They say the days are long, but the years are short. Never is this truer than during your baby’s first twelve months. From the quiet, curled-up magic of a newborn to the adventurous spirit of a one-year-old, these moments deserve more than a spot on a digital hard drive.
The First Year Storybook is an exclusive membership at Jennifer Brandes Photography designed for the busy mother who wants a seamless, full-service way to preserve her family’s legacy. Since 2010, I have helped Southern Minnesota families turn these fleeting milestones into tangible history.
The First Year Storybook Membership is designed for families who want more than a few snapshots—they want to preserve the full story. From delicate newborn details to the personality-filled sitter session and the joyful first birthday celebration, each chapter is thoughtfully captured and curated.
Chapter 3: The First Birthday Celebration
A celebration of a year well-loved. Whether you prefer a classic portrait or a joyful cake smash, we conclude your Storybook with a session that honors how much your little one has grown.
Chapter 2: The "Sitter" Milestone
Around 6 to 8 months, your baby’s personality truly begins to shine. We capture the gummy smiles, the belly laughs, and that proud moment they begin sitting up on their own.
Chapter 1: The Newborn Session
The foundation of your story. Ideally held within the first 14 days of life, this session captures the delicate details and the brand-new bond of your expanding family. The True-to-Life style ensures these portraits remain as bold and beautiful as the day they were taken.
Membership Fee: $550
Includes all session fees for: Newborn, Milestone, First Birthday
(A $340 savings)
As a member of the The First Year Storybook, you receive a level of care that goes beyond the camera:
📍 JB Photography Studio is located in rural New Ulm, Minnesota | Serving families in Southern Minnesota
Milestone sessions can be on location during the warmer weather months.
Space in The First Year Storybook is limited to ensure every family receives the full, undivided attention and high-touch service.
The Collections
$2400
If you're ready to book, or have additional questions, please reach out.
Let's start planning your baby's story.
Designed for the family who wants the "Full Storybook" experience with zero compromises.
Families who choose the Heritage or Legacy collection for all three sessions will receive a gifted 12x12 Acrylic Heirloom Album, thoughtfully-designed to tell the complete story of your baby's first year.
$1400
For families who want to begin preserving this chapter - in their homes,.
$700
A Simple and meaning ful way to preserve a few favorite moments from this chapter.
A Client Favorite!
The Collections
$2400
$1300
$700
If you're ready to book, or have additional questions, please reach out.
Getting your sessions booked early is the best plan for making sure those milestones are captured!
Designed for the family who wants the "Full Storybook" experience with zero compromises.
For families who want to begin preserving this chapter - either in their home or within their baby's story.
A simple and meaningful way to preserve a few favorite moments from this chapter.
Families who choose the Heritage or Legacy collection for all three sessions will receive a gifted 12x12 Acrylic Heirloom Album, custom-designed to tell the complete story of their baby's first year.
Parents often tell me that once they experience a newborn session, they can’t imagine trusting anyone else with the rest of their baby’s first year.
You can be assured, you'll always receive:
For many families, the greatest value is peace of mind — knowing these moments are already planned, protected, and beautifully preserved.
We hired Jennifer for a Fresh 48 session, where she was able to capture one of the most special moments of my husband's and my life - big brother meeting little brother for the first time! To say these photos are our favorite photos of all time is an understatement. We loved them so much, we quickly booked a newborn session with her. She once again blew us away with some of the most beautiful, precious photos of our son (& family). We would highly recommend her!
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My experience with Jennifer Brandes Photography was absolutely beautiful from start to finish. The process leading up to the session was smooth and stress-free. Jennifer was incredibly kind and patient with my fussy toddler, which made such a difference. She took her time and ensured every shot and angle was just right. I’m truly grateful for such a relaxed and enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a photographer who delivers extraordinary work, I highly recommend booking Jennifer Brandes Photography.
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Thank you for taking R's photos! It was amazing to see someone so gifted in action. Plus, it was wonderful to meet you as well.
We are so grateful!
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Hands down THE BEST!!!!!
Jen is the most wonderful person and photographer. She is so kind, warm and welcoming. Her beautiful studio and collection of props and outfits make sessions seamless, which is so appreciated when you're a tired new parent. She has an amazing way with newborns; soothing and calming throughout, while being SO patient with them.
Not only is the experience amazing but the final product is breathtaking! We did maternity and newborn photos and were speechless with the results! Such precious memories we will cherish forever.
There is no better option than Jennifer Brandes Photography!
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Jennifer photographed both of my last 2 babies and did family pictures for our large family of 8. Here are some of the things I loved about Jennifer Brandes Photography:
1) Jennifer is very professional and made the sessions feel very relaxed. It can be stressful getting out the door with a newborn or getting a large family ready and cooperating for family pictures; but Jennifer made everyone feel relaxed and the sessions were fun!
2) The images she captures are stunning! I was confident we would have pictures we would love when we booked with her.
3) She was flexible with rescheduling when my toddler had hand foot and mouth when we were supposed to have family pictures taken.
4) She worked within my budget and ensured I got what I was hoping for.
I would recommend her 100%!
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Absolutely amazing experience. I wouldn't have trusted anyone else this much with my newborn. Jennifer made us feel right at home in her studio and I enjoyed watching from behind the scenes. She really is a baby whisperer! Thank you again for such great memories!
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Working with Jennifer truly was a dream. She is so remarkably talented and our photos turned out amazing. As a first time mom, things like taking your newborn out can be nerve-racking, but Jennifer made it so relaxed and comfortable. She didn't make me feel rushed or bad when E didn't want to go to sleep. She took her time and let E lead the appointment. 100/10 recommend and will be coming back with any future babies.
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I LOVED my newborn pictures of my baby boy!
She was patient, gentle and artistic with each set. Highly recommend Jennifer Brandes Photography!
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Jennifer was phenomenal with our newborns! We will be able to look back at these beautiful photographs for years to come! She captured stunning, beautiful images of our girls.
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Highly recommend Jennifer!! From the very beginning as she welcomed us into her studio! Absolute amazed with her work and the passion and love she has for newborns!! She is the baby whisperer ! Made me felt welcome, and handled my daughter with so much care.
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Jennifer took newborn photos of my 2 week old daughter. She was so gentle and patient with her. My daughter was happy and comfortable during the entire session.
The studio is warm and inviting with a nursing rocker for breastfeeding moms. The photos were just beautiful! Jennifer was professional, friendly and promptly responsive to all communications. I am very satisfied; it was well worth the investment.
I would highly recommend!
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Do you love what you've seen here? Don't wait! After all, the most important thing to do when booking your photographer is to simply BOOK! I have limited availability, as I reserve enough time to give each client my full attention.
Let's make it official!