Name: Shanyn Nicole Photography
Address: 925 S Gilbert Rd Suite 207, Mesa, AZ, 85204, United States
Telephone: +1-480-231-9880
Price range: Call For Pricing

Scottsdale maternity pictures

I often get asked what my favorite genre of photography is; and without fail every time I’ll tell you it’s Scottsdale Maternity Pictures. It’s also the bulk of what my photography studio books. On average, I shoot 15-20 maternity sessions every month then I get to capture so many of their newborn photoshoots as well! Which is truly so much fun. Let’s take a look at this gorgeous editorial maternity photoshoot in my Scottsdale photography studio.

Edited with SMAL presets.

Scottsdale Maternity Portrait Studio

My studio has been open since 2018. In the last 8 years I’ve built quite the client closet. From beautiful fabrics, couture gowns, and sleek dresses. My client closet has it all. And if you want to go nude? Thats totally okay too. Your Scottsdale maternity pictures are custom to you!

The white chiffon tossing fabric is a great addition to your Scottsdale maternity pictures if you want to do a semi-nude look. This is great because you can still show the most important part – your baby bump – while keeping the rest private. And if you want to show more without fabric. We can do that too! I love capturing maternity pictures in a silhouette like the one you see below. This one is so great because it can show ALL of your curves but still keep things private for your Scottsdale maternity pictures.

Maternity client closet options

Now let’s get to the actual dresses themselves! This is one of the most popular maternity dresses we have in my studio. This is the only dress that I have in multiple sizes and colors! When planning your Scottsdale maternity pictures, you don’t have to worry about if we have this dress in your size. I promise we do!

Backdrops for maternity pictures

There are over 25 backdrop options in my studio for your Scottsdale maternity pictures. However, the two you see in this blog are the most popular.

This backdrop + lighting is so versatile and I love it for couples posing too.

If you’re expecting a baby – it’s time to start thinking about a maternity photoshoot! Most moms plan book their Scottsdale maternity pictures when they are 12-15 weeks pregnant. This gives you ample time to plan the maternity photoshoot of your dreams. To book a maternity photoshoot, just send us an email or head over and submit a contact form!

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Mini maternity session in Phoenix

Some moms dream of extravagant maternity sessions, some moms need something simple. Like a mini maternity session in Phoenix. If you’re looking for a short and sweet maternity photoshoot. You’ve come to the right place. Meet Breanne. She was wanting something to capture her pregnancy without fluffy gowns. I think we nailed it.

While my client closet offers over 10 different sizes and styles for jeans, Breanne brought her own favorite jeans and top for her mini maternity session. She borrowed the white flowy button down shirt from our client closet to polish the look!

If you want to learn more about my client closet – check this blog out What Is A Client Closet?

Images edited with smal presets

Studio Maternity Session in Phoenix

Breanne chose our white backdrop with curtains for her mini maternity session at my Phoenix photography studio. This is hands down one of my favorite backdrops! The crisp, clean look is so timeless. Specially when paired with this classic look!

Jeans are such a versatile look for a mini maternity session. Given that it is such a quick session, it’s important to pick items that are easy to change. Breanne also changed her top to a sweater for a cozy look. Changing one or two things during your maternity photoshoot can create such a different vibe. And I love that!

My studio is stocked with dozens of backdrop options. From this gorgeous white with the curtains, to the lifestyle room (which is seasonal), textured hand painted canvas. To even bold backdrops for an editorial maternity vibe. During the planning process, you’ll have the opportunity to select the backdrops that coordinate best for your home. And if you’re not sure what to pick for your mini maternity session – that is totally okay! So many people come in with no idea on what they want. You can leave all of that to me!

Couples posing for maternity photoshoot

When you book your mini maternity session, OF COURSE your husband can come! I have an amazing flow that will include him and provide a variety of images – without taking away from your moment. After all, he is half the reason we are here 😉

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Tempe cake smash photographer

Meet Zaki, his mom was searching for a Tempe cake smash photographer and came across my website. Thankfully, my mesa cake smash photography studio is only about 15 minutes away from Tempe – so it was perfect! Mom knew she wanted brother pictures, but wasn’t sure about family photos during her cake smash session at first. I know it’s a lot of work to get everyone ready for pictures; but as a Tempe cake smash photographer. I urge you to take the extra time, get yourself ready, and be in the photos with your babies. Mom went with a classic and simple matching jean look. This is something every family already owns! And if you’re unsure on what to wear for your family photos in studio, just ask. I have a huge client closet you can use.

During the portrait part of his session we also did brother pictures. And they’re SO so precious!

And it’s also important to me that siblings don’t feel left out during the session – so I love doing single solo shots of them too.

Custom cake smash photography in Tempe

Zaki’s mom came with a unique theme I had not had. The theme for the cake smash was ” Zakis ONE-derful picnic” which I thought was so cute! Zakis cake smash set was completely custom. I created the art, printed, and cut everything out to match his cake smash theme exactly.

Creating custom cake smash sets is so fun for me. I’ve been a Tempe cake smash photographer since 2011 and I’ve seen it all. When a client brings in a fun and new cake smash theme – it really brings so much joy to my day. Also, gingham is one of my favorite patterns to use right now for studio milestone sessions! Give me all the fun colors in gingham.

Zakis cake is by Amour De Sucre

During a cake smash session my goal is to capture your babies personality. Some babies are reserved, that was not the case with Zaki. As you can see here he was so much fun and had so much personality!

Cake smash sessions are best booked with 3-6 months advance notice. However, I know that isn’t always possible. If you’re planning your babies cake smash, reach out and let’s plan together!

Here are some other fun blogs about cake smash sessions

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Cake Smash Photographer in Scottsdale

If you’re looking for a cake smash photographer in Scottsdale or the surrounding areas. You’ve come to the right place. Not only do I capture cake smash sessions, I also am here to capture your Phoenix family photography sessions, milestone sessions, and more as your family grows. This sweet girls name is Naomi. I had the privilege of capturing her mom’s studio maternity photos last year. Now I get to be her cake smash photographer in Scottsdale!

Bowl from newborn nerds | shot on savage seamless super white paper | edited with smal presets | shot on canon R6 MKII with 28-70 lens at 2.0 | lit with two godox ad400pro

Naomis mom had her maternity photos shot on the same type of set. My all white room is one of my most popular rooms! After 15 years of being a cake smash photographer in Scottsdale, I have found exactly what I love and don’t love. This all white room is one I LOVE!

The best cake smash photographer in Arizona

As a mom, you want the best of the best for you baby. You’re looking for the best cake smash photographer in Scottsdale or Phoenix. Someone who can capture every detail of your baby as they are. Without the session being overly distracting and taking away from your baby. As a mom, I always have the same concern. Is this too overpowering? Am I taking away from the beauty of my child? My petite cake smash package is designed to do the opposite of that. The package is designed to highlight your babies currently milestones.

Every cake smash package includes the cutest developmental appropriate toys they get to play with. These wooden blocks are a great way to show your babies new motor skills! Watch as they crawl and walk to them and play. Simple portraits are also included with my petite cake smash package. These are two of my favorite shots. The side profile and the tiny little chair! I have both of these shots of my own daughter and I have them hung HUGE in our house.

Cake smash bakers

The portraits are not the only thing that matters. As a Cake Smash Photographer in Scottsdale, I am so happy to have one of the best bakers in the valley make my cake smash cakes. For the last 6 years I have used Amour De Sucre bakery in Tempe. Ashley and her team make not only the prettiest, but yummiest cakes around.

This gorgeous white vintage style cake was a perfect match for Naomi and her sweet spirit. A cake is always included with your cake smash package – and we can even make allergy friendly cakes!

Truth being told, not many babies actually eat their cake. Naomi though, she came ready to destroy her cake smash cake.

Many parents book their cake smash with their first year baby package. However, you can book your cake smash any time. My studio calendar is open 9 months in advance.

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Phoenix sunset senior photoshoot

Meet Grace, I recently got to do her Phoenix sunset senior photoshoot. Senior season is always one of my favorites. Truthfully, it’s almost always the season for senior photos in Phoenix. Some high school graduates choose to do their senior pictures as soon as they start their senior year. While some choose to do them in the spring right before they graduate. Some choose to do both! There is no right or wrong way to schedule your senior pictures.

Photos edited with SMAL

The prettiest locations for a Phoenix senior sunset photoshoot

When you’re planning your Phoenix sunset senior photoshoot, you have SO many options with locations. Arizona offers some supreme location choices with a huge variety of landscapes. The top location is desert. Truly, that is what Arizona does best. Cactus, mountains. The Arizona sunset for your senior pictures. It’s truly a magical place to be at sunset. And if you’re doing your senior photos in the fall, it may still be warm. Sunset time is the coolest time of day to capture your photos in the desert.

Grace and her mother went through my location guide and selected this gorgeous spot near the salt river. My location guide is an amazing tool you’ll receive during your booking process to help you pick a location. The location guide is filled with my favorite spots to shoot, details about the locations, pictures, and more. Grace’s mother raved about how easy it was to pick a location perfect for her daughter’s Phoenix sunset senior photoshoot.

What to wear for senior photos

There are truly no do’s or don’ts for this one. Your Phoenix sunset senior photoshoot is all about you. Your personality. Your traits. This is YOUR time to shine. That being said, there are always popular trends. Graces package included 2 outfits. For her senior pictures, she wore a blue and white floral dress as well as jeans and a white shirt.

White is a very popular color to wear for your girls for their senior photos! I love how Grace channeled that trend and still made it her own with the blue florals on her dress.

Grace also spiced it up a bit with this beautiful cowboy hat. The hat fit so well with her outfit and location. I encourage all seniors to bring a piece of them. Special jewelry, sports they love, or more.

If you’re looking to get your senior photoshoot scheduled, let’s talk about your vision! Send me an email and I’ll bring it to life.

Check out these other senior session blogs!

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Outside mini session in Phoenix
It’s October and you’re looking for an outside mini session in Phoenix. Well, look no further. You have found it. If you value quick sessions without sacrificing quality. You’re in the right place. Mini sessions in Phoenix are my jam. As a mother of 5, I know that children (of any age) have a super short attention span. My mini sessions are designed to deliver classic portraits while still giving bits of connection with some lifestyle posing. Today I am going to share a recent outside mini session in Phoenix I did at the riparian preserve. If you’re looking for a 1 hour family photoshoot in Phoenix, I offer those too!

Best desert location for outside mini sessions in Phoenix

When I am determining a location for mini sessions I think of a few key things. How easily walkable is this? Are there restrooms? How far of a drive is it? Is it safe? Pretty? There are about a million things for a photographer to consider when they plan an outside mini session in Phoenix. The location I am featuring today is one of my favorite spots that check all the boxes.
1. There is a restroom! This is a huge plus for families with small kids (and moms!) Some beautiful locations are smack-dab in the middle of no where. Which means no services.
2. The trail is SO easy and requires minimal walking. You can get out of your car and you’re right there.
3. It is family friendly. This location is well maintained and clean. A safe location is so important to me.
4. The cactus are BEAUTIFUL!
5. It has easy freeway access. When traveling with kids we all know the faster, the better.
The best poses for family photos

The best thing about mini sessions is that they are quick. The hardest thing about mini sessions can also be that they are quick. We have a short period of time to get all the shots. Here are my favorite poses for an Outside mini session in Phoenix for a family of 5 and how I get diversity in my posing. From one pose I end up with
1. The full family photo, looking at camera.
2. The full family, looking at each other.
3. Close ups of each child during that same pose.
4. Family walking while holding hands.
I never forget these other must have poses as well! I do the parent poses in the same spot with almost the same pose for each parent. This makes it easy and cohesive. I then do parent photos at the same spot.
1. Mom + kids (looking at the camera + looking at each other)
2. Dad + kids (looking at the camera + looking at each other)
3. Mom + Dad (looking at the camera + looking at each other + walking)
If you’re looking to book an outside or in studio family photoshoot, I’d love to chat with you.
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Phoenix Newborn Photoshoot ideas

If you’re looking for Phoenix newborn photoshoot ideas, look no further. After 15 years in the game, I have a lot up my sleeve when it comes to newborn photography sessions. From bold newborn color pallets, to refined neutrals, and everything in between. The best part about my ideas? I have everything in my Phoenix newborn photography studio to bring them to life.

The best colors for a Phoenix newborn photoshoot

This is a hot topic in the newborn photography world. Are whites only best? Colors best? A mixture of colors? What about textures? You will drive yourself crazy trying to decide the best colors. Lets talk about Phoenix Newborn Photoshoot ideas in terms of colors.

Photo edited with SMAL presets

White is hands down one of the most popular colors in newborn photography. It’s clean, it’s crisp. It’s timeless. You can coordinate it with everything. For baby Elizabeth, her mom wanted only whites and creams for her newborn photoshoot. You’ll find a variety of textures and shades in my client closet for your newborn photoshoot. The base of all of my newborn photoshoots is a white/cream. After that we add in different colors (unless you only want white, which is okay too!)

Basket + seamless paper from newborn nerds

If you want color, but want to still keep it neutral. This Carmel brown is the way to go. Mixing your whites with browns is one of my top Phoenix Newborn Photoshoot ideas. It may seem simple, but it makes a stunning gallery. The stark contrast of the browns + whites is beautiful.

My Phoenix Newborn Photoshoot ideas for colors don’t stop there. This blue is another top contender for your babys first photoshoot.

This blue is fantastic for boys OR girls!

Unique props for Phoenix newborn pictures

My 2,500 soft studio is full of unique props for your newborn pictures. From fully monochromatic sets, to soft textures and fabrics. Rustic, antique bowls. And more. Let’s talk about the best props for your newborn photoshoot.

This gorgeous antique farm bowl is a crowd favorite. This bowl coordinates with every color we offer in the studio. From bold colors to soft neutrals.

I tend to gravitate towards fully monochromatic set ups. In fact, my studio is filled with enough props to fill your whole session with a single color. During your booking process you’ll be sent a questionnaire to help plan. If you pick a shade of color I don’t have, I can likely find it! I love adding new props to my collection.

If you’re looking to book your newborn pictures in Phoenix – send us a message and let’s chat about your vision.

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Newborn

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Scottsdale senior photoshoot ideas

You’ve spent 13 years getting ready your child ready for school, and now it’s time to get ready for their Scottsdale senior photoshoot! As a mother of 5, I know what an exciting moment this is for both parents and the high school senior. I’ve been loving seeing so many of the kids I got to photograph as babies grow up and graduate high school. And goodness gracious does that make me feel old, haha!

For this session, I used SMAL during editing

The best locations for an Arizona senior photoshoot

This Scottsdale senior photoshoot was my top package. This package includes in studio senior photos and on location photos. Georgia opted to go to downtown Mesa for the outside portion of her senior pictures. The coolest part of downtown Mesa and the Mesa Arts Center is how many different spots are within walking distance.

Georgia participated in band through high school and wanted to represent that in her senior pictures. If your senior participated in extracurricular activities or had a passion – I always encourage you to bring it with for their Scottsdale senior photoshoot.

We ventured to Milanos music near the Mesa arts center. Milanos music was special to Georgia and her high school experience so it only made sense to include it in her senior pictures. We included her instrument during her in studio portion of her Scottsdale senior photoshoot as tribute to her musical experience during her high school career.

What to wear for senior pictures

The last few years the biggest trend I have seen for senior pictures (for girls!) is a white dress. Just about EVERY Scottsdale senior photoshoot has included a white dress – which is amazing! I love how each girl has made it unique and their own. Here is the white dress that Georgia wore for her Scottsdale senior photoshoot.

You can add your cap and gown over the white dress for some variety as well!

If you’re looking for senior photos, let’s chat. Check out these other blogs to learn more!

Gilbert Senior Photographer | Introducing the SNS Senior Collective for Class of 2027

What to bring to your Phoenix senior portraits

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Senior

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Phoenix baby photoshoot: What do I buy for a newborn photoshoot?

If you’re trying to figure out what you need to bring for Phoenix baby photoshoot, you’re in the right place. And I have some good news for you. The answer is JUST your baby! As a 15 year veteran as a newborn photographer in Phoenix, I have it all. From outfits, to headbands, and more. My 2,500 sqft studio is stocked with everything you will need for your Phoenix baby photoshoot. Let’s take a look at this sweet baby girls newborn pictures.

Bowl and paper from the newborn nerds

The best colors for a baby photoshoot

While color is a personal preference, I have some feelings on this one for your Phoenix baby photoshoot.When you think of a newborn, you think of something soft. Something delicate. Something beautiful and new. Because of that, my preference is always earthy and jewel tones. With some hints of pastels. I will always shy away from neon colors for your Phoenix baby photoshoot. Or trendy color combinations.

The base of my newborn sessions is a white/cream/etc. From there, depending on the package, we add in colors. Your session will all have the same tones. That means it will all be whites + earthy tones. Or white + jewel tones, whites + pastels. You get the point.

The best family outfit colors for a newborn photoshoot

This is the one spot during your newborn photoshoot that I will say skip the color. The family portrait portion of your newborn pictures is focused on connection. We will use whites, cream, tan, chocolate browns, black, etc during this part. Pass on the patterns, heavy prints. Focus on soft textures.

This beautiful family brought their outfits and they did SUCH a good job putting them all together. They coordinate, but don’t match. And that right there is the whole point!

If you’re pregnant and looking to book a newborn photoshoot in the Phoenix area. The first best time to chat is when you’re 12-20 weeks. The next best time is NOW!

Check out these other blogs to learn more

The Pure Newborn Session: An Organic Approach From Your Gilbert Baby Photographer

Phoenix Newborn Session – Vibrant colors you’ll love for your baby

studio maternity photographer in Gilbert

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26th Birthday Photoshoot in Mesa, Arizona

Who says birthday photoshoots are only for first birthdays? Turning 26 deserves to be celebrated too, and Julia’s birthday session was the perfect mix of confidence, glamour, and just a little bit of drama.

For her 26th birthday photoshoot, we created an editorial-inspired studio setup that felt bold without needing an elaborate backdrop. A crisp white background, dramatic circular lighting, and strong shadows gave the entire gallery a modern, high-fashion look. The simplicity of the set allowed Julia to be the focus while making every image feel creative and completely different from traditional birthday portraits.

Julia wore a fitted black bodysuit with sheer tights, rhinestone heels, black sunglasses, and an oversized faux-fur coat. Funny enough, I actually found the coat at a halloween store. When planning this session we had an exact idea in mind – and needed a fur coat – in Arizona. In the summer time. Thankfully, we have a Spirit halloween RIGHT next to the studio right now and that worked out so well. I was really pleased with how it photographed.

The entire outfit is available in the Shanyn Nicole Studios client closet, so clients can recreate this look without needing to purchase or bring everything themselves. Every detail worked together perfectly. The black and silver styling looked incredible against the bright spotlight, while the texture of the coat added softness and movement to the images.

As always, the birthday cake was provided as part of the session. For this shoot, we chose a chocolate cake that complemented the darker, glamorous styling without taking attention away from Julia. We used it for traditional birthday portraits as well as more creative compositions, including images with the cake balanced on her rhinestone heel (which are also a part of my client closet!)

One of my favorite parts of creating birthday photoshoots is designing something that actually reflects the person being photographed. Julia’s session was confident, playful, feminine, and effortlessly cool. The final gallery feels less like a traditional birthday session and more like images from a fashion campaign. Your birthday photoshoot does not have to be like everyone else!

You do not have to wait for a new decade or a major life announcement to book photos of yourself. Turning 26 is enough of a reason to book a birthday photoshoot. Making it through another year, becoming more confident in who you are, and stepping into a new season of life are all worth documenting.

Adult birthday photoshoots can be soft and feminine, colorful and playful, simple and timeless, or bold and editorial like Julia’s. Your session can be designed around your personality and the way you want to feel when you see your photographs. With access to the client closet and a cake provided for every birthday session, much of the planning is already taken care of for you.

If you have been searching for a birthday photographer in Mesa or the Phoenix East Valley, I would love to help you create something that feels completely like you. Whether you are turning 21, 26, 30, 40, or simply want an excuse to dress up and celebrate yourself. You never need permission to make this year feel important.

Your birthday happens every year, but you will only be this version of yourself once. Let’s photograph her.

Milestone

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Home

Scottsdale Maternity Portrait Studio

Maternity client closet options

Backdrops for maternity pictures

Studio Maternity Session in Phoenix

Couples posing for maternity photoshoot

Custom cake smash photography in Tempe

The best cake smash photographer in Arizona

Cake smash bakers

The prettiest locations for a Phoenix senior sunset photoshoot

What to wear for senior photos

Best desert location for outside mini sessions in Phoenix

The best poses for family photos

The best colors for a Phoenix newborn photoshoot

Unique props for Phoenix newborn pictures

The best locations for an Arizona senior photoshoot

What to wear for senior pictures

The best colors for a baby photoshoot

The best family outfit colors for a newborn photoshoot