WELCOME TO YOUR
newborn photography EXPERIENCE
A
W
P
HELLO and WELCOME! I am so excited to officially have you on the books!!! Whether we've already met, or you're completely new here, I'm so glad you're here!
My goal with this Welcome Guide is to help you prepare for your session and get the MOST out of your experience. This moment in your life is SUCH an exciting memory and an investment…so it’s my job to be sure you are fully prepared! In this guide you will find everything from suggestions for outfits, hair and makeup, ways to customize your experience, what to expect the day of your session, how your final gallery will work and everything in between! Please take the time to read it thoroughly to ensure you have all of the information you need to make your shoot the absolute best it can be!
Use the content in this guide as suggestions, but feel free to reach out to me at any point in the planning process to chat about how we can make it personal to YOU and create images that you will look back on and love for years to come.
Can’t wait to see you!
newborn PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE AT-A-GLANCE
There's a LOT of information in this guide! It's meant to make you feel fully prepared for your newborn photos, and answer any questions you may have leading up to photo day! Here's a snapshot of the timeline and to-dos so you can refer back and know exactly what you need to do and when!
after booking
- Read through your Welcome Guide
- Start thinking about your vision for your photos
- Think about your location vibe!
- Schedule hair and makeup if that's in your plan!
2-3 weeks before your session
- Complete and submit your Questionnaire
- Narrow down outfit options.
- Finalize your location.
1-2 weeks before your session
- Finalize outfits, including options from Client Wardrobe
- Angela will send session details including time, location flow, parking info.
2-3 days before your session
- Treat yourself to a mani / pedi
day before your session
- Steam or iron outfits
- Pack all outfits, accessories, touch-up items
- Get a good night's sleep!
session day
- Relax and get ready for a fun, peaceful experience!
- Be ready for some gentle posing guidance and movement
after your session
- Receive full gallery via email within 2 weeks
- Within 48 hours, select which Collection you'd like to make yours.
- After your Collection is purchased, your Gallery Store will open up. Here you can use your print credit toward heirloom albums, fine art prints, matted prints, or a variety of other premium offerings.
I'M ANGELA!
Now that we've gotten to know each other, let's dive into the good stuff!
Hi! I'm Angela—a photographer, huge travel lover, wife, and mom of 2 girls! I live in Linden Hills near the SW Minneapolis lakes with our family of four plus a tiny little goldendoodle, Bailey.
Before photography I was in the Marketing world at top Minneapolis corporations, then spent many years staying home with my little girls!
My style is bright, feminine, and effortlessly beautiful. I'm professional, yet laid back, and I love to make photography fun! People consistently tell me they love my photo sessions because I'm warm and genuine and they feel like they've known me for years!
in case we haven't met...
What to expect
Now that you are booked and things are officially official - let’s talk through the newborn photo experience, step-by-step! Your experience starts NOW, and I want you to know what’s around every corner as you begin to prep for your photo day!
01
Alongside this guide, you should have received a questionnaire to complete. This questionnaire will help me to get to know you, your style and your preferences so that I can create the best possible photo experience for you! Please take the time to fill it out thoroughly after reading through this guide - the more info you give me, the more I can customize your experience and be sure your images reflect YOU! But, finish reading this guide first…there’s helpful stuff in here!
the welcome guide & questionNaire
02
As we get closer to the day of your photo session, you can expect to hear from me with our meeting time, location and final check-in! If we chose an outdoor location, I photograph at “golden hour” - which is approximately 1.5 hours before sunset. We have likely already decided which time of day we will shoot! I like to wait until we are 1 week out from your shoot date to lock in an exact meeting time based on the time of the sunset and location we chose. If there are clouds or rain storms in the forecast, this also allows me to plan around the weather to ensure we get the best lighting possible!
If your maternity photos are in a studio, or in your home we will plan for a 10am start time. This is typically when the light is best in studio. If we are photographing in your home, we will discuss in detail which rooms of your home have the best light and determine final timing based on that.
03
your session day!
On the day of your session, know that it's normal to feel a little anxious! Your body feels different than normal and you might not think you're photo-ready at this moment, but don't worry! We will hang out, relax, and have some fun. Leave the posing to me, and it will be beautiful.
the week before
Who to bring with you
You are definitely the star of the show! This is your time to shine, you are carrying a life inside of you - and you deserve to GLOW like you've never glowed before. Many women choose to be the sole participant in their maternity session, and it's amazing and beautiful!
Another frequently asked question is “who do I bring with me!?” And I suggest one of 4 options!
1) MOM AND BABY
If this isn't your first baby, it's extra special to include your other children in your maternity photos! Watching them kiss your belly, and just loving on your kids extra hard before their sibling arrives makes them feel so loved and special.
3) bring the kids
Obviously the two of you are creating something very special together, and it's fun to share that moment with each other. I love including your partner in maternity photos ~ it's a moment for just the two of you before your life changes (for the better!) forever.
2) MOM, PARTNER & BABY
Many couples are pregnant with their first child, but have been loving parents of "fur-babies" for many years. Including your dog in your maternity photos is a cute special touch, especially if you are taking them outdoors or in your home.
3) DON'T FORGET THE DOG
locations
Maternity photos are typically taken 1) In a studio or 2) In your home. Each are equally beautiful and special. It's important to think about the vibe you'd like your photos to portray. Do you like the clean, light-filled look of a studio, and don't want to deal with getting your home photo-ready? Perfect, let's do it! Do you like the idea of taking photos in your baby's nursery, and the thought of leaving your house feeling overwhelming? Then that's perfect for you, as long as there's good light!
Try to think of an overall “feel” or “vibe” for your shoot…and let this guide your location choices!
I have several posts on my Newborn blog that give you an inside look at some real newborn sessions - one in a studio, one outdoors, and one in their home. Take a look at these and see what resonates most with you! And you don't need to make this decision on your own - I'm here to guide you!
GET INSPIRED BY THE BLOG
LOCATION TYPES
Where we photograph your newborn session matters—it becomes part of the story you’ll look back on for years. Together, we’ll choose a location that feels meaningful, elegant, and perfectly suited to the way you want this season remembered.
studio
Studio newborn sessions are perfect if you love clean, timeless images with soft, beautiful light. I work with light-filled studios in Minnetonka and Minneapolis that feel bright, airy, and neutral, creating an effortless, elegant backdrop for your photos. Studios are ideal if you want a polished look without worrying about getting your home photo-ready, and they offer a calm, comfortable environment where we can create a variety of stunning portraits with ease. We know you can consistently get light-filled images that you'll love!
in your home
An in-home newborn session is deeply personal and meaningful, especially in the nursery you’ve created for your baby. Photographing you in your own space allows your images to feel intimate, emotional, and uniquely yours, capturing not just how you look, but the feeling of this extremely special moment. With soft window light and familiar surroundings, your home becomes the perfect backdrop for images that feel warm, natural, and full of story. If you do choose to photograph in your home, it's important that you have a room full of windows and natural light to capture the aesthetic of the photo style you see in my portfolio!
what to expect during an in-home session
Approximately 1.5 hours is the ideal time frame for a newborn session. A majority of your session will include mom, dad, and siblings. Toward the end of your session I will photograph a few individual shots of the baby, then slowly unwrap him/her and grab some adorable photos of fingers and toes, and possibly capture some with his/her eyes open.
To allow for the best light, and a sleepy baby, I like to schedule your session to start at 10:00 in the morning. We will keep an eye on the weather - If it's overcast or very cloudy that day, then we might consider rescheduling to a brighter day. To get the most out of your session, please plan a 30 minute buffer when getting ready so you are ready before I arrive and your session can start on time. It won't be perfect, don't stress! Just do what you can, these are just tips to make your session go as smoothly as possible.
Choose one or two rooms in your home to unclutter and style for your newborn session. Rooms with large windows are ideal. It could be the living room, nursery, master bedroom, or even the kitchen! Dress up the spaces with simple, subtle touches like fresh flowers, meaningful heirlooms, or neutral decor. Light and bright is my signature style!
I usually start our session by taking some photos of the nursery while mama is getting dressed. If there's something special you'd like baby to wear for your first family photos please have him/her dressed when I get there! If not, I can swaddle your baby right away for the clean, classic look. Either works for me! We'll start with family photos, then move to some nursery or individual photos of baby. For his/her individual, posed portraits, I will set up my posing beanbag and/or changing basket near a glass door or large window. If there's anything else you'd like to include during the posed photos, please have those handy (accessories, mini stuffed animals, etc.). The goal is to do most of this while baby is asleep, which is why feeding and changing baby before being swaddled is ideal!
What gear will I bring?
I will come to every newborn session with my posing bean bag, blankets, a beautiful rattan changing basket, hair bow headbands, swaddles, sound machine.
There are many benefits to a studio session! You don't need to clean up your home, you're guaranteed beautiful light-filled, clean elegant images, and sometimes you're just ready for a little outing after being home for a week +. However, they do require just a little more motivation and preparation to get you, your baby and your other family members ready and out of the house!
Ideally, feed your baby right before you leave the house. If baby needs a top-off when he/she arrives to the studio, that's totally ok! I just try to save most of our time for photos, but the baby is boss so we will do what he/she needs. Unless you have a special outfit that you'd like your baby to wear, he/she can come in everyday clothing and will be swaddled for photos.
What to bring for baby:
Extra diapers/wipes, burp cloths, pacifier, bottle with milk (if you use bottles), anything special you'd like your baby to wear (optional!).
For newborn sessions, I will rent a studio space for 1.5-2 hours. This gives us enough time for baby to get settled, mom to get dressed (if borrowing from the Client Closet), and to ensure people aren't stressed.
Once you arrive, I'm happy to start swaddling your baby while you and your partner finish getting photo-ready (or just take a breather if you need it). Once baby is swaddled we will start taking pics of you, your partner, your family (if other siblings!), and baby. Once we finish with these photos, the family can relax and I will take some photos of baby solo. All that said, with a newborn - anything can happen! We are on the baby's schedule so we are flexible and shift as needed, no problem at all.
What gear will I bring?
I will come to every newborn session with my posing bean bag, blankets, a beautiful rattan changing basket, hair bow headbands, swaddles, sound machine.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A STUDIO SESSION
Now for the most FUN part and hands-down the most frequently asked question: WHAT DO I WEAR!? Choosing what you will wear for your photoshoot is a huge decision but rest assured you don't have to make it alone! First off - I have a Client Wardrobe full of maternity-friendly dresses that look beautiful on camera, so if you find something you like BAM- you're done! If you'd rather choose your own outfit(s), then read on for some tips and inspo.
WHAT TO WEAR
1. SOFT, NEUTRAL TONES
Colors like cream, ivory, blush, sage, soft blue, and warm beige photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you. These tones feel timeless, flattering, and cohesive across studio, home, and outdoor settings.
2. Choose dresses that highlight your bump
Flowy, fitted, or empire-waist dresses are especially flattering for maternity sessions. Movement, gentle volume, and feminine silhouettes create that soft, romantic look that feels both natural and elevated.
3. Add texture and subtle detail
Lace, pleats, ruffles, off-the-shoulder necklines, and airy fabrics add depth without distraction. Simple accessories or a delicate bouquet can be a beautiful finishing touch.
4. Use the client wardrobE!
1. Busy patterns and bold graphics
Large logos, bold prints, and high-contrast patterns can pull attention away from your face and bump. Keeping things simple ensures your images feel timeless rather than trendy.
2. Overly bright or neon colors
Very bright tones can feel harsh on camera and may date your photos over time. Soft, muted colors always photograph more beautifully and consistently.
3. Stiff or uncomfortable outfits
Clothing that feels tight or restrictive can affect how relaxed you feel during your session. Comfort is key—when you feel good, it shows in every image.
4. Too many competing colors
If partners or children are included, coordinating everyone in a soft, neutral palette creates a cohesive, elevated look without feeling overly styled.
WHAT TO AVOID
Your body is different than you're used to (temporarily!) and the last thing you need to stress about is finding something to wear for maternity photos! I've got you covered!
The AWP Client Wardrobe is filled with a variety of maternity-friendly dresses in various sizes, and they're available to you at no extra cost. I will help you select the dress that most fits the vibe and vision for your session. I will bring them to you steamed and ready on photo day!
don't want to think about what to wear?
Select a dress from my client wardrobe!
Ok, you've thought about what type of outfits you want to wear, what VIBE of location you like, now how do we actually get you READY for your big day? Take a look through some of my recommendations on how to get you (and you family!) photo-ready.
HOW TO PREPARE
PREPARING YOURSELF
If you're not interested in investing in a professional, or you're already an expert yourself, OR it's just not your style- that is ABSOLUTELY and COMPLETELY okay! I promise, you will look absolutely beautiful! Here are some tips when doing your own hair and makeup...
You can use these tips to make your makeup look camera-ready yourself:
Don't forget the nails!
And one last tip!! Don’t forget to pamper your fingernails and toenails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best!! And don't forget toes! Most maternity sessions are taken with no shoes on! So make sure your feet are photo-ready as well.
- Plan to wear slightly heavier make-up than normal (especially the eyes! - you can keep your skincare and facial makeup more natural), including blush and lipstick or gloss that are at least slightly darker than your lip color.
- I also highly recommend false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices at CVS or any pharmacy in the area.
- If you're one who curls your hair, keep it fresh and with movement. You can even come to your shoot with your curls still set in place and we can get it just right when you arrive.
HAIR & MAKEUP TIPS
INTERESTED IN HIRING A PROFESSIONAL?
I get it- you'll be newly postpartum and you just might not feel like putting the energy into your own hair and makeup! Hiring a professional is a fun option, and will help you feel pampered and ready for photos. If this is something that interests you - just shoot me an email and I can send you some recommendations.
Have Fun! get ready for laughs and snuggles
Before your session, grab a little bag with snacks, water, and any small, neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toy ends up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera.
A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or bowling adventure. They're little, and I know things don't always go as planned. Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I've seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
PREPARING YOUR LITTLE ONES
photoshoot day
The baby is the star of the show! Wraps and tight swaddles will photograph better than clothing. Bodysuits and other clothing tend to look too baggy. However, if you'd like to dress your baby in something special we can start with a few photos of him/her in an outfit we get him or her all swaddled up.
I will bring a swaddle with me and get the baby wrapped up nice and tight at the start of your session. I will also bring along headbands and blankets if you'd like to add accessories. Be sure to cut the baby's nails so he/she doesn't leave scratches on his/her face. For the posed photos, I will use one swaddle and unwrap your baby slowly in order to offer more variety in your final gallery. My goal is to shoot most of your session while baby is sleeping, so I typically don't change the baby into different outfits.
Please keep baby awake and stimulated for 1-2 hours before the session starts. (This is usually a good job for Dad so Mom can take this time getting ready.) A stimulating bath is usually a good way to encourage deep sleep throughout the session. I suggest you start feeding baby about 30 minutes before I arrive so that he/she has a full tummy and will likely fall asleep just as we are ready to start the session.
Once he/she has finished feeding, please keep the baby in a diaper only (unless you have chosen a special outfit) and loosely wrapped in a blanket to keep him/her warm. Avoid wrapping him/her in a tight swaddle and having the baby fall asleep. The baby should be awake, yet drowsy, when I arrive. I will have you change baby into a fresh diaper just before I wrap him/her in a swaddle blanket (which I will bring with me).
It will be a blast! I can't wait to meet your newborn soon!
PREPARING YOUR NEWBORN
AFTER YOUR SESSION
YAY! Within 2 weeks of your session you'll get an email with the link to your online gallery! I will put together a slideshow set to music for you to begin taking in all your photos - it's the best experience! Once you view your slideshow you can view your full gallery. At this point they will be watermarked, and you'll have 48 hours to love on your images and choose which of the 3 Collections you'd like to make yours.
The Collections
This Collection includes:
Entire set of digital images (40+)
(3) 4x6 prints
(2) 5x7 prints
(1) 8x10 fine art print
Digital slideshow set to music
$150 print credit
This Collection includes:
25 digital images
(3) 4x6 prints
(2) 5x7 prints
$100 print credit
This Collection includes:
10 digital images
(1) 4x6 print
(1) 5x7 print
$50 print credit
$900
$700
$500
Each of the 3 Collections include a variety of digital images, prints and print credit. Think about what you want to do with your images! Do you want a full catalog of digital images? Do you want to turn them into a beautiful heirloom album? Thinking of art for your walls? Take a couple days to review, think, share with family, whatever you'd like!
I truly believe so deeply in the power of printing your images and displaying them in your home. There is something so special about having a physical copy of these memories to cherish for years ahead. I have physical photo books of my wedding, my babies, our family vacations... and my girls and I flip through them all the time! You took the time to invest so much money into your maternity session...why not print the images and have a physical way to cherish them and share them?
No matter what Collection you choose, you will have a print credit that can be used toward the purchase of prints - so don't let that go to waste! I do not have any purchase minimums or requirements in terms of printing your images. They are yours to share and print from wherever you prefer! But there is the option to purchase professional-quality prints and products through your online gallery. This is the ONLY printing option that I personally and professionally recommend in terms of quality and durability. If you print somewhere else, I can NOT guarantee that the quality of the images will look the same as they do online, or that the products and prints themselves will be durable.
My honest suggestion is this: if you want to print your images larger than a 4x6…the professional printer through your online gallery is the best way to go.
In the next few pages, I am going to walk you through some of my favorite products available for purchase in your store.
your gallery store
Photo Books
Prints & Canvases
ALBUMS + PHOTO BOOKS
One of my personal favorite ways to print photos is in a fine art album. These are more of an investment (starting at $750), but they are ABSOLUTELY STUNNING and extremely high quality! They come in linen, velvet and leather covers in a variety of elegant colors. Linen is my fave!
fine art albums
If you love the idea of an album, but want something a little more on budget, the Lay Flat Album is perfect for you! These are also very beautiful and high quality, just a little different material and color options. These come in linen and leather! These albums start at $350.
lay flat albums
matted prints
The matted prints are crafted from museum-grade quality fine art paper that features brilliant colors and deep blacks. Set inside a secure mount, this mat is the perfect complement to your photograph. These can be displayed on their own or set inside a frame of your choosing.
Pricing begins at $60
FINE ART PRINTS
PREMIUM PRINTS
Premium, 100% cotton prints offering the smoothest surface in their fine art line, featuring a tabletop-smooth texture for crisp details and vibrant colors, with a matte finish that minimizes glare, making it versatile for any display setting and a popular choice for high-quality art reproduction and photography.
Fine art prints range from 8x10 to 30x40 and start at $18.
Pricing begins at $450
These are very high quality wood frames! Your photo will be a Giclee print on 100% cotton Museum Etching paper, mounted with a Museum Rag 8 ply mat board and permanently backed with an acid free puncture resistant paper. Pre-assembled and ready to hang. Avail in white and light wood. 3/4" wide, 1" deep.
matted frames
Printed on professional photo paper with a semi gloss or matte finish, for the highest quality long-lasting print. These are high quality prints that are significantly higher quality than you will find at a local retailer.
Premium prints range from 4x6 to 16x24 and start at $7.
