San Francisco Newborn & Maternity Photography

 

My name is Marcela Limon. I am an award-winning photographer and owner of Lemonshoots, a newborn and maternity photography studio serving the San Francisco Bay area. My passion is capturing the fleeting and magical moments inherent in the last trimester of pregnancy and the first two weeks of newborn life - including other milestone events along the way.

I do this in my beautiful and comfortable Alameda-based studio, where I serve clients from San Francisco and around the Bay Area, including:

  • Alameda

  • Oakland

  • Marin County

  • Walnut Creek

  • San Jose

  • Santa Cruz

  • And other CA locations

As a certified maternity and newborn photographer, my work allows time to stand still for clients and their future generations, yielding works of art families treasure for a lifetime. 

Marcela Limon, San Francisco Newborn and Maternity Photographer
 

Celebrate the Beauty of Pregnancy with a Maternity Session

Maternity sessions offer the chance for women to experience the powerful, beautiful, and sensual experience of pregnancy in a pampered and luxurious way. The most impactful photos are taken during Weeks 28 to 32 when that gorgeous bump is prominent - but early enough that we don't lose the opportunity to capture it on film.

 
 

Don't Wait to Book Your Session

Newborn and maternity photographers with the greatest talent and best online reviews have full appointment books, so we recommend booking your sessions at the beginning of your second trimester. We'll begin with a phone consultation, allowing you to ask questions and determine if we're a good match.

Then, we'll schedule an initial design consultation where we get to know one another better. There, you'll have a chance to peruse the Lemonshoots portfolio for inspiration.

The resulting photographs should reflect who you are, tell your story, and illuminate the subjects' personalities - so every detail matters - from your personal style, home decor, and lifestyle to how you envision enjoying your new portraits. Then we'll book the date for your session. 

Your spouse, partner, and other loved ones (including beloved pets!) are welcome to share the stage for some of the shots - or keep you company while you enjoy goddess-esque moments in the spotlight.

Marcela Limon in her San Francisco Bay Area Studio
 
 
Lemonshoots office with sample artwork on the wall

Our Comfortable Studio Has Everything You Need

Maternity sessions take about an hour and include everything an expecting mama could want:

  • Professional stylist to do your hair and makeup.

  • Access to an incredible maternity gown collection in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles.

  • Unlimited shots.

  • Refreshing drinks and snacks (Please let us know if there's something special you need).

Once we close the session, we'll schedule a date for the exciting Ordering Appointment.

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Focus On Your Favorite Shots

We'll meet one more time for your Ordering Appointment. Watching how much joy each photograph creates for my clients as they select the best images for their gallery is always a delight. I'm happy to make suggestions for art pieces according to what we previously discussed at the Design Consultation. 

 
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Newborn Sessions: Stunning Portraits Using Safety-First Practices

Parents understandably spend a tremendous amount of time staring in awe at their newborn, wishing these moments would never end. We make that happen with classic, timeless artistic portraits that you'll cherish long after your baby no longer fits in your arms.

Together, we'll capture the energetic essence of your newborn daughter or son as close as possible to their birth.

 
 
newborn baby with stuffed toy mouse

Schedule At Least 4 to 5 Months Ahead of Time

The unmatched feeling inspired by a photo of your newborn's teensy-weensy form is impossible to capture once they've evolved from newborn to bonafide baby. This is why the optimal window for a newborn photo session is between Day 5 and Day 14.

The best newborn photographers are difficult to book if you wait too late to schedule a session, so we recommend contacting us at the beginning of your second trimester. 

During your Design Consultation, we'll discuss the types of poses, props, and themes you're interested in. You'll be able to tour my studio and look at the various costumes and props available for your session.

Once we have an idea of your goals and work out the details, we'll hold a window around your due date - and set out intentions for a safe, healthy, full-term pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

 
 
 

Babies (& Parents) Thrive in the Lemonshoots Studio

Just as our studio is designed to create a goddess-like experience for maternity sessions, babies and their families love the warmth, comfort, and relaxed atmosphere during newborn and family photography sessions.

During your session:

  • Mama and participating loved ones take advantage of our hair and makeup station, where they're made to look their best.

  • You'll have access to unlimited shots and poses.

  • Babies are entirely cared for via warm, soft blankets, dimmable light options, a fully-stocked changing station, and lots of access to feeding/nursing and comfort sessions.

  • People often comment that they learned a thing or two about how to comfort their babies after observing our baby-whispering expertise.

  • Refreshing foods and snacks, so everyone is happily occupied (including siblings). 

These studio sessions are as fun as they are special. They create lasting memories - and gorgeous works of art - you'll enjoy for years and decades to come.

The final artwork and digital images (in color and black and white options) are made available to you for purchase at a subsequent ordering appointment.

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Cute smiling baby in a beret

Safety Should Always Be the #1 Priority

We can't emphasize enough the importance of hiring a newborn photographer who holds your infant's safety as their top priority. Digital innovations and photo editing software mean we can capture incredible pictures of your baby without ever causing discomfort or risking their well-being. 

As a Certified Maternity and newborn photographer (APNPI), I take safety very seriously; it is always in focus, no matter what visual outcome I strive to achieve. In addition to completing APNPI's Safety Course, I've apprenticed under some of the most renowned newborn photographers in the world and also hold current certifications for Infant CPR & First Aid.

Newborn and baby photographers who follow industry safety standards ensure that:

  • Your baby's head and body are always completely supported.

  • Airways are always clear (no tucked heads or twisted necks).

  • The baby is never dangling, suspended, or cramped

  • There is zero risk of irritation or harm from outfits or props.

 

Plan Ahead For A Complete Bump to Baby Package

If you're new to Lemonshoots, we recommend registering for our Bump to Baby package. This is the best value and includes a combination of sessions, based on whether your first session commences as a maternity or newborn session, with the ability to build session packages from there.

 
Pregnant woman smiling in a glamorous photo shoot

Bump to Baby

Most maternity session clients choose the Bump to Baby package, which includes both the maternity and newborn photo sessions. We say these packages harness twice the fun and twice the love!

Don't forget that anyone you love is welcome to join the session, so it's not uncommon to take images of a couple or with the introduction of the third generation - adding your parents to the mix. The Bump to Baby package yields heartwarming pictures that tell the full story of your new baby’s life. It's the best way to capture two very special moments!

young toddler crawling

The Baby Plan Includes Our Exclusive Milestone Package

This special package is only available to my newborn session clients and their families.  The Baby Plan allows clients to book two future sessions that honor the Baby Milestones of your choice. Some of the most common "milestones" include the six month mark and the first birthday.

Sessions take place in our studio location and include:

  • Unlimited access to props and outfits.

  • One-hour of unlimited shots.

  • The same refreshments and comforts available at your previous appointments.

  • Honor the energy of the moment while translating it into a single image.

  • A follow up Ordering Appointment where you can select your favorites.

Our Baby Plan is the best way to highlight the key moments in your baby's journey, before they become a full-fledged-child.

 
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Schedule Your Maternity & Newborn Sessions With Lemonshoots

As a newborn and maternity photographer working in the San Francisco Bay area, my goal is to pamper you, make it a unique experience you’ll never forget, and create visual treasures you'll cherish forever.

Contact Lemonshoots using our online message form, or call us directly at (510) 747-9019 to schedule your design consultation. I can't wait to create magic with you, your baby, and those you love the most.