Baby Milestone Photography in New Ulm, Mankato & South Central Minnesota
first smiles • first milestones • captured forever
The first year goes quickly.
One day you’re soaking in newborn snuggles, and the next you’re greeted with smiles, sitting, and a personality that seems to appear overnight.
Many families first discover my work through a newborn photography session, and return as their babies grow into this season.
Milestone sessions are designed to capture each stage while it's still yours to soak in — without rushing, pressure, or expectations that your baby be anything other than exactly who they are right now.
Celebrating your baby’s milestones — one meaningful stage at a time.
Baby Milestone Photography Gallery - New Ulm & Mankato, MN
/
What are Baby Milestone Sessions?
- 3–4 months: First smiles, bright eyes, and that beautiful early connection
- 6–8 months: Sitting independently, personality emerging, pure joy
- 12 months: First birthday celebrations — including cake smash setups if you'd like
Each session is fully guided. Your baby moves at their own pace, expressions unfold naturally, and nothing is rushed. You don't need to prepare anything — I take care of every detail so you can simply show up and enjoy watching this season of your baby's life.
Milestone sessions focus on the stages of your baby’s first year that often feel too short to fully soak in. Sessions are typically scheduled around three key windows:
A Calm, Guided Experience — Just Like Newborn Sessions
Milestone sessions are approached with the same care and intention as my newborn photography. There are no rushed setups, no pressure for your baby to perform, and no "quick minis" here. Every family deserves a complete, unhurried experience.
Parents often tell me how refreshing it feels to have a photographer who understands child development, reads their baby’s cues, and creates a relaxed environment where everyone - including tired parents - feels completely at ease.
If you're already thinking beyond this one session — the newborn snuggles, the wobbly sit, the messy first birthday cake — The First Year Storybook was created for exactly that.
Learn more about
First Year Storybook
Looking to Capture the Whole First Year?
MEMBERS RECEIVE:
- Priority scheduling with personal reminders from Jennifer
- A curated milestone gift at your baby's one-year session
- A complimentary 12x12 Heirloom album (retail value $1490) upon program completion - when Luxury or Premium Collections are purchased at all three sessions
- The confidence of the same trusted photographer documenting your baby's entire first year
It's a flexible, intentional way to preserve your baby's growth — without having to decide everything at once.
Membership Fee: $550
(covers all session fees for your Newborn, 6-Month Milestone, and 1-Year Milestone sessions — a combined $890 value in session fees)
Styling, Props &
Simplicity
All milestone sessions include full access to my studio wardrobe, props, and styling guidance. Setups are kept clean and intentional so the focus stays exactly where it belongs — on your baby's expressions, features, and personality at this particular stage.
My New Ulm studio is fully stocked with age-appropriate setups for every milestone window — from soft, simple three-month setups to birthday cake smash stations for your one-year-old. Nothing to source, nothing to stress over.
If you have a vision in mind, we'll plan it together. If you'd rather be fully guided, everything will be thoughtfully prepared for you before you arrive.
Styling, Props & Everything You Need
Let's capture this Season
Every milestone is worth remembering — whether it's your baby's first smile, their wobbly sit, or a joyful first birthday cake smash. Each stage quietly becomes the next one before you're ready, and a session here is a calm, guided way to hold onto where your baby is right now.
If you're ready to document this season in a thoughtful, stress-free way, I'd love to hear from you. I serve families across New Ulm, Mankato, St. Peter, Owatonna, Waseca, Shakopee, Jordan, Prior Lake, Glencoe, Hutchinson, and the surrounding communities of South Central Minnesota.
How it Works
Whether it's your first or fifteenth time having professional photos done, not to worry: I'll walk you through the whole thing from start to finish.
Step 1: Reach Out
Simply fill out the contact form or send me an email. I personally respond to every inquiry within 24 hours. We'll connect to talk through your baby's age, the milestone you'd like to capture, and any questions you have. If you'd like to schedule a free consultation call first, I'm happy to do that too.
Step 3: Your Session
Show up and enjoy it. My New Ulm studio is warm, private, and fully prepared for your baby's session. I guide you through every moment — there's nothing to figure out on your own. Sessions move at your baby's pace, and there's no clock on the wall.
Step 2: Book Your Session
Step 4: Your Gallery
Jennifer Brandes Photography provided us with a beautiful experience that we will cherish forever. Jennifer is not only incredibly professional and talented, but also extremely patient, kind, and thoughtful. She pours her whole heart into her work and her clients feel it.
She made our gender reveal so memorable! Sharing in that moment of our soon to be son, all the way to his newborn photos, we truly could not have imagined a more perfect experience. She made us feel comfortable, celebrated, and completely present in such an important season in our lives. We are beyond grateful for the memories she captured of our growing family.
Thank you, Jennifer for sharing your talent with the world.
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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!
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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.
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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!
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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!
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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%!
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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!
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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.
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
I LOVED my newborn pictures of my baby boy!
She was patient, gentle and artistic with each set. Highly recommend Jennifer Brandes Photography!
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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.
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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.
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
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!
Kind
What new parents are saying
Happy
Clients.
words from
Since 2010, I’ve had the joy of watching South Central Minnesota families grow—and I would be honored to document yours.
If you’re looking for true-to-life portraits and a photographer who genuinely cares about every detail of your experience, you’re in the right place.
Please fill out the form below. I personally respond to every inquiry within 24 hours.
