closeI had the amazing privilege of photographing Calen and Tom’s wedding a few years back, so when they reached out to see if I would be willing to photograph their new son, I was honored. Sweet and so easy to be with, he was perfect and I simply cannot wait to watch this family grow.
I love photographing families, and especially am loving lifestyle newborn sessions. If you have had a new baby, or are prepping for one, I would love to document this incredible stage for you.
These are just a few tips I have laid out to past clients as they get ready to open their homes to their new bundles of joy. Hope it will help if you are preparing this season for a new little one in your home. Below are some tips on helping our session to go smoothly with your new little one!!
1) Schedule your session for the first 14 days of life, if you are able to. Typically newborns are still in that tiny scrunched up stage and are easy to move from one area o another. They are also sleeping a LOT, so it makes the session go quickly! Typically with my Newborn clients, we put 2 dates on the calendar, one a week before baby is due (in case he/she comes early) and one a week after the due date. I will be in touch with you as to when baby comes so we know the correct date of the session!
2) A Hot Home or Room! A hot home is best for getting baby to sleep as well as keeping baby comfortable. I would suggest putting the thermostat up to about 80 and I will typically bring an electric heater to make one well-lit room really hot so baby can go to sleep easily and quickly! Remember, your baby just came from a 98 degree “home”, so getting him or her nice and cozy will make sleeping for the session much easier!
3) Working around Baby’s schedule. Newborns sleep a lot. Typically in these first few weeks of life they are just getting their schedules straight, so don’t feel bad if you have to feed baby, or rock baby, etc. Don’t feel rushed in any way. Newborns are on their own schedule!
4) Props. I am not a huge prop girl. But I do have a few neutral colored rugs and blankets that I will bring and you are free to use. Feel free to pull out any headbands, outfits, blankets, baskets or items you wish to include in your session. Getting some cute diaper covers are great, but if you don’t have one (or one that fits!) no worries.
5) Siblings. If you have other siblings that you would like to be a part of the session, make sure they are fed when the session starts and that if you have toddlers, we are working around their nap schedule. I find a really great time for sessions is between 9 and 10am. For some reason that seems to be a sweet spot in the morning hours!
6) Lighting. We will probably work out most of the session nearest to windows, so clearing out an area even in your living room, baby’s nursery or your bedroom is helpful, but not necessary. Congratulations on your new baby! I hope to see you soon and get my baby fix as you know I will be asking to hold your sweet one!! Contact me for direct pricing and availability!
Before the shelter in place action went up in Minnesota, I was able to get a few sessions in. One of them being the sweet Grasse family. I had the joy their maternity session in the same exact spot on a beautiful summer day. Unfortunately we had a pretty chilly spring day, but some smiles were had despite all the conditions.
I can not wait to get back to shooting again as well as the warmer weather! I know they are both coming, and seeing faces again will be so wonderful!
I met Jess and Jake almost 12 years ago. they were one of my first clients who trusted me to do their wedding photos. They were also the 39th of 40 weddings I did in one season, and their fall wedding was spectacular.
They were sweet enough to be my models for a styled shoot I put together and then two years ago, their sweet son was born and I had the privilege of capturing him in all his tinniness.
Their daughter was born earlier this year, and again I got to visit this sweet family and document this beautiful stage for them.
What a gift and blessing to watch families grow and see clients like the Donatelle who support and love small businesses like mine.
When long time clients have babies, I get so excited. Adam and Andrea were married a few years back and I was grateful to do their wedding and now photograph their first born Henry. Being a few days late, Henry was so easy to photograph, his skin was perfect and his little cheeks, so squishy! What a joy to photograph such a handsome little man!!
No one said you had to do newborn photos inside! Taking lifestyle newborn photos outside and making them true to your style makes them even more meaningful and significant!!
“When should we schedule newborn photos?”
If you’re expecting (whether it’s your first baby or you’re adding to your crew), this is one of the most common questions I get
The sweet spot?
7–14 days after your baby arrives
Those early days are something special…
Your baby is still sleepy, snuggly, and curled up in that fresh, just-born way—and it changes so quickly.
But here’s what matters just as much:
You don’t have to go anywhere.
My newborn sessions take place in your home whether it’s a quiet morning with your first baby or a full, beautifully busy house with siblings running around.
No pressure. No perfect expectations.
Just your family, exactly as you are in this season.
If you’re thinking about newborn photos, I recommend reaching out during your second trimester so I can save space around your due date
I shared more about what to expect (and why timing matters) over on the blog link is in my bio!
If this season is coming up for you, I’d love to connect
On this gorgeous spring day, I find myself reliving Connor and Kristen’s wedding at Bavaria Downs.
An effortlessly timeless celebration layered with refined details, soft summer light, and a kind of beauty that never asks for attention, it simply exists. Every moment felt intentional, elegant, and deeply meaningful… the kind of day that lingers long after it’s over.
Truly, a wedding that defines what it means to be both classic and unforgettable.
If you’re envisioning a day that feels elevated, seamless, and entirely your own, I would be honored to document it.
Inquire through the link in my bio to begin.
Bride:: @krindii
Groom:: @c0nn0rn0rt0n
Venue:: @bavaria_downs
Hair and MUA:: @zielbridal_
Caterer:: @damicocatering
DJ:: @harmonydjentertainment @luckykmusic
Florals:: @kateelliscu
Sound Tech:: @bellagala
Video:: @wedoweddingvideography
Photobooth:: @bellagala
Shuttle Service:: @reneeslimos
Rings::@landmarkjewelersmn
Wedding Dress:: @callablanchedress purchased at @annikabridal
Menswear:: @atmosferempls
Groom’s Suit:: @martinpatrick3
Ties:: @etsy
Bridesmaid Dresses:: @Azazie
Shoes:: @ninashoes
my amazing Second Shooter :: @greggmedia
Based in the Twin Cities area and available for travel worldwide.
