Business Details
18 Years
experience
Award-Winning Newborn & Maternity Photography in San Diego
ABL Photography is an award-winning San Diego newborn and maternity photography studio with over 15 years of experience capturing life's most precious moments. Founded on a passion for newborns and a commitment to artistic excellence, we specialize in creating timeless fine-art portraits that celebrate the beauty of early parenthood. Our approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of newborn safety, using organic textures and natural light to produce images that feel both classic and emotive. We pride ourselves on offering a stress-free experience through meticulous planning, a fully equipped studio environment, and personalized attention to every family's unique vision. Our team's extensive training in safe posing techniques and newborn handling ensures every session prioritizes comfort and security. With hundreds of satisfied clients and a reputation as one of San Diego's most trusted photography studios, we continue to refine our craft while maintaining the warmth and authenticity that define our work.
Services
Newborn Photography
Maternity Photography
Outdoor Sessions
Family Portraits
Pet-Inclusive Sessions
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- 15+ years of specialized newborn photography experience
- Dedicated assistant ensures safe and efficient posing
- Custom sessions matching your nursery's aesthetic
- Extensive collection of handmade newborn outfits and props
- Proven track record with hundreds of satisfied families
What people say
Award-winning photographer
Stunning final product
Patient and professional
Beautiful studio setup
Excellent safety practices
Services
Newborn Photography
Our newborn photography sessions capture the delicate beauty of your baby's earliest days. Using safe posing techniques and organic props, we create timeless images that highlight your newborn's unique features. Sessions include professional styling, multiple outfit changes, and a curated selection of props and backdrops. The 3-hour session allows ample time for feeding and soothing, ensuring a relaxed experience for both baby and parents.
Maternity Photography
Celebrate your pregnancy journey with elegant maternity portraits that capture your strength and beauty. We offer both studio and outdoor sessions featuring natural light and flattering compositions. Our sessions include wardrobe consultation, styling assistance, and location scouting to create images that reflect your personal style and the anticipation of meeting your baby.
Outdoor Sessions
Experience the beauty of San Diego's natural landscapes through our outdoor photography sessions. We utilize local parks, beaches, and scenic areas to create vibrant, nature-inspired images. Each session includes location scouting, weather contingency planning, and specialized equipment to ensure baby's comfort and safety in outdoor settings.
Family Portraits
Document your growing family with custom portrait sessions that include parents, siblings, and extended family members. We specialize in creating cohesive compositions that highlight family connections and natural interactions. Sessions can be combined with newborn or maternity photography for a complete family story.
Pet-Inclusive Sessions
Capture the special bond between your newborn and their furry family members. Our pet-friendly sessions ensure safe and comfortable interactions between baby and pets. We have experience photographing dogs of all sizes and temperaments, creating heartwarming images that document this unique relationship.
People
Svetlana
Owner & Lead Photographer
Award-winning newborn and maternity photographer with 15+ years of experience. Specializes in creating timeless portraits that capture the essence of early parenthood through organic textures and natural light.
Questions
What makes ABL Photography different from other newborn photographers?
With 15+ years of experience and international recognition, we combine artistic excellence with strict safety protocols. Our custom approach matches your nursery's aesthetic using handmade props and organic textures.
How do you ensure newborn safety during sessions?
We always work with an assistant and follow strict safety guidelines. Our team has extensive training in safe posing techniques and uses professional composite editing when necessary to ensure baby's comfort and security.
What should we wear for maternity photos?
We recommend flowing dresses, fitted gowns, and neutral tones that complement your location. Our wardrobe consultation helps you choose outfits that highlight your bump while matching the session's aesthetic.
Can we include our pet in newborn photos?
Yes! We specialize in pet-inclusive sessions and have experience photographing dogs of all sizes. Our studio is pet-friendly and we ensure safe, comfortable interactions between baby and pets.
What's included in the newborn session fee?
The $250 session fee includes a 3-hour custom session with photographer and assistant, use of props and outfits, and a 1-hour ordering appointment. Prints and digital images are purchased separately.
When is the best time for maternity photos?
Ideal timing is between 28-34 weeks when your belly is beautifully round. We recommend booking early as sessions fill quickly, especially for preferred dates and locations.
Reviews (31)
Artem Aleynikov
Jan 13, 2024
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She is an amazing photographer, her work is timeless and will be treasured by my family for years to come. Her photographs will be cherished by my family for generations. I highly recommend her because she exceeded our expectations for our son's photos, going above and beyond.
Brianna Hale
May 22, 2022
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Svetlana and her assistant were friendly and professional. The studio has more props than you could possibly imagine and her process is amazing to watch, she makes the best of her studio time for your session. Our photos are unbelievable and will be cherished forever.
Berenice Nava
Feb 26, 2022
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The quality of her photos is incomparable. We bought her wooden block collection with our first daughter's pictures and loved them. The blocks are timeless pieces. She also has very unique infant poses many which require your infant's cooperation. Unfortunately, our little one was not cooperating that day and we weren't able to obtain poses I was hoping for. Nevertheless, I'm sure I will be happy with pictures which will see soon.
Priscila B.
Feb 05, 2022
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We we're very pleased with Svetlana's work photographing our baby girl. Highly recommended!
M. P.
Feb 01, 2022
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Svetlana is an amazing photographer. She has captured our little miracle baby so beautifully. She's very professional with how she works and her in-home studio is also of high quality. She has a variety of props and outfits to choose from. She is gentle and knows her babies very well. She has shown kindness to me and my family. The photo quality was breath taking. I highly recommended.
Karina Reynaga
Jan 19, 2022
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I love how my nephew's newborn pictures were taken and how beautiful they are. They are photographs that we will treasure our whole lives and he will see how beautiful he was to us as a baby. I only wish I knew ABL photography when I had my baby girl. it would have been a dream come true to have her take my daughter's newborn pictures. which sadly I never had done. but now I know where to go for the next baby!
Her pictures are truly one of a kind and magical. And you won't find a more patient and lovely person to work with! My sister had a rough birth and this photography session during the height of the pandemic in 2020 was pure glory and bliss as a new mother for her. She hangs all the pictures all over her house and my mom and I have them as well hanging on the walls. They just bring such a joy and comfort.
I truly would not go with anyone else. Thank you for the detailed attention and thorough patience and care you put into my nephew. Also, my nephew's father calls her the baby whisperer and couldn't believe the way she was able to work with my nephew as a newborn.
Her pictures are truly one of a kind and magical. And you won't find a more patient and lovely person to work with! My sister had a rough birth and this photography session during the height of the pandemic in 2020 was pure glory and bliss as a new mother for her. She hangs all the pictures all over her house and my mom and I have them as well hanging on the walls. They just bring such a joy and comfort.
I truly would not go with anyone else. Thank you for the detailed attention and thorough patience and care you put into my nephew. Also, my nephew's father calls her the baby whisperer and couldn't believe the way she was able to work with my nephew as a newborn.
Vitaliy Shcherbina
Dec 19, 2021
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Loved my newborn photo session with ABL photography. They turned out so beautiful! Svetlana has an extremely high attention to detail. Highly recommend.
Sadhana Sridhar
Nov 30, 2021
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I got my maternity and LO newborn photoshoot done with ABL PHOTOGRAPHY (Svetlana). Right from their prompt responses to guiding us through the shoots, I thoroughly enjoyed the process and it's so wonderful to c my life's best moments having been captured so beautifully. The pictures are gorgeous. Thank you
Diana Marten
Nov 20, 2021
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She takes absolutely beautiful and whimsical newborn photos. It's pricier than other photographers in the area I contacted but her work is far superior, i'm thrilled with the photos we received so it's worth every penny for us.
Argelia A.
Oct 13, 2021
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Omg! Where do I start? Had a wonderful experience taking my baby boy to get his newborn photo shoot. She moved carefully and was so gentle with him. Complete professional. The pictures came out amazing now we get to relive his newborn stage with a glace at his photos.
R. B.
Sep 16, 2021
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The best newborn photographer around! Svetlana is absolutely amazing and captures the most beautiful photos. Her studio is full of props, elegant clothing pieces for baby and has such a relaxing vibe to it. We were fortunate to have her shoot our son years ago and then our new baby girl this year. Check out her Instagram page!
Dawn B.
Aug 19, 2021
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Svetlana takes such beautiful pictures! She is not always quick to respond, the price is on the high side, but it is well worth the results. She has an incredible selection of outfits and props to suit any style or taste. So much so that it can be a little overwhelming, especially to those who have not been through the process before. If you have a clear idea of what you want, I would recommend communicating that in advance and focusing on those in the beginning of your photo shoot. Otherwise, let her work her magic! She was phenomenal in handling both of our newborns (one in 2019 and both in 2020) and has it down to an art in positioning them while they're still asleep. Book early because she fills up!
Silvana H.
Jun 16, 2021
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I don't like her work because the charge $500 for one hour and Pictures of the same clothe Only 2 shots only. And she Said your coin is a discount. When I see her pictures in Instagram was amazing, Different in action.
Audrey M.
May 19, 2021
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I was searching for a newborn photographer since my third trimester and found Svetlana's page on Instagram. I immediately fell in love with her photos. I reached out for a quote & to set up an appointment and she was so accommodating to us. I ended up having my son at 33 weeks and wanted to switch my appointment to an earlier date and it was no problem with them at all. The pictures came out so gorgeous & she was such a pro with him my boyfriend and I just relaxed on the sidelines watching him model. If you're looking for a photographer to capture your newest blessing, look no further!
Shonna M.
Apr 24, 2021
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Very talented photographer that was amazing at capturing that very special moment of my newborn as well as our family. They were very responsive, worked to accommodate our schedule and our pictures turned out better than I could've hoped. The prints are super high quality and can't wait to hang the wall art up!
Mimi R.
Mar 11, 2021
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I can assure you that I did plenty of research for our newborn photographer. As a first time Mom, I wanted everything to be as "perfect" as possible and we were not disappointed with Svetlana at ABL Photography. She KNOWS newborn babies! Her studio is so comfortable and FULL of absolutely adorable props. Her pictures are pristine and she pays close attention to all the details! I highly recommend ABL. We will definitely be going back for baby number 2.
Kanchan S.
Feb 01, 2021
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We went to Svetlana for our Maternity and Newborn photoshoot and she did and exceptional job. We simply loved our photos. We ordered 5 wooden prints as well and they are a piece of art in themselves. Everyone really appreciates them. These words wont do enuf justice to the amazing work that she does. She is really kind and patient.
M. Wang
Dec 17, 2020
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Svetlana is very professional and experienced in her craft. We are very happy with our photography session experience and are delighted by her artwork.
Aditi Varish
Oct 07, 2020
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We wanted our first maternity and newborn photoshoot to be really special, that's when we reached out to Svetlana. Like her bio says " San Diego's number 1 photographer", she indeed is an amazing photographer. She did a great job with my maternity photo shoot as well as my baby girl's newborn photo shoot. We had a wonderful experience working with her. I would definitely recommend her to all my friends.
Paula Robles
Oct 03, 2020
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Svetlana is amazing! The way she handled my six day old baby was just admirable. The environment is very quiet and you can even rest while she's doing her job! The pictures turned out beautifully. The quality of the blocks are the top. All around a great experience and a product. 5 stars all around*****
Ana Aranovich
Aug 28, 2020
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I have to say that I was more than pleased with my son's newborn images! I feel that Svetlana captured exactly what I wanted from the neutral colors of the wraps to the cute set ups she has actually custom made for her studio. Her communication with me was perfect before the session and after, when we came to choose our photos. She provided us with the price list ahead of time, so we knew what to expect and had already chosen the products we wanted to get! I highly recommend her to anyone who wants beautiful classic newborn photos, I know I will be looking at mine all the time!
Patricia B.
Jul 15, 2020
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Amazing photography team! We are in love with how gentle the photographer was with our baby boy! The team (mom & son) knew exactly how to make our little boy smile when needed. It was overall an amazing experience. I highly recommend to all the parents who want unique beautiful photos of their little one.
Hanh R.
Mar 05, 2020
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We wanted to have a special newborn photoshoot for our first born, and I came across ABL photography at my OBGYN's office and knew I wanted to book a session with her when the time came. To be honest I didn't know how the 3 hour session would be considering as new parents, we were still learning what each crying cues meant, and how to soothe our baby. But Svetlana and her assistant were natural baby whisperers.
They put him in different poses we thought were impossible and that would surely wake him up. Nope! He pretty much slept the entire 3 hour shoot and the pictures turned out amazing. When the pictures were ready to view, we wanted to pick all of them, and we tried really hard and painstakingly narrowed it down to about 30 photos. We ordered a wooden print and it is now hanging in our bedroom.
They put him in different poses we thought were impossible and that would surely wake him up. Nope! He pretty much slept the entire 3 hour shoot and the pictures turned out amazing. When the pictures were ready to view, we wanted to pick all of them, and we tried really hard and painstakingly narrowed it down to about 30 photos. We ordered a wooden print and it is now hanging in our bedroom.
Holly V.
Feb 12, 2020
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I wasn't able to do a maternity shoot because I was on bed rest so I wanted to do a photoshoot for my newborn instead. I was looking for a photographer in San Diego who took pictures like Anne Geddes and came across ABL Photography. She was everything I was looking for. It was a 3 hour photoshoot where she suggested my husband and I to take a nap, knowing how tired parents are. We just couldn't resist watching behind the scenes and saw how amazing she patiently worked with our son.
Our prints were ready to be viewed 3 weeks later. It was so hard to choose which photos we wanted because they all turned out beautiful. It's mind blown to see the work that she does and it is worth every penny.
Our prints were ready to be viewed 3 weeks later. It was so hard to choose which photos we wanted because they all turned out beautiful. It's mind blown to see the work that she does and it is worth every penny.
Gabi Reilly
Jan 01, 2020
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Newborn photos more beautiful than I imagined! I am so pleased I chose to take my baby girl to ABL - the variety and quality of the photos is unparalleled. She was so sweet with my one week old and very quick with all communications via email. I highly recommend this photographer to anyone looking for treasured memories. Her studio and accessories are gorgeous!
Gena B.
Feb 21, 2019
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I came across ABL Photography on Instagram, and admired her work for several weeks -- I finally reached out, and she was able to accommodate us for a very last minute mini-session. I emailed her Saturday night and she got us in on Sunday afternoon. I am so glad that I did. Svetlana is THE baby whisperer! Her studio was filled with so many amazing props, and cozy baby blankets. I was overwhelmed with excitement as soon as I arrived.
She was so patient with our feedings and diaper changes. I am sure that this is par for the course, working with newborns, but it all flowed so smoothly. Then there's the part where babies cry when you change them - but this was not a problem for Svetlana or her amazingly helpful son. They were able to change outfits, and pose my very strong newbie beautifully. Don't get me started on the posing. I was fascinated by their talent. I am excitedly awaiting the finished product, but I just know they will be gorgeous and well worth the wait.
She was so patient with our feedings and diaper changes. I am sure that this is par for the course, working with newborns, but it all flowed so smoothly. Then there's the part where babies cry when you change them - but this was not a problem for Svetlana or her amazingly helpful son. They were able to change outfits, and pose my very strong newbie beautifully. Don't get me started on the posing. I was fascinated by their talent. I am excitedly awaiting the finished product, but I just know they will be gorgeous and well worth the wait.
Melinda V.
Dec 10, 2018
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Svetlana is a photographic artist. She took pictures of my two boys as newborns and they are gorgeous. I had pictures printed on wood as well as photo books made. The quality is very high for the pictures as well as products that I purchased. She is not cheap, but the photography and products are high quality.
Yan L.
Nov 21, 2018
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Svetlana is a wonderful and very talented photographer. She took pictures of my youngest child when he was only 10 days old. She is a true baby whisperer. She has so many props and various clothes elements and will work with you on the color scheme and settings. We get so many compliments on these pictures. She also took pictures of my older kids. She has a wonderful and artistic eye to capture that very moment. Try Svetlana and you will be amazed by her art!
E. W.
Oct 26, 2018
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We had a great experience working with Svetlana. She was always very responsive to our emails. She runs a very professional studio. When you walk in, you see just how much effort she has put into making the photo shoot something special. It helps to know what poses you like before you arrive. Even more helpful if you know what colors you might like, both outfit and surrounding color. If she has the info ahead of time, she will be ready when you walk in the door with a plan that moves seamlessly from one pose to the next.
She was very good at helping the baby back to sleep. She was amazing with her ability to pose a sleeping baby and have the baby hold it. After searching for a few days and looking at the images other photographers put in their gallery, there was no question that we'd be going to ABL. There is nothing else out there even close to the quality she provides.
She was very good at helping the baby back to sleep. She was amazing with her ability to pose a sleeping baby and have the baby hold it. After searching for a few days and looking at the images other photographers put in their gallery, there was no question that we'd be going to ABL. There is nothing else out there even close to the quality she provides.
Amber T.
Sep 29, 2018
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BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE! Honestly, if I could give it no stars I would. Initially, upon email communication with Svetlana I was excited and hopeful about this business arrangement but it has been hell. Upon initial contact, she was pleasant and speedy with communication. After she received my deposit, I couldn't get in contact with her. I've called and called and called. Finally I get in contact with her for my maternity shoot on 9/7.
It is now 9/29 and I'm 8 days away from my due date and haven't even seen my maternity shoot. I have also hired her for my newborn shoot but I will be finding someone else. This has been the worst experience of my life. If you're looking for someone who cares, I suggest you find someone else. Paying this much money for pictures should include stellar customer service and it does not. Wish I had a better experience but I don't want the next mom, bride or excited individual to suffer like I have.
It is now 9/29 and I'm 8 days away from my due date and haven't even seen my maternity shoot. I have also hired her for my newborn shoot but I will be finding someone else. This has been the worst experience of my life. If you're looking for someone who cares, I suggest you find someone else. Paying this much money for pictures should include stellar customer service and it does not. Wish I had a better experience but I don't want the next mom, bride or excited individual to suffer like I have.
Alissa Bjerkhoel
Sep 23, 2017
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I cannot say enough good things about ABL Photography and Svetlana. She was amazing to work with! Very professional, no non-sense, and efficient. She has an incredible amount of props and her assistant hand makes tiny little fuzzy outfits to put your little one in. We could not be more pleased with the photos and experience. The pics are a bit pricey if you want the full package (as are most newborn photos), but it was WORTH EVERY PENNY for the level of quality you get. I have no regrets and highly recommend her!