Capturing Love and Strength: A NICU Photo Session at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital
Welcoming a new baby into the world is often a time of joy and celebration, but for many families, the journey takes an unexpected and challenging turn when their little one requires specialized care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This past June, I had the privilege of photographing a NICU session at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, where I witnessed firsthand the profound strength and love of a family navigating their baby’s medical journey.
The Journey to the NICU: A Story of Strength
When I arrived at the hospital, I met a family from New Ulm, Minnesota, who had been traveling back and forth to Minneapolis—a two-hour drive each way—to be with their baby. After being admitted to the NICU immediately following birth due to respiratory failure and potential seizures, this sweet little one was later transferred to the University of Minnesota for treatment of retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer. The baby has been undergoing chemotherapy and recently received a G-tube, showcasing a resilience far beyond their tiny age.
A Father’s Calm and a Mother’s Cautious Love
During the session, I noticed a beautiful contrast between the parents. The dad, with an air of calm and comfort, gently held his baby, his love and confidence evident in every touch. The mom, on the other hand, displayed a quieter strength. Her nervousness was palpable, and yet, beneath that surface, you could see the fierce love and hope she carried. It was a reminder that every parent’s experience in the NICU is unique—where some find solace in the present moment, others carry the weight of worry and anticipation.
Why NICU Photos Matter
NICU photos hold a special place in my heart. These sessions are not about perfection—they are about documenting the reality of this chapter in a family’s story. I offer complimentary NICU sessions because I believe every family deserves tangible memories of their journey, no matter how difficult. These images serve as a testament to the strength of not only the baby but also the parents who bravely face each day with love and hope. Whether it’s a tiny hand gripping a parent’s finger or the quiet moments of a family sitting together amid medical equipment, these photos capture more than just images—they capture legacy.
My Approach to NICU Photography
Photographing in a NICU environment requires a delicate balance of sensitivity and skill. It’s important to remain unobtrusive while still capturing the genuine moments that unfold. My goal is always to tell the family’s story with authenticity—highlighting the emotions, connections, and milestones in a way that feels true to their experience. I often focus on the small details: the softness of a tiny baby’s cheek, the strength in a dad’s embrace, and the tender way a mom brushes back her baby’s hair. These details weave together a story that families can look back on, not just as a reminder of the challenges they faced but also of the love that carried them through.
The Impact of NICU Photos on Families
The feedback I receive from families who receive NICU photos is often deeply moving. Many parents share how much it means to have these images as a tangible reminder of their journey. In moments of uncertainty, these photos provide a sense of grounding. As the baby grows stronger, the family can look back at where they started and see how far they’ve come. The photos are not just a keepsake—they become a part of the family’s story, shared with loved ones and cherished for generations.
A Gift of Hope and Healing
Offering complimentary NICU sessions is my way of giving back to the community. I know how powerful photographs can be in healing and processing the experiences that life brings. My hope is that through these sessions, I can offer a small bit of comfort and joy to families when they need it most. The journey through the NICU can be overwhelming, but my goal is to capture the love and resilience that shine through even in the toughest of times.
Share Your Story
Every NICU session holds a story worth sharing, and I am honored to be a part of that storytelling process. If you or someone you know is navigating a NICU journey, I would love to offer this gift of NICU photos, capturing the quiet moments and brave milestones along the way. Please leave a comment below if this story resonated with you, or if you’d like to learn more about my complimentary NICU photography sessions. Together, we can celebrate the strength and love of every family, one photo at a time.
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Michele is a Minneapolis-based photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing life's most tender and meaningful moments. Known for her gentle approach and compassionate spirit, Michele offers complimentary NICU photography sessions to families navigating the challenging journey of having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She believes in the power of photographs to preserve a family's story—especially during delicate times when strength, love, and resilience shine brightest. Michele’s work at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital and beyond is a testament to her commitment to providing families with beautiful, tangible memories that honor both the struggles and the triumphs of their journey.
6 Comments
Mar 6, 2025, 4:19:41 PM
Kim - What a gift to document this for families. It's so important and meaningful. Beautiful work as always!
Mar 5, 2025, 6:44:16 PM
Robyn - What an amazing gift to these families. You are a blessing!
Mar 5, 2025, 1:27:45 PM
Alison Lapczuk - I love that you are doing this important work, Michele! Absolutely priceless.
Mar 5, 2025, 11:53:45 AM
JFaulkner - Beautiful work, so important to have these images for parents to cherish and to remember their journey into parenthood.
Mar 4, 2025, 12:35:40 PM
Ute - Your work is so beautiful! The connections that you've captured are very touching. I feel inspired to think about my own community and how to give back!
Mar 3, 2025, 4:17:08 PM
Jillian - You captured this NICU baby in such a beautiful way, love your work Michele!