the motherhood blog

Bringing your newborn into the world is one of the most emotional, beautiful, and overwhelming seasons of life. And when you choose to document these first days, you deserve more than just beautiful images—you deserve an experience that feels calm, guided, and completely taken care of. Welcome to the studio. At Jennifer Brandes Photography, every […]

For many of my clients, the journey to my New Ulm newborn studio begins in the surrounding communities of Mankato, St. Peter, or Owatonna. I often hear from moms that while they were looking for the best luxury newborn photographer in Southern Minnesota, they were worried about the “logistics” of traveling with a brand-new baby. […]

Milestone Sessions: A Parent’s Guide to Capturing Baby’s First Year in Southern Minnesota Your baby will never grow as quickly as they do in the first year of life. One day they’re curled up like they were in the womb… and before you know it, they’re sitting up, giggling, clapping, and taking wobbly first steps. […]

A Complete Guide for Expecting Parents One of the most common questions parents ask is:“When should we book our newborn photos?” And it’s such an important one — because timing makes all the difference in those sleepy, curled-up, perfectly posed newborn images parents fall in love with. If you’re expecting and searching for a newborn […]

By Jennifer Brandes Photography – Newborn Photographer in Mankato, MN Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most emotional, awe-filled milestones — and capturing those delicate first days is truly priceless. As a professional newborn photographer based in Southern Minnesota, I’ve spent years perfecting safe, gentle posing that highlights every tiny detail, while making […]

That first year with your baby?It’s a blur of love, late nights, growth spurts, and “how are they already doing THAT?” moments.  Learn more about why first-year milestones matter and how the Grow With Me Collection makes it easy for you to keep those moments forever. As a mom of four, I know firsthand how fast […]

Welcoming a new baby is such a meaningful moment—and your newborn photos should reflect that beauty. As a Southern Minnesota luxury photographer, I work closely with families to ensure their photos feel warm, connected, and timeless. One of the easiest ways to elevate your images? The outfits you wear. Here’s a guide to help you […]

At the heart of every successful photo session is the experience. I know that parents, especially first-time parents, can feel a bit overwhelmed with the thought of a newborn photography session. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to providing a stress-free photography experience. That includes creating an environment where you can truly relax, knowing that your […]

Bringing home a newborn is an exciting yet overwhelming time. The last thing new parents need is added stress when capturing their baby’s first portraits. Learn more about how I’ve created a stress-free newborn photography experience for all clients. My newborn photography experience has been designed to be completely stress-free, so all you have to […]

Newborn photography is all about capturing those fleeting, delicate moments in your baby’s first days of life. But when is the best age to photograph your newborn? As a Southern Minnesota newborn photographer, I recommend sessions be scheduled within the first 7 to 21 days after birth. This timeline is based on a full-term baby, […]