Hey mama! What are you doing to get ready for your newborn baby? Has the nesting kicked in yet?

Here are some things that I hear about from new moms, and those that have been a mom for years.

• Don't sweat the small stuff. We all want to be organized and have the cleanest house on the block, while raising amazing children, but that isn't realistic unless you are super woman. If you are, please let me know your tricks so that I can share them. Instead, love your baby and family now because those dishes and cleaning can wait until you have time.
• Ask for help. Women always want to do and don't want help. I get it, sometime it's easier to do it because it will get done right. Well, give yourself some grace and let people help you. Some thrive on helping, that is what they live for.
• Baby proof your house. I know you might be thinking that it's too soon, but once that baby is born you might not have the time or mental capacity to put those locks on cabinets. Get a head start because before you know it baby will be crawling around.
• Make some freezer meals. If you get started on some meals now, you won't have to think about it for a few weeks.
• Remember to take a deep breath and remember that you got this. Your baby needs you, and so does your family. If you're feeling down once that baby gets here, please let your medical provider know. Postpartum depression is real and it is nothing that you've done wrong.

Now that I've shared the most common things that I hear at sessions, look at these beautiful babies that I've photographed. If you didn't know this already, I love my job.

Tiny beds and basket - Luneberry, Hello Little Props

White layer and bonnet - Peach Stitch

Flooring - Intuition Backgrounds, Fancy Fabrics

Felted critters - Aubrey's Felties, Dear my Luna

Michelle

Hey there!! New newborn props for all of the photo shoots, this time they are better than ever. Not only are they great for newborns, your baby can grow with each of them! Check them out and let me know what you think. Because, after all, they are so beautiful and they make all sessions that much better. All of these amazing props that I'm listing below are from Luneberry.

In no particular order, here they are.

1) The pooh bucket. This bucket looks so much like Winnie the Pooh's honey bucket that it's nicknamed "the pooh bucket." It is one that can be used as baby grows, as it typically fits all the way up to 1 year olds.

2) The spindle bed in natural. This bed is so adorable and versatile. Plus, this too can be used as your baby grows. From newborn, roller, sitter, runner (2 weeks to a few years).

3) The spindle bed in cream. Oh my, this one is probably my favorite. Fitting newborns to toddlers, it works for every style.

4) The farm bucket. This amazing little bucket is rustic and charming all in one. So good and fits newborns to 1 year olds.

5) The little crib. This adorable little crib is so good for newborn all the way up to toddlers.

6) The high chair. Amazing little high chair is not too little and not too big. I love it!!

I just adore getting every baby in so that I can admire how adorable they are in these beautiful props.

If you haven't booked your session, contact me now. Baby will grow fast, and memories of those chubby checks will fad. Don't wait.

Hugs and love!

Michelle

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

Hey Minnesota!! I have a new studio in Blooming Prairie Minnesota, in case you haven't seen me write about it before. With the move down to southern Minnesota, house and studio, I've been too busy to focus a lot on putting the final touches together. Conveniently, my studio is just a short drive from Rochester and a bit of a longer drive from Minneapolis or St Paul. No matter where you drive from, you become part of the MKP family. Once you arrive, there will be comfy spots to relax and hot or cold beverages to sip on. Plus, I have lots of delicious snacks.

Since this is a new space for me, I was in need of a newborn baby model to test for any potential changes that might be needed. I'm happy to say there are only a few things I need to do, which is pretty great. Plus, this adorable baby girl, Harmony Oak, was amazing! She slept like a champ and didn't mind most of the posing. Her mama and big brother were there to watch her shine! Since she was at the studio to model, I decided to try out some new items. An adorable Christmas gnome, baby booties, bucket hugger in the Christmas style, whispy greens, headbands, wraps, and more. Red, green, white, and cream. All beautiful on this perfect human. All in all, I'm in love with my space and that Harmony helped me break it in. See the links below for a few of the items I used in this session.

Bucket hugger: Hello Little Props

Cream posing fabric: Fancy Fabrics and Props

Wooden bed: Luneberry

If you would like to learn more about my services and want to become part of the MKP family, please email me at michelle@michellekrohnphotography.com.

Hugs and love!

Michelle