose. This is my absolute favorite pose! Babies tend to LOVE this pose and they look so adorable like this! The Tushie-up shows off their little face and size perfectly and that foot that peeks out below their tushie?
Isn’t it the cutest?! The tushie-up pose allows the newborn photographer to capture the baby in a natural way, and from different angles, too!
The "Cradled" Pose. This classic pose involves the baby lying on its back, cradled in the arms of the parent or a prop such as a basket or nest. It showcases the baby's tiny features and creates a sense of warmth and security.
The "Taco" Pose. In this pose, the baby is gently curled up into a fetal position, resembling a little taco. It highlights the baby's flexibility and captures their natural inclination to curl up, reminiscent of their time in the
womb.
The "Froggy" Pose. This pose mimics a frog-like position, with the baby's hands
placed near their face, and their legs bent at the knees. It requires careful handling and is often achieved by combining multiple images during post-processing for safety reasons. Not all San Diego newborn photographers can do this pose.
The "Facing Forward or Chin on Hands" Pose. This versatile pose captures the baby lying on their tummy, often with their hands delicately placed near their face or under their chin. It showcases the baby's facial expressions and features.
The "Hammock" Pose. There is something magical about a picture of a baby in a hammock. This prop helps to
pose the baby in a curled-up position with one leg dangling and the little footsie showing under the baby's tushie. How cute is that? Handcrafted with intricate knots and delicate patterns, the hammock provides a soothing cocoon for babies to relax
and sleep. The gentle sway of the hammock mimics the motion babies experience in the womb, creating a tranquil atmosphere that promotes relaxation and serenity.
The "Sibling Bond" Pose. Including older siblings in newborn photography, sessions creates heartwarming moments. Siblings can be captured cradling
the newborn, kissing their forehead, or gently interacting with them, showcasing the special bond between siblings.
The "Prop Poses". Props such as baskets, buckets, crates, or soft blankets can be used to pose the baby in various
adorable positions. These props add visual interest and provide a cozy and secure environment for the newborn.
The "Parent Involvement" Pose. Involving parents in the photoshoot is a popular trend. Parents can hold their baby, cradle them in their arms, or gently
kiss their forehead, capturing the love and connection between parent and child.
The "Wide Awake" Pose. While many newborns sleep during photoshoots, capturing them awake can create unique and engaging images. These photos often showcase the baby's alertness and curiosity as they explore their surroundings.
The "Potato Sack" Pose. Babies are photographed beautifully wrapped
in soft and stretchy wraps. Most of the newborn babies love being swaddled. So, it's usually the photographer's go-to pose when dealing with a fussy baby. Once wrapped newborns usually relax and fall asleep. It's no surprise the Potato Sack Pose is
a newborn photographer's favorite pose because it's the easiest pose for babies and photographers, they both LOVE it. Haha! :)
The "Hanging Pose". It's the absolute opposite of the easy Potato Pose! The hanging pose is very
challenging and time-consuming. It requires the help of an assistant and very extensive post-production work. Also, it solely depends on the baby's temperament and sleepiness.
It's important to note that baby safety and comfort should always be the top priority during photography sessions. Experienced San Diego newborn photographers take necessary precautions, use support aids, and practice composite techniques when required
to ensure the baby's well-being in any posed position.
Looking for a newborn photographer in San Diego, CA? Svetlana Aleynikova is a professional San Diego newborn photographer specializing in posed newborn photography and fine art maternity photography. She photographs babies in her cozy home studio located in Carmel Valley, San Diego, CA, and offers outdoor baby sessions throughout all of San Diego County.
As an award-winning San Diego newborn photographer, I specialize in fine art newborn photography. I usually photograph newborn babies in my cozy home-based studio conveniently located in the Torrey Highlands/Carmel Valley area. It’s an easy up to
30-minute drive from all over San Diego county including:
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(858)780-2889
mail@ablphotography.com Working Hours: Mon,Tue,Wed, Thu,Fri,Sat 10 AM–9 PM |
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