Why Real Experiences Matter When Choosing a Newborn Photographer
If you’re preparing to welcome a new baby, you’re likely searching for a photographer who not only creates beautiful images—but who also creates a space where you feel seen, supported, and cared for.
There’s so much more to newborn photography than just the final gallery. Behind each image is a quiet process: one built on patience, gentle hands, warm communication, and years of experience. And because I know choosing a photographer can feel deeply personal, I want to share what a newborn session truly looks and feels like here at Giliane Mansfeldt Photography.
This isn’t a story about one specific family, but rather a look at the care and connection I bring to every newborn session in my Saint Paul studio. Whether you’re a first-time parent or returning for your third baby’s portraits, this is your time to feel held, guided, and honored—just as much as your little one.
Preparing for Your Session: Every Detail Begins With You
The newborn photography experience begins well before you walk through my studio doors. From the moment we first connect, I’m listening closely—learning about your vision, your style, and the things that matter most to you.
Some families find me through referrals, others through online searches or Giliane Mansfeldt Photography reviews, but however we meet, my goal is the same: to ensure you feel confident, informed, and cared for. I’ll walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and what you might want to bring. We’ll talk about wardrobe choices, color palettes, and whether you’d like simple, organic setups or a few soft, styled touches.
If you’re not sure what direction you want to go, that’s okay too. I’m here to guide you every step of the way—gently and without pressure.
The Day of Your Newborn Session: Calm, Safe, and Baby-Led
When you arrive at my studio in Saint Paul, my hope is that you instantly feel the shift. The outside world can wait. The to-do lists, the dishes in the sink, the sleepless nights—they’re not here. Here, everything slows down.
From the moment you step inside, the focus is on creating a space that feels comforting, peaceful, and entirely centered on your family. The studio is softly lit with natural tones and gentle textures. A curated mix of neutral props, cozy wraps, and delicate accessories are all neatly prepared—ready to support your vision or offer inspiration if you’re not quite sure what look you’re going for.
You’ll be greeted with a warm drink and a smile. And if you need to sit and feed baby, change a diaper, or just take a moment to exhale—that’s exactly what we do. There is no rush here, and no pressure. If you’re running on fumes after a long night (as so many new parents are), this space becomes more than just a photography studio. It becomes a soft place to land.
Sessions are completely baby-led, meaning we follow your little one’s cues and needs. If baby is sleepy, we’ll start with swaddled poses. If they’re alert, we may capture their bright eyes first. If they need to eat, we pause. The flow is natural, gentle, and always flexible.
Throughout the session, I use my experience and training in safe newborn posing techniques to ensure your baby is always comfortable and secure. I never force a pose. If something isn’t working, we move on. Every movement, every wrap, every tiny adjustment is made with intention and care.
I’ve had parents tell me they were nervous walking in—worried their baby wouldn’t sleep or that things wouldn’t go smoothly. And then they’re surprised by how peaceful everything feels. Some even doze off in the cozy parent area while I work. That kind of trust and ease is the environment I’ve spent years cultivating—a session that feels just as nurturing for you as it does for your baby
After the Session: Crafting Your Heirloom Images With Intention
Once your session wraps up, the behind-the-scenes magic begins. And just like the care I give during your session, every step that follows is handled with just as much thoughtfulness and heart.
I begin by carefully reviewing each image captured—sometimes hundreds of tiny moments frozen in time. From there, I thoughtfully select the photographs that not only showcase your baby’s features but reflect the quiet, soulful moments that made your session unique. It’s not just about finding technically “perfect” images—it’s about finding the ones that feel like your story.
From there, I begin the professional newborn photography editing process—an art in itself. My editing style is soft and natural. I gently retouch baby’s skin to soften any flakes, redness, or baby acne, while preserving the tiny features and textures that make your newborn uniquely yours.
Color tones are balanced to reflect the warmth of the moment—earthy, timeless, and calming. Any distracting elements (like a stray thread or blanket wrinkle) are removed with subtle care. Every edit is made by hand, by me, with love and attention to detail.
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about preserving your baby’s natural beauty while creating artwork that will remain meaningful for years to come. When your gallery is ready, you’ll receive a curated collection that reflects your preferences and personality, presented in a way that invites you to relive those precious early days every time you look through it.
Whether you choose to display your photos in a fine art album, as framed prints in your home, or simply cherish them in a private gallery, your images are created to be tangible keepsakes—pieces of your legacy to pass down through generations.
The Experience That Stays With You
The most common message I get after delivering a gallery? It’s not just about how much parents love the photos—though that part is always wonderful to hear. It’s how the session made them feel.
Parents often tell me things like:
“We felt so cared for.”
“You made everything so calm.”
“It felt like you truly saw us.”
That means the world to me, because I believe that photography isn’t just about the finished image. It’s about the experience—the memory of being seen, the comfort of knowing your baby was safe and cherished, and the stillness you got to feel in a season that often moves far too fast.
Whether you come in with a full Pinterest board or no plan at all, I’ll meet you right where you are. My role is to listen, guide, and gently support you through each step. You don’t have to know how to pose or worry about what your baby will or won’t do. This space is for your story to unfold naturally—one quiet, heartfelt moment at a time.
Your Newborn Session, Reimagined With Heart
If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Saint Paul who will not only capture beautiful images but hold your family’s experience with deep care, I’d be honored to be part of your story.
Newborn sessions at Giliane Mansfeldt Photography are more than just a service. They are an experience rooted in connection, comfort, and intention—from the moment we first connect to the moment you hold your finished images in your hands.
Because these aren’t just pictures—they’re your first memories as a growing family, preserved with love.
Let’s Begin This Beautiful Chapter Together
📅 Click here to book your newborn session
📍 Proudly serving Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and Twin Cities families with heartfelt, heirloom photography.
