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

Hey mama! Having a baby? Soon that newborn will be here so keep reading. Did you know that the best time frame to have a session done when you're pregnant is between 30-32 weeks? It's not this way for every woman, but most. Your beautiful baby bump is most noticeable during that time. If you have them taken too early, you might not have as full of a bump, and if you have them taken later you might look uncomfortable. While carrying that beautiful life around is a wonderful thing we all know that it's not a breeze for every pregnant mama. Some say they could be pregnant for the rest of their life, and others never want to carry a baby again because of complications. All I know is that you are amazing for creating life so document it, mama!

Now, with all of that said, don't wait to book your session. Contacting me right when you get to your second trimester is likely the best so we can get you on the calendar. I'm a sucker for sunsets (golden hour) so if you want outdoor then you really need to contact me as these spots fill up fast. If you want your session in the studio I have some room to move there. Either way, contact me soon.

AND, I have a huge client closet that goes from small up to 3x. Gowns, dresses, body suits, etc. Once you book with me you have access to use anything in the client closet for your session. Everything can be used in the studio and outdoors. You deserve to look and feel beautiful!

Bonus is that I know this amazing lady right here in Blooming Prairie that can hook you up with hair and makeup for $100.

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Hugs and love!

Michelle

Hey mama! This beautiful baby girl came in with her mama, grandma, and big sister. She's a lucky little girl having so many people to love her, with more people at home. And, she lives on a hobby farm! Gahh! I'm not gonna lie and say that I'm not jealous. Haha. Anyway, this girl was so good! Barely a peep. I also think her big sister thought it was great to have her little sister around. She would run up to check out what we were doing and runn away to play. So cute! 

However far along you are in life, pregnancy, or parenting, be sure to enjoy the small stuff. When they're this little you blink and they've grown a ton. You can't stop blinking so remember that cleaning and other things can wait. Embrace their littleness, capture the milestones. 

Hugs and love!

Michelle

Hey, welcome to the studio!!

I'm so happy you've stopped by. Here you'll see my obsession with props for every baby in the land. haha! But seriously, take a look around and notice that I have 1.2 million buckets, baskets, tiny beds, itty bitty pillows, backdrops, wraps, headbands, bonnets, crates, chairs, a lifestyle area, a client closet, and more. What does all of this mean to you? Well, it means that you have a lot to select from or I have a lot to select from for your session. Your session can be posed or lifestyle like, or even both if you want the mix. I will help you decide, or I can decide for you if you don't know what you want. I love my job and I keep up on the latest styles.

Now, Come in and be ready to hang out! I have comfy seats, fresh coffee, sparkling water, and snacks waiting for you. The studio is full of props, backdrops, lovies, bonnets, headbands, and more. Rest assured I have books and toys for the littles, and several soothing tools for the even littler. There is a changing table and a bathroom for all. My lifestyle area has even caught a nap or two. Have questions? I'm just a phone call away. Hope to see you soon!

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