How to Prepare for a Relaxed Beautiful Motherhood Session

Let’s be honest—getting in front of the camera as a mom can feel a little intimidating. Whether you’re a brand-new mama navigating the newborn fog, a seasoned pro who hasn’t been in a photo without at least one sticky hand on her, or somewhere in between, the thought of a motherhood photo session can bring on a mix of excitement and nerves.

That’s exactly why I created my Motherhood Event happening on May 3rd at my Northeast Minneapolis studio. It’s all about making things easy and meaningful for moms—no stress, no fuss, just beautiful, timeless images of you with your little ones.

If you’ve been thinking about booking but aren’t sure what to expect (or how to prepare), this post is for you. Below, I’m sharing some real talk and helpful tips so you can show up feeling confident and relaxed. Whether it’s your first professional session or your fifth, these reminders will help you get the most out of your Minneapolis studio motherhood photography experience.

The Motherhood Event

Don’t Overthink the Outfits (Because I’ve Got You)

Let’s start with one of the biggest sources of stress for moms: what to wear. Good news—my curated studio wardrobe makes this part effortless.

When you book your session, you’ll have access to my beautifully curated collection of dresses for moms and outfits for kids under five. These aren’t random pieces pulled from a discount rack. I hand-pick timeless, neutral-toned clothing that photographs beautifully and keeps the focus on your connection—not busy patterns or clashing colors.

Think soft fabrics, flattering cuts, and a whole lot of simplicity. I’ve even got options that work beautifully whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or somewhere in between. No need to spend hours shopping or second-guessing your choices—I’ve done the work so you don’t have to.

This is one of the many ways my approach to Minneapolis studio motherhood photography is built around making things easy and enjoyable for you.

Professional Hair & Makeup = Confidence Boost

I get it—some of us are ride-or-die with dry shampoo. But hear me out: having your hair and makeup professionally done for a motherhood session isn’t about looking like someone else—it’s about looking like you, but with a little extra polish and confidence.

Even if you normally keep things low-key, professional makeup evens out skin tone, brightens your eyes, and keeps you from looking washed out in natural light. And a few waves or a smooth blowout can go a long way in making you feel pulled together without feeling overdone.

You’re not trying to look like a runway model here. You’re a mom, and that’s more than enough. But if a little glam helps you feel more confident in front of the camera? I say go for it.

I can recommend a couple of local hair and makeup artists who know exactly how to work with real, busy moms. Because part of the beauty of Minneapolis studio motherhood photography is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up as yourself, feeling great, and letting the connection with your kids take center stage.

Not sure if hair and makeup are worth it?

This post by Leigh Raeder explains why hiring a pro can make a huge difference in how you look and feel in your photos—without making you feel overdone. It’s worth the read if you’re on the fence and don't want to take my word for it!

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You’re Not Just Hiring a Photographer—You’re Choosing Someone Who Gets It

I’ve been photographing families and motherhood sessions for over 15 years, and one thing I know for sure is this: moms need more than pretty pictures. They need someone who gets what it’s like to be a mom.

The chaos? I expect it. The last-minute diaper blowouts? Been there. The toddler who wants nothing to do with the camera? Totally normal.

When you walk into my studio, you’re not walking into some high-pressure, “smile and pose” situation. You’re stepping into a relaxed, natural-light space designed for comfort, play, and genuine connection. If your toddler needs to warm up, we’ll give them space. If your baby wants to nurse, we’ll pause. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, we’ll breathe.

That’s what makes Minneapolis studio motherhood photography special. It’s not about staging perfection—it’s about documenting the love, joy, and wild little moments that define motherhood. You don’t need to have everything under control to get beautiful photos. You just need to show up. I’ll take care of the rest.

Mindset is Everything—Here’s How to Feel Your Best

The secret to a relaxed session? Let go of the pressure to make everything “go right.”

Your baby might be fussy. Your preschooler might refuse to sit still. Your hair might not cooperate the way you hoped. And that’s okay. I promise you, some of the best images come from the in-between moments—the cuddles, the giggles, the chaos.

Before your session, take a little time for yourself. Play music you love while getting ready. Sip your coffee while it’s hot (for once). Give yourself permission to enjoy the session instead of trying to manage every detail.

Remember: this isn’t just about capturing how you look—it’s about how this season of life feels. Whether you’re snuggling your newborn, twirling with your toddler, or laughing with your older kids, these moments are meaningful, even if they don’t look “perfect.” But I cannot lie, the images I will take of you will look perfect.

That’s what I love most about Minneapolis studio motherhood photography—it’s not stiff or overly posed. It’s honest, tender, and beautiful in all its realness.

Wrapping It Up

If you're considering joining me on May 3rd for my Motherhood Event, I hope this helped you feel more prepared—and more excited. These sessions are one of my favorite things to photograph because they honor moms in such a powerful way. And honestly? You deserve it.

So don’t stress about being camera-ready. Don’t wait until the perfect time (spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist). Just show up, love on your babies, and let the magic happen.

And if you’ve done a session like this before, or if you have a tip that helped you feel your best, I’d love to hear it—drop a comment below and let’s chat.

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