Heyya Minnesota mama! You're pregnant, yay!! Congratulations to you and your family! If you didn't know this already, you're amazing! Having that growing baby inside of you is a huge milestone in your life. Your body is changing every day, your belly is growing as much as that baby is, and before you know it baby will be here. Mama, you should embrace your baby bump and have a professional photography session. Celebrate this beautiful thing your body can do and document it professionally.

Since some mamas don't know when to schedule their maternity session, I thought I would try to help by writing this blog post. In my experience, it's best to have your session between 30-32 weeks. Now, with that said, every mama is different. This time frame is the sweet spot for a few different reasons; you still feel good, your bump is obvious, and you're not at the "I'm over it, I can't wait to have this baby" stage. Don't let me scare you by that last statement, it's literally what I've heard many moms say because they are ready to pop, so to speak.

The session itself can be outdoor or at the studio. We're lucking that Minnesota is a state with distinct seasons; 4 different backdrops throughout the year. One of the best things with having your session with me is that I will freeze or sweat outside with you, because you pick where your session will be. I've had some brave mamas embrace the cold winter with a session outdoors, and I love how beautiful snow is in photos. If you decide to have your session at the studio, I have many beautiful items to use; backdrops, faux flowers, chairs, couches, a bed, dresses, gowns, body suits, boy shorts, crowns, etc. Some of these items can tag along for an outdoor session if you'd like. Oh, almost forgot to mention that I have a pop up tent for changing outside.

Before you contact me to schedule your session, think about having your newborn session with me too! Booking a maternity and newborn session with me ensures you are on my calendar. I only take on so many mamas so that I can ensure I have spots on my calendar. Babies have a way of coming early or late. Plus, bonus is that I gift you a mini album when you book both with me.

Now that you've read about scheduling your maternity session, contact me before I don't have spots left. I book fast so don't wait.

Hugs and Love!

Michelle

Newborn Photography Session: In your home or at the studio?

While I know what you might be thinking, such as wanting the session at your house because you won't have to pack baby up and leave your house. Although I understand, I really want to encourage you to look at what works best for the photographer. Lighting, equipment, props, etc are all pretty big and can be heavy. Having the session at your house will be limiting, but that's ok if you prefer this and the photographer travels. Personally, I would think long and hard about if you're wanting a posed session. My preference is at the studio for posed but if you're wanting a lifestyle newborn session that is different type altogether. Now, having said that, I've photographed both in the client's home and in the studio. I much prefer the studio for a few different reasons. While I can appreciate the simplicity and ease of wanting the session in your home, I need to be sure I have everything that is needed when I'm there. Here are a few bullet points of why I love posed newborns in the studio.

• Everything that I need is there. I have TONS of props, wraps, backdrops, lighting, posing essentials, pillows, faux furs, various equipment, tables, heaters, etc. If I had to carry this to everyone's house I would need a van and a couple helpers, plus a few hours for setup and again for tear down. haha! I kid about needing a van and helpers, but it really is a lot.
• The studio is setup for each of my sessions, meaning nothing needs to be moved out of the way to setup my lighting, tables, etc. I need a decent sized area to put everything up and then I need to be able to move around.
• I'm in my groove at the studio. I heat it up nicely for newborn sessions because babies need warmth. Plus, it makes for a cozy space for you to relax while I take beautiful photos of your baby.
• I have gallery samples of what you can order at the studio. You get to see my work printed and I love that because you see what you can order.

Now that you have read this, what are your thoughts? Although I love those baby sessions at the studio, everyone is different so we can chat.

Newborn | Maternity | Baby | Family 

Hugs and Love!

Michelle