What is included in your session? Good question!

Session Details

Your session includes the following:

• a personal consultation and the design appointment - we select everything for your session.
• portrait session - no time limit.
• gallery preparation
• ordering appointment - you select what you love.
• hand-editing of your final gallery
• customizing of your artwork order
• your artwork delivery - personally delivered to your home by me.
• you will have full access to the client closet, props, backdrops, and accessories are also included.

Collections + Digitals

Now, think about what you want to do with your images. High-end options to display in your home, as well as digitals that you can share with loved ones. Selections include the following:

• albums
• heirloom keepsake box with matted portraits
• canvas wall art
• acrylic wall art
• framed prints
• digital image files

Please see the investment page for session fee price.

Hey mama! Are you pregnant with your first baby, or your third? Either way, let me help you professionally document your beauty. This is a significant time in your life, right? I have 95% of what you need for your session. That's right. I have gorgeous gowns, dresses, body suits, gold flecks for your skin, tossing fabrics, lingerie, and more!

This couple is having their first baby and we got lucky with the mild winter here in Minnesota so they could have a few shots with the beautiful sunset. I'm a sucker for a sunset. We started at the studio and then ended the session outside. All of the gowns, dress, etc are in my client closet so there is no need to go shopping! Easy, right? We had so many beautiful photos from this session that it was hard to narrow down favorites. Do you have a favorite?

Want hair and makeup done? I can hook you up with a local artist or you can come to the session prepared. Some mamas bring a friend to help with touch-ups throughout the session, but that's up to you.

Now, don't forget to book your session. It's never too early so contact me today.

Michelle

Look at this happy little family that had their newborn session at the studio! This is their first baby and they couldn't have been luckier. He's the sweetest little guy that is full of grunts and squeaks when he's snoozing away. 

Mom and dad have lived in Rochester for a few years but they're originally from Texas. So, when the grandparents came to the session I was so happy. It's not often grandparents come with but I'm more than happy to include them. Afterall, they are a huge part of family, right?

When we deisigned this session, mom said that she took care of bears in college so we needed to have little bears included in the session. And, dad is a doctor so scrubs were completely fitting. Also, the colorful quilt was made by great grandma. 

I was so happy with this session, and the beautiful album that they ordered. I can't wait to have them back in the studio again for some milestone sessions.

Don't forget to book your sessions! If you're pregnant, please contact me ASAP to schedule your maternity and newborn sessions. I book out months in advance so don't wait. Sometimes I have room for a mama that didn't know to book early. 

xoxo, Michelle

Little bucket and flokati  https://www.luneberry.com/

Hey there! This gorgeous mama and her baby girl came to the studio for a session, and I'm so happy they did. I mean, look at how beautiful they are! Capturing the bond between them was oh so sweet. From having their session in their lifestyle area, that almost melted my heart, to posing little Wren in some props and then getting adorable table poses! This baby girl did so well, slept like a dream and posed like an angel.

Everything you see in the images can be used in your session too. I have over 50 dresses, body suits, gowns, and more for all the mamas to wear - up to size 3x. For newborns, I have beds, buckets, baskets, crates, wraps, fabrics, little lovie animals for their little hands to hold, headbands, hats, and much more. Once you sign on with me, I send out a questionnaire in order to customize your session. You can even come on in to the studio to pick out what you're going to wear and see everything else in person.

So come on in and be ready to relax and hang out! I have coffee, snacks, and comfy places to sit or nap. Yes, I said nap because you sure can if you want to. I'm BLS certified, an LPN, and I'm very experienced with many years of caring and photographing newborns.

Hope to see you soon!

Hugs and love,

Michelle

What to expect during a newborn session and some bonus information.

Having a baby?

When you think about people that have had babies, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For me, I think of how little those babies are and how that little-ness doesn't last very long. That is why I think having your baby photographed while in their newborn stage is very important. The changes are quick, almost done in the blink of an eye, and because of this I suggest having their newborn session within the first month. The other milestone sessions within their first year of life outside of the womb are at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year old. 

When should you book/schedule your session?

The second you think you want to hire a newborn photographer, you should book it. I have limited sessions because I only book so many to ensure the best for all the mamas that have booked ahead with me. Now, that doesn't mean I won't try to accommodate your newborn, but I'm just letting you know to get on the books as fast as possible. Even if you're thinking, "I'm only in my second trimester?" Book it! It not only pays to book ahead, but it really helps ease your mind because you'll be a for sure for the date needed. 

What should you and baby wear to the newborn session?

If you're planning on being in the photos, discuss wardrobe options with your photographer. The colors of your newborn session can be selected by yourself or me - just be sure to say what colors you don't want. I can also be sure to have your baby in a color coordinating wrap for family and sibling shots should you want those. Also, know that I try to keep the studio warm. If it's too chilly, babies get cold. I have heaters and a heating pad to keep baby comfy. I also provide all of the wraps and props for baby so there is no need to bring your own. Plus, I specifically buy these items for the purpose of newborn photography so you don't have to. Have a certain color in mind? I'll check my stash to see if I have it but if I don't I might be able to add it to my collection.

How long will the session last?

This part is tricky. Some sessions are a bit faster because baby is totally fine with all of the wrapping and unwrapping, while other babies are not wanting to be handled very much. It's very important to read the prep guide due to the tips and tricks listed. The best thing I can say is plan from 2-4 hours.  

What should I bring?

Don't forget your baby! You have full on mom brain and you might just be running on auto-pilot right now. It has happened (only as the parents were walking out of the house) but it's ok because you can only do so much. Please take this time in the studio to relax while letting me handle your baby. Bring a bottle if you bottle feed, bring a few extra diapers and plenty of wipes because babies are known to pee and poop all over due to being swaddled so be prepared, it's normal. Also, bring your favorite snacks or beverage but know that I have a Keurig, water, sparkling water and snacks. 

What goes into a newborn photography session?

For me, it always starts with how I can do a pose safely. If it isn't safe, I won't even attempt it. But with that said, here's a list of things you might want to check for when hiring a newborn photographer. 

• CPR / BLS / ECC training and certification - This is very important and necessary. I'm certified by The American Heart Association. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/about-cpr-and-ecc
• Safe posing - Lots of photographers will do "froggy" or "hammock", etc.,  poses without actually knowing how to do them safely. These techniques take skill and patience. Holding their little head properly so that they don't fall over and get hurt is critical. Be sure you know who is holding your precious baby's life in their hands. With that said, I welcome you to interview me at any time. 
• Props - I cannot begin to tell you how many newborn photography props I've purchased but you'll see when you come to the studio.  It's always good to ask for options or send your photographer a picture of what you're wanting. Coordinating with colors/props with the nursery is always fun! Some of my props and wraps are from https://hellolittleprops.com/ and https://www.shootingstarsprops.com.au/?currency=USD. Others are from random vendors, antique stores such as http://www.therustypick.com/ or http://buffalonickelantiques.com/, or even fabric stores such as https://www.joann.com/. The list could go on forever! 

Now that you have a little more insight, let me know what you think. 

Hugs and love, Michelle