Newborn sessions typically last an hour, but I never rush. Babies need feeding breaks, diaper changes, and cuddle time, and I build all of that into the session. The pace is entirely baby-led — if your little one needs an extra feed or a little more rocking, we take that time. My approach is calm and unhurried, which usually means more relaxed parents and better photos.
Yup! In-home newborn sessions are one of my specialties and something that sets my work apart. There's something deeply personal about photographing your baby in the space where you'll spend those first precious weeks — the nursery you designed, the chair where you nurse, the light coming through your own windows. I travel throughout Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the Twin Cities for in-home sessions. I also offer studio sessions for families who prefer that option.
As early as you can! Reach out during your second trimester, around 18-20 weeks. Newborn sessions are ideally photographed when your baby is 7-14 days old, so securing your spot early ensures I have availability during that short window. Once your baby arrives, just let me know and we'll confirm your exact session date. I always leave flexibility in my calendar for newborns, since babies arrive on their own schedule.
Planning a newborn, maternity, or family photo session in Minneapolis? Here are answers to the questions I hear most often. If you have a question that isn't covered here, I'm always happy to chat HERE.
Yes! I maintain a curated client wardrobe with dresses, wraps, and newborn outfits in sizes for women and children. During your pre-session consultation, we'll talk about styling and I'll help you choose pieces that work for your family. You're also welcome to wear your own clothes — the styling guide I send covers exactly what works best on camera.
Of course! All my sessions include the whole family. Some of my favorite images are the ones where a big brother or sister is meeting the new baby. If you'd like to include a pet, just let me know when you book and we can plan for that.
One thing that sets me apart is that I shoot both film and digital. Digital gives us flexibility, speed, and the ability to capture lots of frames quickly. Film — I shoot both 35mm and 120mm — adds a timeless, organic quality that digital simply can't replicate. Film has natural grain, softer transitions, and a nostalgic feel that looks especially beautiful for newborn and family photography. Most families receive a mix of both in their gallery. This is one of the things that makes my work different from most Minneapolis photographers.
This is one of the most common worries, and the answer is: it's completely fine. Some of the best newborn photos are taken when the baby is awake and alert — those wide-eyed, curious expressions are beautiful. I never force a baby to sleep or pose them in ways that aren't natural. The session is always baby-led. If your baby needs to eat, be held, or take a break, we do that. After 800+ sessions, I've seen it all and know how to work with whatever mood your baby is in.
After photographing hundreds of newborn sessions, I am definitely an expert on lifestyle newborn photography. All that really means is:
I photograph newborns in an organic, natural way, which means I don’t put them in poses. When I had all three of my babies it never felt right to me when my babies weren’t in my arms. I felt so attached I had to sit on my hands when other people wanted to hold them. So when I take newborn photos the majority of photos end up having babe snuggled up, right on mom and dad, just where they want to be. Lifestyle sessions include lots of candid family shots and quiet moments.
I'm based in Saint Paul and serve the entire Twin Cities metro area, including Minneapolis, Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata, St. Louis Park, Woodbury, Stillwater, and surrounding communities. In-home sessions are available throughout the metro, and I also offer studio sessions. If you're outside the Twin Cities, I'm happy to travel — just reach out and we can discuss the details.
Maternity sessions are best photographed between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, when your bump is beautifully visible but you're still comfortable. I recommend booking your maternity session by the beginning of your second trimester to ensure availability. Spring and fall are the busiest seasons in Minnesota, so booking early is especially important during those times. Outdoor maternity sessions are gorgeous in Minnesota from May through October.
Yes, and I highly recommend it. Booking a maternity and newborn session together lets us tell the full story of your journey — from bump to baby. Maternity sessions are typically scheduled for around 28-34 weeks, and newborn sessions within the first two weeks after birth. When you book both together, I have a collection that covers both sessions.
Three things set my work apart. First, I'm one of the only Minneapolis photographers who shoots both film and digital at every session — the film adds a timeless, editorial quality that's hard to find elsewhere. Second, I've photographed over 800 newborn sessions, so I have the experience to handle anything — fussy babies, toddlers, pets, and everything in between. Third, my work has been published in Vogue, which reflects the editorial artistry I bring to every session. I also offer in-home sessions throughout the Twin Cities, which many photographers don't.
-Nicole b.
kind words
“She made the entire process - with a newborn and a toddler - so easy, from initial communication to day-of wrangling. She even had some treats and games on hand to help my older son through some of his toddler moments.
I will treasure these pictures forever, and can't wait to book another family session with Brittany!"
-ALANNA D
“Working with Brittany was such a great experience, from the initial booking to the day of the shoot everything was wonderful. We had her come to our house for our first ever newborn shoot and she immediately put us at ease and made the experience so comfortable, natural and easy (we felt as if we had known her forever)! She was available to help give advice on our outfits and made it so easy finding what would look best in the pictures. She also was so accommodating when our baby came 2 weeks early and made the scheduling of the date of our shoot a seamless experience. We truly cannot wait to work with her again and capture more memories as our family grows! The pictures turned out beautiful and I am so grateful to have them to cherish for years to come!If you are looking for a photographer to capture beautiful family memories look no further! .”
kind words
-claire b
KIND WORDS
"We knew we wanted photos taken to document the newborn stage, but were also not super comfortable in front of the camera that early on. She made everything so easy, carefree, and super comfortable! She had props for our newborn, and caught some amazing candids. They’re now hanging in our son’s room! We can’t recommend Brittany enough; we plan to do our next family shoot with her within the next few months."
-chuck n.
kind words
“With all the things my wife had to do while she was pregnant and how tiring it is at the end, I took on finding a newborn photographer. I was a little worried about it because photos are really important to my wife. I looked at what feels like every newborn photographer in the Twin Cities website to find what I knew she was looking for. She didn’t want novelty shots; she wanted candid shots that really looked like us and captured how much we love our little guy.
Having Brittany take photos of our newborn was fantastic. She was very flexible with our needs in the first weeks of being parents and moved around our session to accommodate them. Her experience knowing what will be comfortable and look good together was very helpful. She created a relaxed atmosphere which helped us all enjoy the experience. And, most importantly, the photos turned out amazing. Her photos captured what the early days were like and will help us to remember that special time forever.
In the end, I was a big hero for finding Brittany. I would recommend her to anyone!