SOUTHERN MINNESOTA milestone photographer

first smiles • first milestones • captured forever

precious first moments • captured • forever

The milestone Experience

They say it goes by in the blink of an eye, and as cliché as it sounds, it's totally true. The newborn stage goes by faster than any other. Partly because you will experience that "fog" of new parenthood, where the days blend together and the nights seem endless.  And then, before you know it, you're crying with their first smiles, laughing along with those first belly giggles, and cheering them on as they begin crawling.  Those fresh newborn wrinkles will turn into adorable baby rolls, and you will see their changes almost daily. 

that first year goes by so quickly!  babies don't keep, but your galleries will preserve those precious moments!

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Most popular first year Milestone sessions:
3 months (first smiles)
6 months (or sitter age)
9 months (standing)
One year (Happy Birthday!)
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every signature milestone session includes:

Full access to all studio props & backdrops

All outfits, bonnets, headbands and other accessories for baby.

2-3 setups for baby-only images.

No set time or limit to your session.

Professionally retouched images

High-resolution digital images & print release (with your collection)

Full consultation to design your session

Let's get to know each other a little bit better!  I know life gets busy, so I like to let you choose which method of contact is the easiest for your schedule.  Emails, phone consultations, or in-person meetings are just some of the options you have!  Whether you would like to talk or simply text, we will communicate however works best for you.
Reach out to me and let me know that you are interested in learning more about a milestone session.
You can reach me via email at hello@brandesphotography.com or simply fill out the contact form below!

1. Say Hello

Let's get to know each other a little bit better! I know life gets busy, so I like to let you choose which method of contact is the easiest for your schedule. Emails, phone consultations, or in-person meetings are just some of the options you have! Whether you would like to talk or simply text, we will communicate however works best for you.
During the consultation, you will learn everything you need to know about the full experience!  We will discuss your session needs, wardrobe style, and your baby's personality.
Any questions you have will be answered so you can be confident in your decision to book your session with me.
You will also be provided with investment information, as well as what you can expect throughout the entire process.

2.  we connect

Schedule your session on the calendar!
Once you have decided to book, you will pay a $200 retainer to secure your session date.
Once your client agreement and session retainer has been received, your session is booked on my calendar!

The most popular milestone sessions are 3 months (First Smiles), 6 months (or sitter age), and 1 Year (Happy Birthday Baby!).  Make sure to plan ahead so your dates are available!

3. Schedule it

Prior to your session, you will receive a Consultation that allows you to share what you would like your finally gallery to look like.
This is where you will have the opportunity to share with me your favorite colors, what baby's outfits will look like, etc.
You can pick out any studio props or accessories that you would like incorporated into your session!
If you want a sneak peek into my ever growing collection, click here!

4. Planning it

You will be fully prepared on what to expect during your session, and your session day will be a relaxed and comfortable experience for you.

You can plan on spending up to 60 minutes with me for your Milestone Session.

As always, these sessions are baby-led.  I'm always watching for cues.  If they need a drink or small snack (or just a snuggle from mom!), I have time to let them regroup.

5. Your Session

This is often the most EXCITING part of the entire experience!
Within 2 weeks of your session, you will receive a link to your personal gallery.  Here, for the first time, you will see the beautiful images within your gallery. 
If needed, you will have my help and expertise to determine which images are perfect for your walls or help to design a beautiful heirloom album for grandparents!

6. Gallery reveal & Ordering

1 2 3 4 5

The milestone Process

  • Tummy Time (3-4 months)
  • Sitting (6-8 months)
  • Standing (9-10 months)
  • Smashing (First Birthday)
ALL YEAR LONG
CHOOSE 3
CHOOSE 2

$2390

$1550

$990

All (4) milestone sessions
(within baby’s first year)
 Full gallery from each session
14x11 layflat heirloom album

Choose 3 of your favorite milestones
20 images from each session
8x10 Velvet Trifold

Choose 2 of your favorite milestones
15 Images from each session

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!

Grow With           Collections

Tailored for the momma who doesn't want to miss anything.

CAPTURE THAT FIRST YEAR AND BUNDLE YOUR SESSIONS FOR SAVINGS!

ME

the fine print

* A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your collection.
Additional equal payments are made until your final session date.
***Pricing is subject to change without notice.  Secure this pricing by booking your session.
****Easy payment plans are available.

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book now

JOIN MY FREE FACEBOOK GROUP!

candid,
authentic,
and unscripted.

This group is for moms (and moms-to-be!) in Southern Minnesota.  When you join this FREE Facebook group, it is my mission to provide you with a safe, supportive and encouraging place where we can all share wins, resources and connections within the local communities.  From the challenges to the joys, we're all on this journey together.

As an added bonus, this group will be the first to get notified of any limited edition sessions and get the opportunity to be the first to grab your spot!

JOIN TODAY!

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!

newborn session

Raelin

Client

Reviews

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!

newborn session

Danielle

Client

Reviews

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%!

newborn session

Brandy

Client

Reviews

Jen took pictures of our family and military photos for my kids. These are lifelong treasures that are absolutely perfect. We could not ask for anything better or anyone more compassionate during a photo session. Thank you for all you do and for the memories that you have captured for us!

family session

Rebecca

Client

Reviews

We had a great time with Jen for Jevan's senior sports session. She had lots of great ideas and really made the session feel comfortable and tailored to Jevan. She even was willing to stand out in blowing snow and really cold temperatures to get some awesome shots. Her creativity is top notch. The final pictures were beyond what we had envisioned. I highly recommend Jen for your family photography needs.

Senior session

Becky

Client

Reviews

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! 

milestone session

Macy

Client

Reviews

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.

Newborn session

Lindsay

Client

Reviews

Jen was absolutely wonderful throughout the whole process of my session. She communicated well and sent me expectations of the session on her end and explained thoroughly what I should expect during it. She was also very accommodating. Doing a maternity session was definitely out of my comfort zone but she did everything she could to be sure I was comfortable, she made the session so much fun! She also made me feel glamorous and helped gain confidence. Would definitely recommend a maternity shoot at least once and there's no one better to book with than Jen!

maternity session

Lexi H.

Client

Reviews

"Jennifer is so easy to work with and has great ideas for where to take pictures and what type of pictures to do"

senior session

Julie

Client

Reviews

Jen is so great! We have worked with her for the last 5 years. Its been amazing to see how much her work has changed throughout the years. She is makes sure to communicate throughout the whole process - beginning, middle, end. We are definitely happy with the results that we have gotten from Jen. Highly recommend!

maternity session

Cecily

Client

Reviews

I LOVED my newborn pictures of my baby boy!
She was patient, gentle and artistic with each set. Highly recommend Jennifer Brandes Photography!

newborn session

Megan

Client

Reviews

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.

twin girl newborn session

tiffany

Client

Reviews

Jennifer was amazing to work with!  She was great with my little peanut and the photos were amazing!
Highly recommend her!

newborn session

Natalie

Client

Reviews

Highly recommend Jennifer!! From the very beginning as she welcomed us into her home !! 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 :D

newborn session

victoria

Client

Reviews

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 shoot.
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!

Newborn Session

Jenn H.

Client

Reviews

Jen is absolutely amazing to work with. She is so great with kids, always has the best ideas, and is very responsive! It’s awesome seeing how much she loves her job!

1 year cakesmash Session

lindsay

Client

Reviews

Would highly recommend Jen! Her work is amazing, she listens to customers wishes and can get my little man to pose and smile so easily! Love her and will continue to work with her!

milestone session

Heather

Client

Reviews

Jen is amazing to work with, and rolls right along with the session and craziness. ( She did our twins 2yr old /Christmas pictures) The results were absolutely AMAZING! Highly recommended.

twin milestone session

lisa 

Client

Reviews

We loved our wedding photos so much that we came back for family photos 6 years later! We couldn’t be happier :)


family portrait session

mandy

Client

Reviews

Jen is awesome at what she does! She was willing to reschedule a session when my 5 year old decided to not cooperate when we tried the first session. I love how all the pictures turned out and have gotten a ton of compliments!!!

milestone session

emily

Client

Reviews

Thank you so much for taking great photos....LIKE ALWAYS!  You did AMAZING!  I love every one of the pictures!

senior portrait session

natalie

Client

Reviews

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personalized sessions that
hold onto these moments forever

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Memories
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studio newborn sessions in southern minnesota

capturing those special moments in your baby's first year

every signature newborn session includes:

Full access to all studio props & backdrops

All outfits, wraps, bonnets, and other accessories for baby.

6-8 setups for baby-only images.
This includes table posing and props.

Your first family portrait.

Siblings

No set time or limit to your session.

Professionally retouched images

High-resolution digital images & print release (with your collection)