Choosing the right photographer for you and your family is essential.

Here’s a guide to assist you in this important decision.

• Style - When searching for your ideal newborn photographer, it’s crucial to find someone whose style resonates with you. Take the time to explore their portfolio on their website and social media platforms. If their work captures your heart, that’s fantastic! If it doesn’t align with your vision, don’t hesitate to continue your search. A helpful tip: if you admire a photographer for reasons other than their style, proceed with caution. For instance, it’s unrealistic to expect a photographer known for moody portraits to achieve a light and airy aesthetic upon request.
• Safety - This is paramount! It should never be overlooked. Every expert was once a beginner, but whether new or experienced, safety must always come first. I believe that newborn photographers should be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) to be prepared for emergencies. Completing this training enhances your awareness of potential risks. My background as a nurse provides me with additional insight. Additionally, it’s vital to understand safe posing for infants; as delicate beings, babies require careful handling. Please reach out if you have any inquiries regarding newborn safety—I can share my knowledge from various courses and years of experience.
• Props & Posing - When reviewing newborn photography, consider whether you’re attracted to prop styling or table poses. Props can include items like baskets, bowls, or tiny beds. I love incorporating props and table poses in every session. The specifics regarding props will be discussed after booking, as I ask about your preferences in a newborn questionnaire. A fun fact for clients who book with me: I have a fantastic collection of props to choose from!
• Colors - While this can relate closely to style, I wanted to highlight it separately. Color choices may seem straightforward, but they can be quite complex. The range of colors and patterns is vast, which means I continually expand my collection. Rest assured, as my client, I have a variety of options, including whites, creams, greens, reds, blues, and pinks. Clients often simply specify a main color, and I build the rest around that. Not only do I have an extensive selection of posing fabrics with coordinating wraps, but I also offer matching accessories such as headbands and bonnets, along with charming stuffed toys for little hands.
• Final Products (Digital Files and Prints) - What do you envision doing with your session photographs? Is your nursery in need of a stunning canvas, or are you interested in an album to showcase the highlights of your newborn’s early days? It’s important to clarify what products are offered by your chosen photographer. With my services, you can select from a variety of offerings, including digital image files or a combination of both files and physical products.

There you have it—key factors to consider when searching for the perfect newborn photographer. Best of luck in your search, and congratulations on your new baby!

Warm regards, Michelle

Welcome to my corner of the web, where I capture the beauty of life's special moments!

This session featuring baby Michael was so sweet. We began with family portraits in the studio backdrop area, transitioned to the studio's cozy lifestyle setting, and finalized with adorable prop poses. With over 100 outfits for newborns, I truly take pride in creating the perfect look for each session!

Rest assured, your little one and your experience are in good hands. With over 14 years of photography expertise, my passion for this craft only grows. I bring both professional training and a gentle approach to ensure your session exceeds your expectations.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with you soon.

Warmest regards, Michelle

Hey mama! Congrats, you’re pregnant! Now, while you’re trying to plan everything for when your newborn baby arrives, don’t forget about some of the finer details. Paint that nursery, buy those diapers, sleep while you can, and enjoy your pregnancy, but don’t forget to lock in that photographer. Over the last few weeks I’ve received several inquiries for a newborn session and the baby is already here or going to arrive soon. Capturing their littleness while they’re still little is very important, as this phase is only for a short time. Find a photographer that you love and book your session stat! Typically, I’m booked out for months so if you’re giving birth in the next week or have already had your baby, it’s likely that I won’t be able to fit you into my schedule. While I want to photograph every single baby, I cannot possibly do so. BUT, if you would like to book a 3 month or a 6 month session, I would love that! Again, I book out very fast so don’t wait, contact me today!

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.

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