Saturday, March 17, 2018 | By: mQn Photography
So, a funny thing happened. One of my favorite families (and yes, they’re all my favorites) made a surprise announcement: their sweet new baby boy had arrived early—and I had no idea. I had just photographed their family that fall, and it was only January when I saw the news. My jaw may have dropped.
He made his debut at just 32 weeks and was staying at Children’s Minnesota in St. Paul, spending his earliest days in the NICU. When I reached out to send my love, his mama shared the update—and I immediately thought: does she know about The Tiny Footprints Project?
Spoiler alert: she didn’t.
As a volunteer photographer with The Tiny Footprints Project, I offer complimentary NICU sessions for families navigating this tender, vulnerable season. These sessions aren’t just portraits. They are a way of preserving the quiet, powerful moments that unfold within the walls of a hospital room. They become a visual story of resilience, love, and the earliest chapters of life—especially for babies who arrive sooner than expected.
When I arrived at Children’s Minnesota, I was greeted by a tiny boy who was already showing signs of strength. Off respiratory support, resting calmly, and full of feisty spirit. These are the babies who remind you how incredible life really is. And as I captured those first images of him, I felt the deep honor of being welcomed into such a sacred space.
There is something uniquely profound about photographing a premature baby in the NICU. The fragility. The hope. The contrast between medical complexity and simple, overwhelming love. As a photographer specializing in motherhood and newborn imagery in Minneapolis and St. Paul, I approach these sessions with gentleness and reverence. I know that for many parents, this is not how they imagined their beginning. And yet, there is such beauty here.
For parents of preemies, the early days are often a blur of beeping monitors, fluctuating oxygen levels, and emotional rollercoasters. The idea of a photo session might feel far from their minds—and yet, these images become some of the most cherished. They serve as reminders of strength. Of first milestones. Of quiet snuggles and whispered encouragements.
At Children’s Minnesota, where so many families walk these hallways with heavy hearts and hopeful eyes, the opportunity to document even one calm moment can be healing. And it’s why I partner with organizations like The Tiny Footprints Project—because every family deserves beautiful images of their baby, no matter the circumstances of their birth.
In the NICU, connection looks different. It’s a hand wrapped in wires, gently holding a parent’s finger. It’s skin-to-skin time between IV lines. It’s parents learning to see their child beyond the medical setting—and realizing how deeply they already know and love them.
During this session, I saw all of that. I saw a mother’s eyes light up. A father’s tentative touch soften into confidence. A tiny boy rooted in love.
And I thought of his twin siblings at home. How excited they must be. How this little one’s journey will shape their bond. I hope to photograph their whole family one day soon—to witness that reunion, that completeness.
If you or someone you love is navigating a NICU stay at Children’s Minnesota in St. Paul or Minneapolis, please know this: I’m here. NICU photography sessions through The Tiny Footprints Project are offered at no cost. There is zero pressure. Just love, support, and the quiet reassurance that your story deserves to be seen.
You don’t have to plan or prepare. I come to you. I work around the hospital schedule. I respect every boundary and every medical need. And I bring a calm, experienced presence to what can be a stormy season.
I’ve been photographing newborns and families in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for over 15 years. But my NICU work holds a special place in my heart. As a mother myself, I understand how vulnerable those early days are. And as an artist, I believe in the power of legacy.
Photographs are more than images. They are emotional heirlooms. Proof of love in the face of uncertainty. A way to hold onto moments that might otherwise feel too fragile to keep.
And in the NICU, they become a gift for today and a treasure for tomorrow.
If you’re curious about how to schedule a NICU session, or want to refer a friend, you can find more information [here]. Or just reach out directly. I’ll walk you through everything.
Whether your baby was born early, unexpectedly, or after a long-awaited journey, your story matters. And it deserves to be honored with compassion, beauty, and care.
From NICU beginnings to nursery cuddles and family milestones—I’m here to help you tell your story. One frame at a time.
Michele Quattrin is a Minneapolis-based photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and family photography—with a heart for NICU families. With over 15 years of experience, Michele combines a journalistic eye with a maternal instinct, capturing the quiet, powerful moments that often go unseen. She volunteers her time with The Tiny Footprints Project, offering complimentary photo sessions for families navigating NICU stays at Children’s Minnesota and beyond.
Known for her calm presence, natural light style, and timeless imagery, Michele helps parents feel seen, supported, and beautifully represented—especially in life’s most tender seasons. Her work is less about posed perfection and more about emotional truth, honoring each family's unique story with empathy and care. When she’s not photographing, you’ll find her chasing good light, sipping coffee, or rearranging something neutral in her studio.
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