The short answer: choose a newborn photographer whose style matches how you want to remember this season, who has real experience with newborns (and with parents who are still recovering), and who makes you feel calm instead of rushed. Here is my honest advice as a mom of three who has photographed over 800 newborn sessions in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities.
Story time- when I was pregnant and looking for a photographer, I had no idea what questions to ask. Everyone had beautiful photos. Everyone described their work as timeless and authentic. Now I know that beautiful images are only part of the experience—especially when you’re recovering from birth and bringing home a brand new baby.
1. Decide what style actually feels like you
There are really two different styles of newborn photography- “lifestyle” and traditional/posed. Truth time- I didn’t have a great experience with my first daughter’s newborn photos. That’s because I went with a style that wasn’t right for me! The photographer was frustrated that she wouldn’t sleep, or that she wanted to be held. Which I know now, as a mom of three, is the most normal and natural way for a baby to be! But as a nervous first-time parent? I felt like there was something wrong. That experience is the OPPOSITE of what I want for my clients.
I shoot newborns in an organic, natural, lifestyle 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. (You can see more of this natural, unposed style on my Minneapolis newborn photography page.)
On the other hand, posed photography is just that- it involves putting the baby into poses and getting those sweet portraits that often include lots of props. Photographers who do this style often have lots of tricks up their sleeve to get babies to sleep, including heating their studio, and are often photoshop wizards. If you are interested in this style, it’s extremely important to make sure your photographer is safety conscious, and never forces positions.
| Lifestyle newborn photography | Posed / traditional newborn photography | |
|---|---|---|
| What it looks like | Baby in your arms, your nursery, siblings interacting, simple portraits of baby | Lots of props like wraps and baskets; beanbag posing in a heated studio |
| Who it’s right for | Families who value capturing the newborn bubble as it is | Parents who really want solo portraits of their newborn |
| Who might not love it | Parents who don’t want to be photographed | Parents who want more candid moments, or feel stressed about making sure baby sleeps |
2. Find someone whose personality you vibe with
Being a calm presence for a first-time parent is one of my top priorities. Those early days can be fraught with so many emotions, and providing support is one of my specialities. Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve been told one of the things that makes me one of the best Minneapolis newborn photographers is my ability to provide a new mom with a stress free experience.
3. Look for experience and reviews
Experience with newborns is essential for newborn photography- should be a no brainer, right? I personally would never use a Twin Cities newborn photographer who wasn’t a parent. Having three babies myself, there is a special set of knowledge on how to soothe a baby with confidence that can’t be taught, it has to be gained through experience. And of course photographing other newborns has led to lots of glowing reviews- you can read my Google reviews here.
4. Make sure the whole family is welcome
For every newborn photo session, I welcome all family members. Older siblings are important too! Those unscripted moments, the candid shots, are always my favorite and seeing your updated family with the new addition is so important. All of my Minneapolis newborn photography sessions are also family sessions!
5. Ask about pricing
I strive to keep my rates accessible for all budgets. My sessions start at $350, and I’m happy to send my full pricing guide when you reach out.
6. Ask questions!
An experienced photographer should never make you feel like you’re a bother. Questions you could ask:
- Can I see an entire gallery? (This is huge. Instagram can show you a photographer’s best image- but a great photographer is consistent—not lucky.)
- What happens if baby won’t sleep?
- What if we need feeding breaks?
- What if my toddler melts down?
- Do you require our session to be in studio or in home?
- What if my house is tiny? Messy?
- How old should baby be?
- Do you provide wardrobe?
- Do you retouch baby acne?
- When will we receive our gallery?
- Can we print our photos?
- What if baby arrives early?
- What if we’re exhausted?
Quick guide: what to look for
| If you value… | Then look for… |
|---|---|
| Natural moments | A lifestyle photographer |
| Perfectly posed baby portraits | A studio newborn photographer |
| Staying home | In-home sessions |
| Lots of artwork (prints and albums) options | A full service photographer |
Think about how you want to remember this season
Years from now, you probably won’t care whether your baby slept for every photo. You’ll remember how tiny they felt on your chest. How your toddler wrapped their arms around them. The way your partner looked at your new family.
The best newborn photographer isn’t the one with the biggest Instagram following. It’s the one whose work makes you feel something—and whose experience helps you relax enough to enjoy this fleeting season.
Whether that’s me or someone else, I hope you find someone who helps you remember these first days exactly as they felt.
Ready to find your photographer? Take a look at my Minneapolis maternity and newborn sessions to see if my approach feels like the right fit for your family, or reach out here.
