Newborn Photography After IVF, Loss, or a Long Journey to Parenthood in Minneapolis
More than half of the newborn and maternity sessions I photograph in the Minneapolis area are for families who have walked a long and difficult road to reach parenthood. They have all experienced IVF, pregnancy loss, surrogacy, or years of waiting for a child. Working with these families has shaped every aspect of my photography business. When a family finally brings their baby home after that kind of journey, the photos we make together carry a different weight. I am offering more than just a photo shoot, but these sessions become a way to celebrate the arrival of a baby who was deeply, fiercely wanted and acknowledges that their experience is meant to be commemorated.
Photographing a Baby that Feels Like a Miracle
IVF, fertility treatments, and pregnancy loss place a great deal of weight on the newborn stage. For these families, the first days are not just sweet, but are the culmination of years of waiting, hoping, and working for this exact moment. As a result, these sessions hold a certain urgency compared to a normal newborn session. Families often feel a surreal disbelief that the baby is finally, actually here. They often are experiencing mixed emotions of joy alongside grief, anxiety, a hypervigilance to keep baby safe, and an urgency to preserve every detail of a child that they they waited so long to meet.
As a newborn and maternity photographer, the weight of these emotions are incredibly important to recognize and need to shape how you provide your sessions. First, I acknowledge the honor of photographing this moment for them and express the honor of doing so. Second, I convey to them that my services are intended to bless them and that I understand the importance and magnitude of these photos for them. Third, I offer them an experience that is free of stress and takes care of all the details. From styling, offering a wardrobe for mom and baby, a studio that is peaceful, to special gifts for their family - all are intended to help them have a photography session that offers them a space to honor their journey and celebrate what is before them.
What Is a Rainbow Baby, and Why Does Their Session Deserve Special Care?
As a Minneapolis photographer that serves clients from across the metro area, I have encountered so many families who have faced the loss of a little one and then experience the joy of a “rainbow baby.” A rainbow baby is a little one born after pregnancy loss, after failed transfers, or after infertility. Being a rainbow baby photographer is an honor in many ways but it also takes a different approach than normal newborn photo sessions. For one thing, it is imperative to meet with your clients via zoom or in person to talk about the goals for their session. During pre-session consultations with my clients, I ask families how they would like to honor the baby they have lost while celebrating the new baby who has come. They may bring objects that hold memory, blankets, clothing - anything that has meaning to them. Their photo session becomes one in which they honor the memory of the little on they lost while celebrating the arrival of their new baby.
What to Expect from a Newborn Session After IVF or Loss with AMG Photography
Pre-Session Consultation
I meet with every client prior to their session so that they can ask questions, share their story, and we can get to know each other prior to their session. These consultations give clients confidence that their voices are being heard and help them to approach session day with both a feeling of assurance and joy. I explain to them what their session experience will be like, we talk about their vision, and I explain how every detail will be taken care of so that they can arrive and simply relax. It is a time to reflect and celebrate and we hold space for that.
Peaceful Sessions are Baby Led
When clients enter the studio, they are immediately greeted with a peaceful environment. Coffee, tea, and snacks are provided. Soft music will be playing. Mom’s dresses will be hanging in the dressing room and outfits for baby are laid out. If baby needs a feeding or a diaper change, we make space for both and take our time. I tell clients that their main job is to focus on baby and each other and I will take care of the rest. When they leave, they feel that they had an experience - separate from the stress of adjusting to a new and sometimes chaotic life - in which they could simply celebrate the miracle of their little one while remembering the journey it took for them to arrive.
The IVF Gift Box
Preserving photography of such precious memories in a tangible way is incredibly important. Digital images can be so easily lost, but a real print on your wall, an album, or a beautiful photo box that is displayed on your shelf and easily accessible to look through is so important. I want clients to sit with their children as they grow and look through these memories together. This is why I offer every IFV or rainbow baby client a special Gift Box with prints when they book a Premium Session.
NE Minneapolis Studio:
My studio is a calm, private, naturally lit space located in Minneapolis at the Strong Scott Building. I have designed the space to be a place you can enter and simply breathe. There is a cozy seating area to feed baby or relax. A small kitchenette for coffee or tea and snacks is always available. A changing table with diapers is ready to go. A changing room with dresses for mom is there to help her feel beautiful! This is a special place for families to have an experience together which is truly special!
Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Photography After Infertility
When should I book a newborn photography session after IVF?
Book during your second trimester — around 20 weeks — just as you would with any pregnancy. You book your date early and then after baby arrives, you contact me in order to confirm our original date, or request a change. We always have to be flexible with babies! Booking early simply secures your place during the precious 5-14 day newborn window.
What if I am nervous to book a newborn session before the baby arrives after loss or IVF?
This is one of the most common fears I hear, and it’s completely understandable. I try to help my clients see that booking a session is not tempting fate — it’s an act of hope. You have earned this. Many of my IVF and loss families tell me that having something to look forward to brought them comfort during the final weeks of pregnancy. Booking early is important for many reasons (from being able to secure a date that corresponds with baby’s age to alleviating the stress of finding a photographer when you are in the midst of transitioning to life with a newborn), plus, if anything were to happen, your deposit is refunded. To learn more about the importance of booking before baby’s arrival, read my article: Whey You Should Book Your Newborn Session Early Despite Your Fears.
Can we include items from our fertility journey in the photos?
Absolutely. Ultrasound photos, rainbow objects, anything that has value to you— these details are part of your story. Many families incorporate them beautifully, and I love helping plan how to include them meaningfully in your session.
Do you work with families who have experienced pregnancy loss?
Yes, over 60% of my clients have experienced loss or have gone through IVF. This is some of the most meaningful work I do. I approach these sessions with particular care and gentleness. Your baby’s arrival is a milestone that deserves to be honored in full, including the journey that brought you here.
Do you photograph premature babies?
Yes. NICU graduate sessions are something I hold with deep reverence. Whether your baby just came home or you’re celebrating a milestone month, your session is geared toward celebrating your family’s journey and your baby’s place in it exactly at the right time! Newborn sessions aren’t just for full term babies. I do not place a time limit on these sessions, but clients choose the time which is best for them and their child.
What experience do you have working with babies?
As a mom of three, I share a wealth of experience and know exactly what parents are going through! The sleepless nights, the fears if they are doing the right things, the desire to capture every moment. I also have earned the designation of Master of Newborn Photography from the National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers (NAPCP). In earning this, I completed Newborn Safety training. Your baby’s safety is my top priority. My sessions are baby-led and nothing is every forced. I follow a gentle approach, cleanliness is imperative, and follow measures to insure baby is safe the entire time!
A Note From Ann Marie
Year after year the percentage of clients that I serve who have walked this road keeps increasing. As a photographer, these sessions have shaped how my work tremendously. Having raised three girls, I lead with my momma’s heart and I want every client to feel love, empathy, and appreciation during their experience with me. When I say it is an honor to provide these sessions, I truly mean it. When you’re ready, I would be honored to be your photographer.
