Rochester and Southeast Minnesota Newborn Photographer: What does a session look like?

June 16, 2025 in newborn

If you are pregnant you may feel like you have information overload. Products to purchase, which ones are safest? Birth to plan for, and decorating a nursery. Maybe you have baby showers and are trying to find something that fits your changing body? The first days after birth are a whirlwind of doctors, late nights, feeding, changing and doing it all with little rest. So newborn photos may feel a tad overwhelming! That’s why at Bliss Photography I want to take as much of the stress off of you.

The hardest part for you may be just getting out the door for photos. Once you arrive at my studio though, my goal is for your stress to melt away and for you to perhaps take your first breath since baby has arrived. First thing is I’ll take the baby and get them all wrapped cute and cozy. They may need to eat after this or perhaps they will fall in a deep sleep and be ready for photos. If they need to eat, we take this time to feed them. I have a feeding pillow for you to use if that helps and no worries about privacy, you can feed on your own in a private room or we can close all the windows so you feel comfortable. You may pump if needed, breastfeed or prepare your bottles. Any option is fine.

Once feeding is complete and baby is settled then we work on family images. Did your dress not fit the way you liked? That is ok, I have wardrobe options you can use! Are your children in outfits that coordinate? No worries I may have shirts/pants/dresses for them too. During your family portion I’ll work with your toddler to help them feel safe and heard. I’ll make sure your husband is looking where he needs to and I’ll fix your stray hairs so you look your best.

Family photos don’t take very long, maybe 30min only. Following family photos I begin to work with baby. We may take another feeding break or we may forge ahead placing them in the various props that I have prepared. You have sent me color options and then I work to design a variety of set ups.

During the baby photos, many time dad or family will take the older siblings home. It could be a long wait for them. This also gives you a chance to sit back and enjoy the process.

The full session averages around 2 hours. Following the session I work to edit your images and then we meet up again to go through them and work on the best ways to display them. Beautiful framed art for your home, an artfully designed album for your shelf or gifts for your family.

Thanks for considering Bliss Photography for you newborn, I’m excited for what we will create!

Rochester, MN Couples photographer: Love is in the air

February 08, 2022 in family

With 7 children, they don’t get very many opportunities to be just the two of them! We had some much fun creating some special memories for these two.

First Year Baby Plan: Rochester, MN Photographer

September 16, 2021 in baby, children, newborn, milestone

From that tiny newborn stage to walking and running, I love to capture all the stages in that first year. I’ve been photographing babies now for almost 17 years and I’ve had 3 of my own. With that combined knowledge I have found the best set of stages to photograph your baby for unique photos that really capture all their changes in that first year.

Newborn:

This is a given. You really don’t ever get this time back and there is a short window to capture babies in the newborn stage. I see babies from 7-21 days for newborn photos. Now if baby was born early then this time frame may be adjusted based on gestational age or due date. This also may be adjusted if there were complications after birth or you were just hoping to keep baby home for the first few weeks. You haven’t missed your window for photos, but we may just adjust what we do. Ideally babies should be around 7-14days. Due to this relatively short time frame, it is best to book your session when you are still pregnant and then I will set a tentative date that we can adjust once baby arrives. Parents and Siblings are usually photographed during the newborn session with the baby

4-5 Month:

This stage is so fun to see their giggles and smiles. They are typically gaining more strength and can start lifting themselves up onto their arms. They may be teething, so chewing on fingers is totally normal. They love. to lay on their backs kicking and stretching. They may even try to roll over! I love using some. of the same props and colors from the newborn session through the stages.

7-8 Month:

This is one of my favorite ages. Sometimes they are crawling or scooting but many times they are just ready to sit and smile cute. Stranger danger and clinging on to mom and dad can start to appear but we work through it. This is a great time to add on family again for family pictures. It’s best if baby is sitting steady on their own without toppling. Simple wardrobe is provided but you are always welcome to bring a special outfit!

12 Month/ 1 year:

You made it a whole year! Hopefully most of the sleepless nights are behind you. Baby is now crawling, standing while holding on/running or walking with assistance. They are fast so we are on our toes catching them for photos. Some parents like to add on a cake smash for the 12 month session or do updated family photos. This is one milestone you don’t want to miss.

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Color Combinations for Newborn photos: Rochester, MN

September 16, 2021 in newborn

When you book a newborn photo session with me, one of the first questions I’ll ask is what colors would you like me to use? From there I work on designing coordinated and beautiful set ups that you can enjoy for years as wall art in your home. There are so many color combos and it’s so much fun putting these together for your newborn session.