Category Archives: newborn

April 22, 2026

Roseville Newborn Session:: Luong Family

Tags: Family, family photographer, Minneapolis, Minneapolis newborn photographer, Minnesota, newborn photography

Including Siblings… Can I Add Them?

If you’ve ever booked a newborn session (or are thinking about it), you’ve probably wondered: “Can I include older siblings?”

The short answer? Absolutely. And you should.

Because some of the most meaningful images I deliver aren’t just of your brand new baby… they’re of the connections forming right in front of us.

The Luong Family (A Full-Circle Story)

One of my favorite examples of this is the Luong family.

I’ve had the honor of photographing all three of their babies from their newborn sessions to where they are now, and watching their family grow has been one of the sweetest parts of what I do.

Each time a new baby arrived, we didn’t just document the newborn stage we have captured the transition of the whole family and many moments in between at various family sessions. brother or sister.

Those are the moments that, years from now, that we will all remember so well.

Why Including Siblings Matters

Yes, we want those dreamy solo newborn images.
But including siblings adds something you simply can’t recreate later:

The real-life dynamic of your family in this exact season
The beginning of sibling relationships
Genuine, unscripted love (and sometimes a little chaos which I promise photographs beautifully)

These aren’t just “extra” photos… they’re often the ones parents end up loving the most.

“But What If My Toddler Doesn’t Cooperate?”

I hear this all the time, and I totally get it.

Toddlers are unpredictable. They’re busy, emotional, and not always thrilled about sharing the spotlight especially when a sibling comes home.

But here’s the truth:
They don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be themselves.

Some of the best images come from the in-between moments—the giggles, the wiggles, even the “I’m done” energy.

How to Make It Easier (Yes, Even Fun)

Here are a few simple ways to set everyone up for success:

1. Bribes are welcome here, absolutely no judgement!
Snacks, treats, a small toy, or even the promise of something fun after the session; this is not the time to avoid it. It works.

2. Keep expectations low
We don’t need 30 minutes of perfect posing. We need a few genuine moments and I’ll guide the rest.

3. Let them warm up
I never rush siblings. Feel free to let them come in and out, take breaks, and feel comfortable.

4. Make it their “job”
Kids love feeling important. Helping with the baby, sitting close, giving a kiss, it becomes something they’re proud of.

The Truth? It All Comes Together

At the end of the session, something always happens:

It clicks.

The chaos settles, the connections show, and we capture images that feel like your real life, but at its most real and authentic.

And when you see your gallery, you won’t be thinking about whether your toddler “cooperated.”

You’ll be thinking:
“I’m so glad we included them.”

Tags: Family, family photographer, Minneapolis, Minneapolis newborn photographer, Minnesota, newborn photography

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April 20, 2026

Eagan Newborn Session:: Preparing for your in-home session

Tags: Minneapolis, Minneapolis newborn photographer, minneapolis newborn session, newborn, newborn baby

There is something so incredibly special about welcoming a new baby into your home and getting to document those first days as your family grows.

Recently, I had the joy of photographing Brittany and Forest as they welcomed their newborn baby girl into the world, alongside their sweet (and busy!) two-year-old son. Their session was filled with cozy snuggles, toddler giggles, and those beautifully real in-between moments that make lifestyle newborn photography so meaningful.

If you’re expecting or recently welcomed a baby and live in Maple Grove, Plymouth, Wayzata, or Minnetonka, this post will help you feel fully prepared for your own in-home newborn session.

Why Choose a Lifestyle Newborn Session?

Lifestyle newborn photography focuses on connection over perfection. Instead of stiff poses or heavy props, we capture your family just as you are snuggled on the couch, rocking your baby in the nursery, or soaking in those quiet moments together.

These sessions take place in the comfort of your home, making it easier for parents (and especially siblings!) to feel relaxed.

6 Tips to Prepare for Your Newborn Session

1. Schedule Within the First 14 Days

The ideal time for newborn photos is within the first two weeks after birth. Babies are still in that sleepy, snuggly stage and tend to curl up naturally.

To make things flexible, I typically schedule two tentative dates—one before your due date and one after so we can adjust once baby arrives.

Toddler with newborn in home session eagan, MN

2. Keep Your Home Warm & Cozy

A warm home helps your baby stay sleepy and comfortable throughout the session.

I recommend setting your thermostat to around 78–80 degrees, and I often bring a small heater to keep the shooting space extra cozy. Remember your baby just came from a very warm environment, so this makes a big difference!

3. Follow Baby’s Lead

Newborn sessions are completely baby-led.

Feeding breaks, diaper changes, soothing these are all expected and built into our time together. There’s no need to feel rushed. Some of the most meaningful images happen during these natural moments.

Toddler and sibling in eagan MN during newborn session

4. Keep Props Simple & Meaningful

I take a minimal, natural approach to props. I’ll bring a selection of neutral blankets and textures, but you’re always welcome to include:

A special blanket
A meaningful outfit
Headbands or simple accessories
Family heirlooms

Simple always photographs beautifully and keeps the focus on your baby.

5. Preparing Siblings (Especially Toddlers!)

Including siblings—especially toddlers like Brittany & Forest’s son—adds so much personality to your session.

A few tips:

Plan around nap time
Have snacks ready
Keep expectations relaxed
Let them come and go naturally

Morning sessions (around 9–10am) tend to work best for young children.

Newborn sleeping in minnesota during in home session

6. Let the Light In

Natural light is everything in lifestyle photography.

We’ll typically use spaces near windows like your living room, bedroom, or nursery. You don’t need a perfectly styled home, but if you can clear a small area near a window, it’s helpful.

Newborn Photography for Maple Grove Area Families

If you’re located in Maple Grove, Plymouth, Wayzata, Minnetonka, or surrounding Twin Cities suburbs, I would love to document this incredibly special season for your family.

These early days go by so quickly but the photos will bring you right back to the feeling of holding your baby in your arms.

Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?

If you’re expecting in 2026 or recently welcomed your baby, now is the perfect time to reach out.

I’ll guide you through the entire process so your session feels relaxed, natural, and truly reflective of your family.

Contact me for availability and pricing, I can’t wait to meet your sweet little one.

Tags: Minneapolis, Minneapolis newborn photographer, minneapolis newborn session, newborn, newborn baby

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April 1, 2026

When is the best time to book your Newborn Session? :: Eagan, Minnesota

Tags: Minneapolis, newborn, newborn session

“When should we schedule our newborn photos?”

This is one of the most common questions I get from new parents, and the answer might surprise you a little… The best time to photograph your newborn is typically between 7–14 days after birth. Jenny and Kyle’s in-home newborn session in Eagan was such a beautiful example of why this timing and this experience works so well.

Why 7–14 Days Is the Sweet Spot

During those first couple of weeks, babies are still in that fresh, just-born stage that changes so quickly.

They’re naturally sleepy and calm
They still curl up into those sweet, womb-like positions
Everything about them feels tiny, new, and fleeting

By the time we photographed Jenny and Kyle’s baby, they were still in that beautiful, squishy stage sleeping peacefully and settling so easily into mom and dad’s arms. It’s a window that doesn’t last long… but it’s one you’ll always want to remember.

Why In-Home Newborn Sessions Just Feel Better

One of the things I love most about sessions like Jenny and Kyle’s is that they take place right at home. There’s no packing up, no rushing out the door, no added stress in an already overwhelming season.

Instead, you get to:

Stay in a space that’s comfortable and familiar
Take breaks whenever baby needs
Include meaningful spaces like the nursery or your bedroom
Simply settle in and enjoy the moment

Their home in Eagan was filled with soft light and so much warmth and it made the entire session feel relaxed, intimate, and completely centered on their new family of four.

When Should You Book Your Newborn Session?

Here’s the part most people don’t realize: You should book your newborn session during your second trimester (or early third). That way, I can reserve space around your due date and adjust once baby arrives. If you wait until after birth, it can be much harder to find availability within that ideal 7–14 day window.

In-Home Newborn Photography in the Twin Cities

As a Twin Cities in-home newborn photographer, I serve families throughout areas like Eagan and beyond bringing a relaxed, natural approach to documenting these first days. These sessions are designed to feel calm, flexible, and meaningful… so you can focus on what matters most.

Jenny and Kyle’s session was such a beautiful reminder that you don’t need a perfect house, a perfect schedule, or a perfectly calm baby. You just need to be there holding them in those early days… exactly as they are.

Tags: Minneapolis, newborn, newborn session

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May 30, 2024

Newborn Session :: Hugo, MN

Tags: family photographer, hugo newborn photographer, newborn, newborn photographer, newborn photography, newborns

There’s nothing quite like the joy of capturing the precious moments of a growing family. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Sara and Brandon during their maternity session back in April at the beautiful Como Park Conservatory. The day was perfect, filled with vibrant blooms and the promise of new beginnings. Little did we know then how perfectly sweet their new addition, baby Evelyn, would be.

I was overjoyed to meet Evelyn. She is everything Sara and Brandon could have hoped for—a sweet, serene baby who has brought even more love and joy into their lives. Holding Evelyn for the first time, I was struck by her calm demeanor and the way she seemed to complete the picture of this loving family.

Seeing Sara and Brandon with Evelyn, it’s clear that they are embracing their roles as parents with grace and boundless love. Their home is now filled with the delightful sounds of baby coos and laughter, and the tender moments they share are a testament to the strength and warmth of their bond.

As a photographer, it’s these moments that make my job so rewarding. Capturing the evolution of a family, from the expectant anticipation of a maternity session to the joyful reality of welcoming a new life, is an honor. Sara and Brandon’s journey with Evelyn is a beautiful story that I am grateful to document.

I look forward to our next session, where we’ll capture more milestones and memories as Evelyn grows. Thank you, Sara and Brandon, for allowing me to be a part of your family’s journey. Welcome to the world, Evelyn—you are a perfect little addition to a truly wonderful family.

Here’s to many more moments filled with love, laughter, and the joy of togetherness.

Tags: family photographer, hugo newborn photographer, newborn, newborn photographer, newborn photography, newborns

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April 8, 2024

Newborn Session :: Carver, MN

Tags: carver newborn session, family photographer, family photography, Minneapolis, minneapolis newborn session, mn newborn, newborn, newborn session

In the cozy town of Carver, Minnesota, the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow through the windows of Hannah and Jake’s home. This picturesque setting was the backdrop for a special moment—a newborn session welcoming their precious baby girl, Nora, into the world. With a nursery adorned in shades of pink and a history that tied back to their wedding day, every detail of this session was infused with love and nostalgia.

Hannah and Jake had been wedding clients in 2021, tying the knot at Bearpath Country club, and it was so good to see them again. Their love story was captured in beautiful photographs that now adorned the walls of their home. As they embarked on this new journey of parenthood, it was only natural to revisit the place where their family story began.

The day of their April session dawned bright and clear, the sun streaming in through the nursery window, illuminating every corner with a golden hue. Against this backdrop of warmth and serenity, baby Nora lay peacefully, her tiny fingers curled into delicate fists.

As the session progressed, Nora’s personality began to shine through. She yawned and stretched, her eyes wide with curiosity as she took in her surroundings. Hannah and Jake watched with awe as their little girl showed glimpses of the person she would become—a blend of innocence, wonder, and endless possibilities.

As the session came to an end, Hannah and Jake gathered their precious daughter in their arms, knowing that this was just the first of many milestones they would celebrate together. From wedding clients to proud parents, their journey had come full circle, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for their growing family. Congratulations Jake and Hannah!