First Year Baby Plan: Rochester, MN Photographer

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.

Color Combinations for Newborn photos: Rochester, MN

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.

Brown and Green

Gray and Blue

Cream and Light Blue

Navy and Mustard/Yellow

Green and Gray

Gray and Purple

cream and pink

Blue and Mustard

Cream and Navy

Gray and White

Cream

Green and Purple

Pink and Green and Cream

Brown and Blue

White and Pink

Pink and Green

Lavender and Cream

Fall Rust/Orange and mustard

Peacock Blue/Brown/Green

Rochester, MN Milestone photographer: Ben 4months

I love when newborn families choose the first year package. Watching them grow, is the best!

Rochester, MN Photography: Vivian 1 year Cake Smash and Fruit bath

Rochester, MN Studio photography: Studio or outside

FAQ: Studio or Outdoor

I get ask this question a lot. Should I do our session in studio or outside? I believe there are so many benefits to both! I’ve many times discussed outdoor photos, but I’d like to spend more time on a studio session. Here are some reasons a family may choose a studio session:

1. They don’t want the weather to dictate their session time. In studio, it’s always cozy and has the perfect light. No rain delays, or waiting on golden hour. You can wear what you want and stay comfortable!

2. The light is always good. During the year the sun sets at various times. Very early (maybe before you are finished with school or work) in the late fall and winter and in the summer the sun sets far after some little ones are in bed. Mid day sun is not ideal, but noon may be the happiest time for your kids! You want them at their best, so choosing a time that is best for them and not best for the sun may be ideal.

3. Your children are contained. I have 2 shooting rooms in my lofted studio. So for little runners, we can close doors and keep them contained! For some little ones the studio lights can be overwhelming but for others they enjoy the flashes and are not distracted by nature.

4. Props. While I do bring some props outdoors, we have an endless supply in the studio. So we can switch chairs as often as your toddler wants to. We can also use bigger items like my bed set up or my Victorian couch for a clean and formal look.

5. Wardrobe options are as easy as shopping in my storage room and changing in my restroom. So you can go from casual to glam in one setting. For the picky kids, they can pick out a dress that they enjoy or many to play dress up and make the session fun.

6. A comfortable home look without all the cleaning! Many of my clients love a lifestyle look and so do I! Going in your home can be hard for some kids who are too comfortable in their own space. My bed set has a great lifestyle feel without cleaning or distractions.

7. Without travel time, we can spend more time on taking beautiful pictures. This is great for short attention spans. I can change out the set in minutes vs walking around on location.

Studio photos may be the perfect option for your family or if you can’t decide choose a session option that accommodates both!

Rochester, MN Family photographer

FAQ: Family sessions

As a Minnesota family photographer based in Rochester. I have seen a lot in my 17 years in business. I have worked with families of all shapes, colors, orientations, temperaments and sizes. I’m proud to say that my experience gives me a unique perspective into working with your family. Did you know that my educational background is in social work and organizational leadership? Fun fact. I grew up in a home where my parents were foster parents and counselors. I’ve have experienced a lot of chaos in my years and some will say I do my best in chaotic situations.

Family sessions are a lot to prepare for. You take the time to select great clothing (I’m always happy to help with this!) Make sure those clothes fit and your kids put up with them! Then you select nap times to work out and snacks on hand. For older kids or adults, you work around busy schedules and then hope that the weather works out!

Sometimes these things don’t go as planned. That perfect dress is backordered, your sunny day turns cloudy, a work event comes up, your 2 year old chooses that day to not nap. I do family photos every year myself so I know how it feels. I know the stress involved. I also know that in the end capturing their face is what is important. If they won’t keep their bow in their hair, or they end up choosing their dress, you have that memory. That imperfect time is captured and is realistic!

I am very understanding to all the pressures involved in family photos. There have been times I’ve called to say the weather may work out better on a day I’m not scheduled to work and then proceed to change my schedule so your day is awesome. In the end, I want your photos to be great. I also know that sometimes over tired kids light up for the camera and give the best smiles. I used to do photoshoots late at night to wear out my daughter for bedtime. :) I also know kids are flexible and adults are so happy to have those times captured. I would be rich if I had a nickel for everyone who was surprised I got so many photos from the session when it felt to them that the session was a wreck with their children. My camera is quick, I’m efficient and I know how to work with families. Let’s chat about your family session. I want you to have wonderful memories to hang on your walls, so let me help you create that!

Rochester, MN Photographer: Best season for family photos

FAQ: What is the best season to take photos?

I’m often asked what the best season is for photos. I love Minnesota because we have so much variety between seasons. Here are some samples of photos for each of our unique seasons.

WINTER

A few things to think about with winter photos. Dress for the weather. Layers are your friend. This is also the time to break out the cute hats and mittens, the fun coats and don’t forget boots. Add a pop of color for fun against the white snow. Do you love the fresh falling snow? Because I am full time I can many times be flexible to catch the fall snow. If you’d like to be put on a wait list for this let me know and I’ll alert you when I believe conditions will be right. Prepare outfits ahead of time so we can meet up! Snow sessions aren’t long. They usually happen all in about 15-20min or can be longer with warming breaks. I don’t recommend these for under 1 year. They just don’t understand snow and being cold and they can’t move much. The exception to that is if they are just in your arms vs. being set down. They are great for active families though so have fun with it!

SPRING

Spring is such an in between season in Minnesota. My favorite things are the green moss, the bluebell covered forest and the blooming trees. Bluebells only last a couple of weeks in May, so stay alert on my Facebook VIP group for announcements on when I’ll be booking those sessions. You will typically get warm enough weather and less mud for a longer outdoor session the end of April and into May. Soon though the spring will turn to Summer!

SUMMER

Summer in Rochester, Minnesota starts with Daisies in May along with creeks to splash in! In July it transitions to beautiful fields of wild flowers and into the cone flowers of August. It is a great time to embrace the warm weather, summer dresses and beautiful pastels of the season. I have so many fun and private locations to give your photos a very unique feel. Remember that the sun sets very late in the summer, so take a late nap and keep the kiddos up for the beauty and cooler temps of the late evening.

FALL

Fall in Southern Minnesota has so many looks. It starts in September when some of the earliest color starts to appear. I think September is a great month for photos since you do have some color but you still have warm temperatures for those who are more sensitive to the cold. October is always a very busy month for me as a photographer. Who can resist the brown grasses, orange leaves and golden sun. October and November are very unpredictable though so you will often see more reschedules to do weather and the colors really vary from year to year. I am able to get some great fall shots well into November, but remember after daylight savings that the sun sets very early! I will often travel to Northern Minnesota this time of year as well, so if you are looking for an adventure, some amazing color can be found just a few hours north of Rochester. Whichever season you choose, you will have some wonderful photos with beautiful light!

Rochester, MN Photographer: Newborn session with family and siblings

FAQ: Are families included in the newborn session? They are! I love the interaction of parents with their new baby. Seeing a dad become a dad for the first time or a mom take a deep inhale from her new babies cheek. Siblings are always fun too at any age. I have had siblings as close as 8mo apart and up! Don't worry about siblings cooperating. I have a lot of tricks and poses that I can use and if I need to photoshop is a great tool. The best part is that I do family photos first, so you look your best and your older child doesn't get bored and loose interest in the new setting.

Rochester, MN Photographer: Milestone session

FAQ: What is a milestone session?

A milestone session is a great option for capturing your child at a variety of milestones in their lives. Typically you will see parents book these on a birthday or during the first year (sitting, standing etc) The sessions are for one child and we can do these in studio or outdoors or a little of each! For a one year birthday (or beyond) you can choose to do a cake smash, fruit bath or bubble bath as a fun addition to the photos. I offer a variety of wardrobe options or bring your own!

A collage wall art is the perfect way to enjoy your photos from the milestone session!