SOUTHERN MINNESOTA newborn photographer

breathtaking • first moments • captured forever

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Those first few weeks with your newborn are pure magic—but they pass in the blink of an eye. My newborn sessions are designed to capture these precious early days with soft, timeless images that will be cherished for generations.

Each session is carefully planned to ensure a calm and comfortable experience for both baby and parents. My studio is kept warm and soothing, with soft music and white noise to help your little one relax. I offer a variety of classic poses and setups, from dreamy wrapped portraits to simple, natural moments that highlight your baby’s tiny details.

Parents and siblings are always welcome to join the session, creating heartfelt images that reflect the deep love and connection your family shares.

Newborn sessions last between 3-4 hours and take place in my studio located near Mankato, Minnesota.  Sessions are always baby-led, and never rushed.  We allow plenty of time for cuddles, feeding and posing without any stress to your little one.  The studio was designed with your comfort in mind, with a coffee and snack bar, a fully stocked changing area, and comfortable seating area.

All props & accessories provided.

Professionally Trained & Experienced Photographer

High-End Products sourced from Industry-Leading Labs

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newborn portrait gallery

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studio newborn sessions in southern minnesota

capturing those special first moments

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.

Parent + Siblings

Gallery print credit for artwork & albums

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

THE COLLECTIONS   >>
BOOK NOW   >>

When should you book your newborn session?

Book your session early, before your baby arrives.

Guarantee your spot.

Your due date.

Your life will be full once baby arrives.  Book your session early, and mark it off of your checklist.

I only book a limited amount of newborns each month.  This allows me to be flexible with accommodating baby's arrival.

Once your session is booked, we use your estimated due date as your session placeholder.  When baby arrives, we will then schedule your session within 10-21 days.

When should you book your newborn session?

Book your session early, before your baby arrives.

Guarantee your spot.

Your due date.

Your life will be full once baby arrives.  Book your session early, and mark it off of your checklist.

I only book a limited amount of newborns each month.  This allows me to be flexible with accommodating baby's arrival.

Once your session is booked, we use your estimated due date as your session placeholder.  When baby arrives, we will then schedule your session within 10-21 days.

Your Questions:  Answered

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.


When should I book my newborn photography session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What should I wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How long will it take to see my gallery?

How do I order my images & products?

Your Questions:  Answered

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.


When should I book my newborn photography session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What Should I Wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How Long Will It Take To See My Gallery?

How Do I Order My Images & Products?

It is best to book your newborn session once you've hit your 2nd Trimester.  This ensures you will have a guaranteed spot on the calendar when baby arrives.

Your Questions:  Answered

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.


When should I book my newborn photography session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What Should I Wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How Long Will It Take To See My Gallery?

How Do I Order My Images & Products?

You can fill out a contact form, or simply send me an email.  Your session fee and signed agreement are required to confirm your booking.

Your Questions:  Answered

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.


When should I book my newborn photography session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What Should I Wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How Long Will It Take To See My Gallery?

How Do I Order My Images & Products?

Everything needed for a successful newborn session is at the studio.  All props, bonnets, headbands, wraps, etc. will be provided for you.
If you have anything sentimental that you wish to include, you are welcome to do so.

Your Questions:  Answered

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.


When should I book my newborn photography session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What Should I Wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How Long Will It Take To See My Gallery?

How Do I Order My Images & Products?

Before your session, you will receive a full guide to help you prepare, as well as help you choose what to wear.

Your Questions:  Answered

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.


When should I book my newborn photography session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What Should I Wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How Long Will It Take To See My Gallery?

How Do I Order My Images & Products?

The best time for those newborn poses is before baby is 3 weeks old.  
Babies older than 3 weeks can still be wrapped, however, posing them in the sweet curled poses may not be possible.  You will get more awake and wrapped images in your gallery.
I also love Milestone sessions for babies 3 months and up if you feel that you've missed your window.

Your Questions:  Answered

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.


When should I book my newborn photography session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What Should I Wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How Long Will It Take To See My Gallery?

How Do I Order My Images & Products?

You will see your finished gallery within 1-2 weeks after your session!

Your Questions:  Answered

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.


When should I book my newborn photography session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What Should I Wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How Long Will It Take To See My Gallery?

How Do I Order My Images & Products?

You have an option to schedule an Ordering Appointment where you have my one-on-one guided assistance to help you choose your images and products. 
- OR -
You have the option for an online gallery and make your selections in the comfort of your home.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.

When should I book my newborn session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What should I wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How long will it take to see my gallery?

How do I order my images & products?

It is best to book your newborn session once you've hit your 2nd Trimester.  This ensures you will have a guaranteed spot on the calendar when baby arrives.

newborn session q&a

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any specific questions that are not answered below.

When should I book my newborn session?

How do I book my newborn session?

What should I bring to my session?

What should I wear?

What if my baby is already born?

How long will it take to see my gallery?

How do I order my images & products?

Simply send me an email to start the process.  
Your signed session agreement and session fee are required to confirm your booking.

newborn session q&a

the studio

Nestled in the peaceful countryside, my private studio offers a serene and comfortable setting for your newborn or baby milestone session. Away from the distractions and noise of a busy city, this intimate space is designed to provide a calm and relaxing experience for both parents and little ones.

With carefully controlled lighting, a cozy atmosphere, and all the essentials needed for a seamless session, the studio ensures a stress-free environment where we can focus on capturing beautiful, timeless moments.

You will be greeted with a complimentary coffee and snack bar, as well as a full seating area to make yourself comfortable.  These are just a few extras that are provided to enhance a warm, welcoming experience.

Come in and make yourself at home.  You and your little one are in great hands.

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 newborn 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 families personality.
Any questions you have will be answered so you can be confident in your decision to book your newborn 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!
We will use your due date as your booking date.  This will reserve time on my calendar for when your little one arrives.  After baby's arrival, we will schedule your newborn session according to when you are both home and adjusted well.  
Newborn sessions are done when baby is between 11-18 days of age.

3. Schedule it

Prior to your session, you will receive a Newborn 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 nursery looks like, favorite poses, 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 expect to spend up to 3 hours with me in the studio.  If siblings are going to be included in the session, we will start with the family portraits.  This allows them to leave when their portion is finished, and the remainder of your session will be focused solely on baby.

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 online 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

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The Newborn Process

THE EXPERIENCE

Everything you need to ensure a calm and relaxing session is provided for you.
If you are interested in visiting to see everything there is and learn more about the full experience, send me a quick note and I will be more than happy to meet with you!

Let's chat   >>

Had the absolute joy of working with Jennifer for my daughters’ photos, and couldn’t have asked for a better experience! From start to finish, she made everything feel so smooth and effortless. Every moment felt natural and beautifully captured.
Her talent behind the camera is undeniable, but what truly sets her apart is her warmth and kindness. She goes above and beyond, not just in her work but in the way she makes everyone feel comfortable and at ease. The photos she delivered were beyond stunning, and we’ll cherish them forever.

milestone session

Kallie

Kind

words from

Happy

Clients.

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

Kind

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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.

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Clients.

"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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

newborn session

Natalie

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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 

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

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Clients.

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

senior portrait session

natalie

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Clients.

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