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/

This handsome fella, Camden, was in for his newborn session. First of all, what an adorable name. Secondly, isn't he just the cutest!? I’m so happy I was able to photograph this handsome little fella. A few months before Camden was born his mom contacted me to book her session. She said she was a cousin of a client of mine and that she loved my work. That always get me in the feels! And, I love referrals! Well, the day came and Camden was born so we scheduled the session. His nursery is a woodland theme with bears so I made sure to carry a little of that in to a few of the sets.

This little man was perfect for his session, and so were his gorgeous parents! Just look at his little fingers and toes. Plus he gave me a smile here and there. I can only hope that Camden and his parents return for more sessions with me in the future.

In no particular order, here are a few images from Camden’s session. He did so well in all of the setups.

This is why I love being a newborn and family photographer! Months ago I received an email from Stephanie that she was pregnant with her second baby. I was so excited for their little family! I met Stephanie and Nick a few years ago before their little boy was born. We had their maternity session in a beautiful pine tree forest on a very cold day while snow covered the ground. At that time, the only baby they had was their dog, Autumn, and of course she was along for the session. Then Aksel, their son, was born and I was honored to take his newborn and milestone photos throughout his first year. Fast forward another year and Aksel came in for his 2 year session. He’s an adorable little ham and I just love him!

This time around, Stephanie and Nick decided to wait until their baby was born to find out the gender. A healthy and happy baby is all they wanted. Well, a few weeks ago I received an email that a baby girl named Genevieve was born. Ahhh, I was over the moon for them! That gorgeous newborn baby came in to the studio and was amazing for her session! She was so calm and cuddly. I could have kept her! She'll be back for her 6 month session and I'll get to cuddle her some more. Yay!!

I cannot thank Stephanie and Nick enough for continuing to come back to me for their photography sessions. I just love watching their little family grow!! 

Every newborn photographer has props of some sort. Unless you're a minimalist, but then I'd be curious of what you do for your sessions and just downright jealous at the same time. I clearly have an addiction to prop buying because I have so many that I've lost count! Not really, but off the top of my head I really can't tell you how many buckets or baskets I have. haha! With that said, there are a few in my prop stash that are used most of the time because they are so versatile. 

I'll do a little skit in order for you to see a day in the life of my props being selected. When I communicate about prop and color use, I want to be sure I have it 99% selected before the session so that I can set it all up. Set up takes a while and newborn sessions are long so I don't want anyone to have to wait for me to set up. 

Me: What props are you thinking you would like to be used at your newborn session? (I send a list to select from)

Mom: I think I want simple but I also love the green bucket. So, the brown bed, macramé swing, and the green bucket. If I remember correctly, you still do another type of set up, right?

Me: Ok, that's great. Just to be sure you're ok with the green bucket, what was your hesitancy towards it being used? And, yes, I do a table set that will incorporate some of the colors you selected.

Mom: I think I'm hesitant because her nursery is neutrals and that bucket is very green. I love it but it just won't go well in there. Oh, the table poses, that's right.

Me: I would suggest buying an album that way you can get the green bucket shots in there with others from the session. Plus, you could purchase wall art for her nursery of the other set-ups. 

Mom: That's a great idea! Yes, I would love to do the green bucket for sure then. 

Me: Great! I'll have it all set up when you get to the studio for your session. 

See the images in this blog post and you'll see the brown bed, the macramé swing, and the green bucket. And remember, I have many more!  

If you're looking for something vintage, like my green bucket, visit my friend's shop all the way in St Cloud, MN. https://www.therustypick.com/

Newborns | Maternity | Baby | Family

Michelle 

Spring is here! Although Minnesota weather has it feeling like winter outside, I brought that happy spring feeling inside the studio. It's bright and flowery, and I love it! Now, I take it all down when it's not needed but I'm more than happy to put it all up for another spring set because who doesn't like flowers. They are just so pretty!

If you read my last blog post you saw that I have a new swing for the studio. I'm crazy about it. Whether I swaddle a baby up like a potato, wrap baby like a ninja warrior, rest baby as if they are swinging in the wind, it's pretty cool. The macramé design of the swing is the perfect texture being that it’s comfortable to be in, as well as beautiful in photos. Not only is this adorable for newborns, it can be a grow with me prop. Get them in the swing as a tiny baby and then up to 40 pounds as a 1 year old or another milestone. Yep, I’m in love with this thing.

On another note, if you haven’t booked your newborn session and you’re due this summer, you best get on it as soon as possible. I have been inundated by requests! I’m full for April and almost full for May, June, and July! It’s a crazy baby boom, or shall I say covid baby boom (that’s how we’ll all remember it, I’m sure). I love all the babies! 

Love as always!

Michelle

Newborn | Baby | Maternity | Family