What Happens at a Minneapolis Newborn Photography Session with AMG Photography?
If you've never done a newborn session before, it's completely normal to have a hundred questions running through your head. What do I wear? What if baby cries the whole time? What if I cry the whole time? (It happens, and it's beautiful.) As a mom of three myself, I can totally relate to every emotion you are feeling! I consider my experience as a veteran mom my “superpower” when it comes to offering newborn sessions! It allows me to not only provide you with a session filled with patience and love, but it also motivates me to make your session the most relaxing and beautiful experience you will ever have! This post is your inside look at exactly what a newborn session at AMG Photography looks like, from your pre-session zoom call with me to the moment your gallery lands in your inbox.
What happens before the newborn session?
Do I need to do anything to prepare?
Once you book your session, you'll receive my Newborn Session Prep Guide — a detailed resource covering everything from how to prepare baby for the session to styling tips for the whole family, sibling advice, and what to expect in the studio. You won't have to figure anything out on your own.
Before your session day, we'll also have a pre-session Zoom consultation together. This is one of my favorite parts of the process. We'll talk through your vision, answer every question you have, go over styling, and plan the feel of your session. By the time you walk through the studio door, the only thing left to do is show up and enjoy it.
What should I wear to my newborn session?
Nothing — meaning, don't stress about this at all. Every AMG Photography newborn session includes full access to my client wardrobe, which is stocked with beautiful gowns and dresses for moms and outfit options for children of all ages. Wraps, outfits, and swaddles for baby are also ready and waiting. Your chosen dresses will be hanging in the changing area when you arrive, and baby's wraps will be laid out for you to choose from.
I also send a styling guide before your session with recommendations for dads and partners so the whole family is coordinated without anyone having to think too hard about it.
What happens when we arrive at the studio?
Where is the studio located?
The studio is in Northeast Minneapolis in the Strong Scott Building — a gorgeous, light-filled space with free parking right beside the entrance. It's easy to get to from anywhere in the Twin Cities metro.
What's the studio like?
When you walk in, you'll hear relaxing music and find a cozy seating area ready for you. Coffee, tea, and snacks are waiting in the kitchenette. There's a private changing room for you to get ready, a dedicated baby changing area, and comfortable spots throughout the studio where you can sit and feed baby whenever you need to. The space is large, well-lit with natural light, and air-conditioned — which matters a lot when you're a postpartum mama in Minnesota July.
Toddlers and older siblings have room to run and play between photos, and pets are absolutely welcome because they're part of your family too.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just diapers, something to feed baby, and a pacifier if your little one uses one. I provide everything else — wardrobe, wraps, blankets, snacks for you, and toys to keep older siblings entertained.
What are people saying about AMG Photography’s Newborn Sessions?
Ann Marie is truly the best! We’ve worked with her twice for newborn photo sessions and each time has been wonderful. I love that she provides outfit options for mom and baby (who has time for these details with a newborn?), and she has such a calm, comforting demeanor that I really appreciated as a nervous first and second time mama. She even graciously allowed us to reschedule last minute when my 20 month old was having a really tough morning (and so was I), and had the sweetest words of encouragement for me in those very tough moments. What a blessing! - Robin Bantz
What happens during the newborn session itself?
How long does a newborn session take?
Newborn sessions at AMG Photography run approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. We never rush. The session is entirely baby-led, which means we follow your baby's cues rather than working against them. If baby needs to eat, we pause. If baby needs a diaper change, we stop. If baby falls into the most perfect deep sleep mid-session, we lean in and work with it. Time is always built in for all of this, so that you can relax and not feel rushed!
What does "baby-led" actually mean?
It means your baby’s needs always come first. I've been photographing newborns since 2014 and have a Master of Newborn Photography designation from the National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers — and the single biggest thing I've learned is that the best photos come when you stop pushing and start listening to what baby needs. A sleeping baby gives us beautiful, snuggly detail shots. An alert baby allows us to capture a family’s connection with baby as they look up into mom and dad’s faces. If a baby begins to get fussy, we always tend to their needs first. This means if a diaper change is necessary or a feeding is due, we tend to their needs first and then we move on at a relaxing pace. Many clients will also include these moments in their images. There is nothing better than having photos of nursing baby or giving them a bottle. These are the intimate moments parents want to remember forever!
What kinds of photos will we take?
A lifestyle newborn session at AMG Photography focuses on connection over perfection. We'll capture baby alone — all those tiny details, the fingers and toes and their little eyelashes — as well as baby with you, baby with your partner, family photos with siblings, and any combination that tells your specific story. I guide you through everything so you're never standing there wondering what to do. I always tell my clients to simply focus on baby, and I take care of the rest.
What if baby is fussy the whole time?
As a mom of three, I have seen every version of a newborn session, and I promise you — the fussy ones still produce beautiful images. We simply stop, take care of baby's needs, and pick back up when they're ready. Sometimes the most stunning photo from an entire session is the one where mom is comforting their baby. Those are real moments and the ones which create the most authentic images.
Can siblings and pets be included?
Yes — and I love when they are. Siblings, partners, grandparents, dogs, cats — whoever makes up your family is welcome in your session. The studio is the perfect place for both toddlers who want to explore and dogs who need to run! It is a large, family friendly space complete with snacks for both kiddos and dogs! I'm also very experienced at working with toddlers who aren't totally sure about this new baby yet, and I provided an environment which helps them feel special. Toys and books will be ready for them during the session and families are encouraged to include play as a part of their sessions. This allows kids to have a wonderful time while I capture their joy!
Do you offer in-home newborn sessions?
Yes! Offering Both In-Home and Studio Sessions
Some families want to not only preserve memories of their newborn baby with their family, but they want to include memories of this special moment in their home. These sessions are more lifestyle in focus and capture the family doing things in different rooms throughout their home. Some images may be in baby’s nursery while others may be in the kitchen giving baby their first bath! In-home newborn photography is a special way to create memories of baby’s first few days in your home and allow clients to the opportunity to have the beauty of their every day lives captured in a special way!
What happens after the newborn session?
When will I see my photos?
About one week after your session, you'll receive a preview of a few of your images with your final invoice. Then, after 4 weeks, you will receive a slideshow of all of the images in your gallery set to music. This will allow you to sit back and watch the story of your session frame by frame! You will then be invited to select your digitals and professional print products you would like to preserve your memory art!
What are the best ways to print my newborn photos?
Photo Books contain at least 20 pages of images from your session.
Your gallery is connected to an online shop from which you are able to purchase the highest quality print products. Fine art prints, framed artwork, custom photo books, and canvases will be presented to you within your shop and you are able to select what serves you best. I have found that most clients choose Layflat Photo Books so that they have their favorite images to look through for years to come.
What collection options are available?
The Newborn Milestone Collection allows families to have three sessions in one year. This Collection Includes a Photo Book.
AMG Photography newborn sessions start at $750 and include three collection options: the Memories Collection (20 digital images plus a $100 print credit), the Premium Collection (all digital images plus a $200 print credit), and the Newborn Milestone Collection — three full sessions over your baby's first year, including a photo book, with payment in installments. Full details are on the pricing page.
Can I add a maternity session?
Yes — and this is one of my favorite things to offer. A petite maternity session can be added to any newborn booking at a discounted rate of $550, so you can document your pregnancy and your baby's first days. If you're still expecting and want to capture both, reach out before baby arrives so we can plan your sessions!
Ready to book your Twin Cities newborn session with Ann Marie?
If you're expecting a baby in the Twin Cities, I'd love to be the one to capture all of the details, the connection, the realness of those first weeks together.
Learn more about what's included in a newborn session, or reach out here to book. I recommend booking during your second trimester of pregnancy so we can insure you receive your preferred date!
