Northern Clove Newborns

tiny details, perfectly preserved

Newborn photos bridge the gap between an unknown life growing within us and the person they will become. They preserve that smallness, those first little features, so that we can look back as our kids grow and we can say “I can still see that was you, you still have that dimple.”

Newborn photos give you art based on your real life, so that, while you are caught up in all the every day tasks, navigating the new role of parenthood, you are reminded that there is beauty in it too. And when you emerge from this stage, it might feel like it was all a blur, a dream – but you can look back and see that, yes, it was beautiful.

Newborn sessions never get old for me – they really are my favorites. Snuggling a brand new baby, at the tiniest they will ever be in the outside world, and preserving those little details – it’s an honor.

the planning

Once you’ve decided to book, I pencil in your due date and know to expect your session within a few weeks of that date. I also start planning your session – we discuss colors you love, whether you prefer warm or cool neutrals, and if there is anything special you would like included.

I have everything we need for a session – all the baskets, headbands, hats, and wraps, that you could ask for – and am always adding to them. Sometimes clients have a certain vibe or theme they’d like to capture, or a family keepsake, and I’ll plan a few setups around these as well.

Don’t feel like you *have* to have a super clear vision of what you’d like – I’m here to design your session, and I enjoy the creativity of doing so, whether it’s from scratch or from a specific idea that you have.

newborn baby posed in basket which is resting on a chair. Duck decoys are placed next to baby and a black lab is sitting next to the chair, looking at baby.

newborn baby posed in a bucket with head on hands, with a rack of antlers placed next to it.

newborn baby posed in a basket surrounded by duck decoys during her escanaba newborn photo session.

newborn baby posed in a tire against a brick wall with a vintage automotive light.

the session

On the day of the session, all you have to worry about is yourselves. I know this is hard enough, getting out the door with a whole new person to worry about! I’ll have everything set up and ready to go for a smooth session.

My studio will be toasty warm and cozy – you can curl up on the green velvet couch, close enough to watch everything, and relax until it’s your turn for pictures.

I keep a fridge stocked with water and Diet Coke, along with a basket of snacks. I remember being a new parent and eating when I could, usually one-handed, and *always* being thirsty and hungry. I really love for you to take this time and just take care of yourself a little bit – nourish your body, have a moment of peace, bring in takeout or your own snacks if you’d like to. Nothing makes me happier than when clients feel at home in the studio!

newborn baby wearing green knit romper posed in a crate, tucked in with a gray blanket, with arms relaxed to his sides.

Sam makes a new mom feel at ease with someone else taking care of their newborn.

Her soothing nature, gentleness, and calmness are second to none. I can still remember how warm it was in the studio. I remember feeling so anxious before, but breathing steadily when I sat down. I remember the conversations we had. And the pictures are so treasured, even after almost 8 years..

– Katie

Sam thinks of us moms as well as our babies.

She is so thoughtful and had extra little touches to make sure I felt taken care of. That meant a lot and made the session even more special.

– corrina

fine art image of mom holding baby close to her chest. Mom is wearing a flowing light blue tulle skirt, against a matching light blue painterly backdrop.

newborn baby posed in a basket with fresh produce. her new big brother kneels to the left, holding a carrot he pulled from the basket.

toddler leans over his new baby sister during newborn photo session in escanaba

newborn baby posed in a basket on a chair. One sister sits on a chair to the left, holding fresh flowers and looking at baby. Another sister stands to baby's right, leaning on chair and looking at baby.

dad cradles new baby in one hand and holds toddler with his other arm. both dad and brother look lovingly at baby.

sibling and family poses

I always, always include family photos during a newborn session. I know sometimes it’s hard to feel your best at this stage, but I really encourage it – one day you will appreciate seeing just how small your baby was in your arms.

Siblings are welcome to come for the whole session – I keep toys on hand, and always enjoy their curiosity and antics. Having a family member bring siblings just for their part is an option too. I’ll plan around what works best for your family.

baby wrapped in teal blanket, posed in a headlight from a car, against a rust stained concrete backdrop.

what to expect

I plan on 2-3 hours for your session, just in case. Much of this time is spent posing, soothing, repositioning, feeding – it’s a lot more of these things and less taking pictures than you’d think! Your baby is in good hands with me – I’ve been called “baby whisperer” many times, and have a great workflow to make sure you come away with a beautiful gallery.

You’ll have a few sneak peeks within 3 days of your session, either on social media or via email if you’d rather. Within about 30 days, you’ll get a soft proof gallery of your images to choose from!

Each of my packages comes with a combination of digital files and printed, professional product, so you get the best of both worlds.