The Process: How We Work with You and Your Baby

The level of control you want

Taking full service to new levels:

If you are like most moms you are not going to have time or energy to make everyone look amazing for your photos. Most moms will do their makeup and gently curl their hair. You can come in your street clothes and wear one of the studio’s gowns. If you have little girls we have beautiful skirts that will fit up to size 5. For little boys we can create really classy portraits with no shirt on. For men have them wear a nice simple button up or a shirt like this.

 

Scheduling

Working with families begins even before your little one arrives. Although babies are unpredictable and not always born on the exact due date as planned, we will still have a general idea so that we can start preparing on our end. We also understand that you may want a few days to rest, so take your time. It is recommended to have the shoot within the first couple of weeks of your baby’s birth, so we can capture those “newborn” faces while they are still so fragile, innocent and beautiful. Babies also sleep more often during those first couple of weeks.
If you are too uncomfortable to attend the shoot, due to having a C-section or difficult recovery, you may want to send the baby to our studio with Daddy. It will give him a good opportunity to bond with baby as well. However, if you would like family photos rather than just individual images of the infant, this is something we can discuss.

Planning

Once your session is scheduled, we can talk about your vision for the images. You can incorporate your own ideas. Some parents like to bring props, such as little hats, scarves, mittens or special booties and blankets. We also keep props on hand for this occasion. All items are sanitized in between newborn sessions, so we do keep your baby’s safety and comfort in mind.

Here are a few general tips on shooting your newborn’s photos:

Please wait to feed your baby until upon arrival, so that he/she might be more likely to fall asleep after nursing. We have a comfortable place for you to do this.
Bring a pacifier or nubby for your little one to suck on.
Many of the images we take are of baby wrapped up cozy in one of the many wraps we offer. We also have a darling selection of outfits for baby.
If you have any favorite outfits, such as an NFL team jersey, christening gown, or ballerina tutu, etc., please bring these special items with you.
For parents, just dress comfortably. You do not have to dress up. You can wear a blouse or a nice top if you wish to have any pictures with the baby. We can shoot the images from the waist up.
Every contract includes a model release, if you would prefer your images are kept private please let me know as I am happy to make exceptions. Most parents are more than okay with us using their baby’s photos in my portfolio or for advertising, but if for any reason you do not want me to showcase your infant in my collection, please address any concerns you might have in advance.

Nicole Hollenkamp is a safety certified custom portrait photographer in Milaca, Minnesota specializing in maternity, newborn, birth, and milk bath photography. Serving the Northern Twin Cities area, including (but not limited to) Anoka, Becker, Big Lake, Bock, Clearwater, Elk River, Foley, Foreston, Garrison, Gilman, Glendorado, Isle, Maple Grove, Milaca, Monticello, Oak Park, Ogilvie, Onamia, Otsego, Princeton, Rice, Rogers, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, St Cloud, St. Joseph, Waite Park, Watab, Zimmerman  and More.