newborn, maternity & family Photography

Inquire 

arrow

Michele Quattrin Photography

A Heartfelt Glimpse into Minneapolis Studio Newborn Photography

Newborn

June 25, 2024

Hi, I'm Michele.
Hi there! Welcome to the MQN blog, a journal about maternity, newborn, family and milestone photography sessions. Stay awhile and say hello!
Learn more
arrow
Search
FREE DOWNLOAD
Becoming a Mother In The Twin Cities
Preparing for motherhood can feel like a full-time job.  Get the guide for the best resources.
DOWNLOAD

Studio Newborn Photography in Minneapolis: Baby Louise

Studio newborn photography gives families a comfortable, prepared place to document their baby’s earliest days. At my Northeast Minneapolis studio, sessions are relaxed, baby-led, and centered on the connection between your new baby and the people who already love them.

There is no expectation that your newborn will sleep through the entire session or settle into a particular pose. Babies are photographed as they are, whether they are sleeping, stretching, looking around, or needing time to be held and fed.

newborn arrives at Minneapolis studio-Studio Newborn Photography

Welcoming Baby Louise

Louise was born on December 13, 2023, at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina. She weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

Her mom described the moment Louise arrived:

“I was so happy, overjoyed, and relieved that she was healthy and finally here. Both my husband and I cried when they put her on me. It was a feeling of love I had never felt before.”

Those first days can hold a mix of relief, exhaustion, happiness, and disbelief. A newborn session creates space to slow down and photograph some of what those days actually felt like.

yawning newborn in a Minneapolis studio -studio newborn photography

A Northeast Minneapolis Newborn Photography Studio

My studio is located in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District and offers several simple settings within one space.

One side of the studio has white walls and floors with soft window light. The other includes wood floors and a lime-washed blue wall that adds warmth and depth while still keeping the focus on your family.

During Louise’s session, we used the studio’s natural light and neutral surroundings to create a mix of photographs of Louise on her own, with her mom, and with both of her parents.

Because everything is available in one place, we can move between settings without asking a newly postpartum family to travel to several locations or prepare their home for photographs.

sleeping and awake newborn in a Minneapolis studio

Studio Wardrobe for Newborn Sessions

Louise’s mom selected a dress from my client wardrobe, and we chose wraps and clothing for Louise from the studio’s newborn collection.

The wardrobe includes dresses for mothers, shirts for fathers, clothing for young children, and a selection of newborn wraps, knits, and simple outfits. Wardrobe guidance is included so families do not have to purchase clothing specifically for the session unless they would like to.

Louise’s mom shared:

“Having the wardrobe available for me and our daughter, and my husband if needed, was huge. It took that off my plate leading up to the session. Having such a variety of dresses and baby outfits made everything so easy.”

Parents are welcome to bring meaningful clothing, blankets, or other personal pieces. The studio wardrobe is simply there to make planning easier and to provide options that photograph well in the space.

newborn with mom and dad in Minneapolis studio

A Baby-Led Approach to Studio Newborn Photography

Every newborn session moves at a slightly different pace.

Some babies sleep through most of their photographs. Others are alert and curious. Many need to stop for feeding, changing, soothing, or time in a parent’s arms.

I follow the baby rather than trying to keep a rigid schedule. Babies are never forced into uncomfortable positions, and there is no need to keep them asleep for the photographs to work.

An awake baby looking toward a parent can be just as meaningful as a sleepy photograph. Tiny stretches, clenched fingers, milk-drunk expressions, and the way a baby settles against a parent are all part of the session.

The goal is to create a complete set of photographs that includes the baby’s small details, individual images, parent and baby photographs, and family photographs.

For trusted information about caring for a sleeping newborn at home, parents can also review the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep recommendations.

collage of newborn photos in a Minneapolis studio

What Louise’s Mom Said About the Experience

After the session, Louise’s mom said she appreciated how relaxed and flexible the experience felt. She felt comfortable asking questions and did not feel pressured when Louise needed something.

Her advice to other parents considering newborn photographs was simple:

“Have fun with it. The photos will turn out amazing with Michele, whether your baby is asleep or awake.”

That is an important reminder when preparing for a session. Your baby does not have to behave a certain way. Newborn sessions are designed around feeding breaks, diaper changes, soothing, and the unpredictability that comes with caring for a new baby.

When to Schedule Newborn Photos

Most studio newborn photography sessions take place during the first few weeks after birth, but there is not one required age.

Photographing a baby during the early weeks can help document their small size and sleepy movements. An older newborn may be more alert, make stronger eye contact, and show more expression.

Whenever possible, I recommend reserving your newborn session during pregnancy. Your due date is used as a placeholder, and the session date is finalized after your baby arrives.

Booking ahead also gives us time to discuss the type of session you want, wardrobe options, family members who will be included, and the finished photographs or artwork you are considering.

Planning Your Minneapolis Newborn Session

Your newborn photographs should preserve more than how small your baby was. They can also show how your baby fit against your chest, how carefully an older sibling held them, and how your family looked as everyone began adjusting to something new.

My Northeast Minneapolis studio is prepared with wardrobe options, newborn wraps, simple furniture, natural light, and plenty of time to follow your baby’s needs.

To learn more about studio newborn photography in Minneapolis, visit the newborn session information page or contact me to begin planning your session.

deckled prints from a Minneapolis newborn photographer

Frequently Asked Questions About Studio Newborn Photography

When should I book a newborn photography session?

It is best to reserve your newborn session during pregnancy. We will schedule it for about one week after your due date and adjust the date if needed based on when your baby arrives.

How old should my baby be for newborn photos?

Most newborn sessions take place within the first few weeks, but there is no strict age requirement. Older newborns may be more alert and expressive, while younger babies often sleep more during the session.

What happens if my baby does not sleep?

Your baby does not need to sleep for the session to be successful. Awake expressions, stretches, and moments with parents can create beautiful, natural photographs.

What should we wear for studio newborn photography?

Clients have access to the studio wardrobe, including dresses for mothers, shirts for fathers, clothing for young children, and newborn wraps and outfits. I will help you choose clothing that works well together and photographs beautifully.

Can parents and siblings be included?

Yes, parents and siblings can be included depending on the session you choose. We will plan the session around the photographs that matter most to your family.

Where is the newborn photography studio located?

The studio is located in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District and includes natural light, neutral walls, wood floors, simple furniture, and several settings for newborn and family photographs.

More Newborn Photography Resources

Planning your Newborn Session

Taking beautiful newborn photos

Fall Family Photos

Michele is also a member of the Professional Photographers of America, a national organization that supports professional photographers through continuing education, business resources, and industry advocacy.

 

 

 

 
 
 

 

 
 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Browse
Categories

browse by category

maternity

newborn

family

milestones

nicu

Hello

welome to my blog

I’m Michele, the artist behind MQN Photography. I photograph growing families with beautiful light and a full-service experience.

Learn more

arrow

Search