Chicago newborn photographer for the tiniest, most precious chapter of all
Because you will want to remember every tiny detail
Posed and lifestyle studio newborn sessions in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood
Because you will want to remember every tiny detail.
Posed and lifestyle studio newborn sessions in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood
You Already Know This Phase Goes Fast. You Just Don't Know How Fast.
Everyone tells you. And you nod, because of course, you know. But knowing it and living it are two completely different things.
The newborn days are a blur of 3am feedings, tiny fingernails, and a love so big it genuinely surprises you. And then, just like that, the newborn phase is over. The clothes that fit last week don't fit anymore. The little curl they were born with is gone.
You cannot slow it down. But you can document it.
A newborn session at Michele Taylor Photography is how you hold onto this exact moment, this exact baby, this exact size, forever.
A Chicago Newborn Photographer Who Treats Your Baby Like the Treasure They Are
Newborn photography is its own specialty, and I take it seriously. I have spent years refining the poses, the timing, the temperature of the studio, the pace of the session. Everything is designed around one priority: your baby's safety and comfort, always.
I specialize in the classic posed and wrapped style that makes newborn portraits so timeless. Curled up, peaceful, impossibly small. If you love the lifestyle look, with baby in outfits and awake and expressive, we can absolutely do that too. Most sessions end up being a beautiful mix of both.
Here is what I want every new mom to know: you do not have to have it together to come in for a newborn session. You can be exhausted. You can be emotional. You can show up in whatever state you are in, because the newborn phase is all of those things at once, and that is exactly what we are here to celebrate.
This is the timeless style you have seen and loved: baby wrapped in soft textures, curled into beautiful poses, peaceful and impossibly small. These are the images that make grandparents cry and look stunning as large wall art. This is my specialty, and it is where my heart lives.
More awake, more expressive, more documentary. Baby in sweet outfits, on a beautiful blanket, in the soft light of the studio. If you love a more natural, candid feel, this style is a gorgeous option. Many sessions include elements of both, and we let baby lead the way. Perfect for babies that are just a bit older
Posed Newborn
The Golden Window: 7 to 21 Days Old
Lifestyle newborn
great for older babies
Want to include the Whole Family?
Parents and siblings are welcome at newborn sessions, and honestly, those images are some of my favorites. The way they fit into your arms, the look on a big brother or sister's face when they hold the baby? Those portraits are worth everything.
We typically start with the parents, then bring in siblings, then move on to baby only. It flows naturally and it works beautifully, and once your image are done you can sit back and relax!
Just let me know when you inquire if you would like to include siblings or family portraits in your session.
How It Works
1
Reach out
Reach out during your second trimester and we will get a due-date window on the calendar. No need to have an exact date yet. We confirm everything once baby is here and schedule your session within that 7 to 21 day window.
2
Session
Newborn sessions take place at my Lakeview studio, which is kept warm and cozy for sleepy babies. Sessions run two to four hours because we move at baby's pace entirely. We pause for feedings, soothing, and whatever baby needs. You bring the baby. I handle absolutely everything else.
3
Reveal+Order
This is the best part! 1-2 weeks after your photo session, you’ll come back to the studio to see your edited images. During this appointment we will work together to design something beautiful for your home. From large gallery walls or an album, to simple displays, we will create the perfect artwork for your family. Your complete order will be placed at this meeting, so we highly encourage you to have all decision-makers present.
4
Delivery
In 3-4 weeks your artwork will be ready. We are happy to arrange shipping or delivery and installation for you. Once your portraits are hanging on your wall you can enjoy them for years to come! And that's not all - many of our families visit us year after year to update their gallery walls or album collection with their changing family. We love seeing you each year and watching your family grow.
Chicago Newborn Photography: Where Tiny Moments Live Forever
What Chicago Moms Are Saying
What to Expect Investment-Wise
Here is how it works. A $900 booking fee reserves your session date and gets everything started. That booking fee includes your $250 session fee plus a $650 product credit that goes directly toward your wall art, album, or image box order at your appointment.
Most families invest between $1,500+ once they fall in love with their images at the ordering appointment. Which, in 16 years, has been every single family.
Art for the nursery wall & every wall after that
Imagine walking past your baby's newborn portrait every single day for the next 20 years. That is what we are creating together. Heirloom wall art, custom albums, and image boxes designed to live in your home and tell your family's story for generations.
Chicago newborn Photography: Your Questions Answered
When should I book a newborn photographer in Chicago?
The short answer: during your second trimester. Newborn sessions are best within the first 7 to 21 days of life, which means the planning has to happen well before baby arrives. I hold a tentative date around your due date and confirm the exact session day once baby makes their entrance. That said, it's never too late to reach out - there may be space on our calendar.
What is the best age for newborn photos?
Between 7 and 21 days old is the sweet spot. During this window, babies are still sleepy and curled, still in that perfect newborn shape, and still small enough to pose beautifully. After three weeks, babies become more awake and alert, and the classic newborn look begins to change. Earlier than 7 days is also possible but we confirm timing based on how mom and baby are feeling after delivery. For older babies, our lifestyle session is a great option.
How long does a newborn session take?
Newborn sessions run two to four hours. We move entirely at baby's pace. Some babies sleep through almost the whole session while others take a little longer to fall into that deep sleep. There will be feeding breaks, soothing breaks, and plenty of patience built into the session. You do not need to rush anything. The studio is warm, comfortable, and designed for exactly this.
What should I bring to the newborn session?
I send every family a detailed prep guide before their session. The short version: bring enough milk or formula for two full feedings during the session (just in case), a pacifier if baby uses one, and any special sentimental items. I provide all wraps, hats, headbands, backdrops, baskets, and studio props. Most parents show up with the baby and very little else, and that is exactly right. We even have newborn diapers and wipes.
Can siblings be included in the newborn session?
Absolutely, and those images are some of the most treasured from any session. Just let me know when you inquire so we can plan accordingly.
Can parents be in the newborn photos?
Yes, and I highly recommend it. Parent and baby images are some of the most emotional and meaningful from the entire session. Tiny baby hands wrapped around a parent's finger. A sleeping baby on a dad's chest. These are the photos you will want on your walls forever. You do not need to be dressed up or have it together. Just show up.
Is your studio safe for newborns?
Safety is my absolute first priority in every newborn session. The studio is kept warm for sleeping babies. Every pose is carefully supported. I have years of experience handling newborns with the care they require. If you ever have questions or concerns before your session, I am always happy to talk through them.
Your Baby Will Only Be This Small Once.
Newborn dates sometimes book up months in advance. If you are expecting, now is the time to reach out.
Chicago newborn photographer serving Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods including Lakeview, Northcenter, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Roscoe Village, Andersonville, Edgewater, Ukrainian Village, West Town, West Loop and beyond.
