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sleeping baby girl on a little wooden bed wearing a lace dress during a newborn session in a Little Chute WI studio

Full Newborn Photography Sessions in Appleton, WI

What to Expect From Your Full Newborn Session

The Full Newborn Experience with Leah Islinger Photography is a calm, thoughtful, and beautifully styled way to capture your baby’s very first days. Available in Appleton & throughout the Fox Valley, WI, this session is designed for parents who want timeless images and a stress-free experience from start to finish.

This page walks you through details & pricing, so you know exactly what to expect before booking. A full newborn session is a posed experience that included wrapped & unwrapped images of baby along with props & outfits. This experience allows plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and settling your baby. Sessions are never rushed, and everything is paced around your newborn’s needs to keep them comfortable and sleepy.

You’ll find clear information on what’s included, where sessions take place, and how long to plan for. I also share helpful guidance on when to schedule, how to help encourage a sleepy baby, and what to wear so your images feel cohesive and natural. Every session includes professional editing, with careful attention to skin tones, tiny details, and a soft, timeless finish.

Most importantly, this page explains how I work with babies, using gentle posing, patience, and years of experience to keep safety the top priority. If you’re looking for a full newborn session experience that feels relaxed, supportive, and beautifully intentional, you’re in the right place.

NEWBORN GALLERY
Newborn baby swaddled in white, holding a small green dinosaur toy during a Little Chute WI Newborn studio session

THE FULL NEWBORN EXPERIENCE

Newborn sessions are slow-paced, quiet, and calm. Your full newborn experience can take up to 3 hours, depending on how many breaks your baby needs. These sessions are preferably scheduled around 12 - 17 days old, so please contact me as soon as possible to schedule your session according to your estimated due date.

The Full Newborn Experience has a non-refundable retainer to schedule your session. This session includes up to 3 hours in the studio, and this session can include family & sibling poses. Includes props, posed images & wrapped images.

After your session takes place, you will receive your preview images in a private online gallery. From there you have the choice of one of my 3 collections, and you can also purchase prints and products 'a la carte'.

 

YOU CAN VIEW COLLECTIONS BELOW

 

newborn baby girl wearing a flower headband posed on a floral fabric covered in a yellow wrap during a Little Chute WI studio newborn session

 

THE FULL NEWBORN EXPERIENCE

$100.00 non-refundable session fee retainer, due to schedule

After your session takes place, you will receive your preview images in a private online gallery. From there you have the choice of one of my 3 collections, and you can also purchase prints and products 'a la carte'.
 

- SCROLL FOR COLLECTION PRICING -   

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Studio location, up to 3 hours

May include family and siblings

Props, posed images & wrapped poses

This session requires a $100 session fee retainer at booking. This fee is not included in or applied to any digital images, prints, or products and is not applied to your final session purchase. This fee is the cost for your scheduled session day/time and is non-refundable. This fee includes the photographer's skilled expertise, use of all studio props & client closet, editing & retouching, and convenient online ordering.

SESSION COLLECTIONS

after your full newborn experience, you choose one of these collection options......

 

1400.00 | Gettin' All Our Faves

Your top 35, beautifully chosen & artfully preserved.

A polished, personalized collection of all of your absolute favorites.

  • Private online gallery
  • 35 professionally edited, high-resolution digital images
  • Final images delivered on a custom USB drive
  • A set of 4x6 printed proofs in a photo box
  • 16x20 mounted wall portrait
  • 10x10 coffee table book
  • Print release

 

850.00 | Gettin' Some To Share

A well-rounded set to relive & share the love.

Ideal for a mix of personal favorites and sweet moments to pass along.

  • Private online gallery
  • 25 professionally edited, high-resolution digital images
  • Final images delivered electronically
  • Print release

 

550.00 | Gettin' Just For Us

A thoughtful little collection for just between you.

Simple, meaningful, and made to hold the moments that matter most.

  • Private online gallery
  • 15 professionally edited, high-resolution digital images
  • Final images delivered electronically
  • Print release
Sleeping baby wrapped in a pink blanket, holding a stuffed elephant, with a bow headband during Wisconsin newborn photo shoot
Baby sleeping on wooden bed wearing a green dinosaur outfit with yellow spikes on a rustic wood floor during Wisconsin newborn photo session
Newborn baby sleeping on a floral blanket, wearing a cream knit outfit and headband during a Little Chute WI photo shoot
Newborn baby in light blue knitwear sleeps peacefully in a round basket during an Appleton WI newborn photo session

YOUR EXPERIENCE, EXPLAINED.....

The Full Newborn Experience

This session includes family & sibling poses if you wish to add them to the start of your session. Once those are completed, the remainder of the session will be all about capturing your sweet, new baby. In this session, there will be a mix of props, posed images (including the option to wear outfits), and wrapped poses.

This session requires a session fee retainer at booking. This session fee retainer does not include any digital images, prints, or products & is not applied to your session order - it is the cost for your scheduled session day/time and is non-refundable. All purchases are made after you receive your final gallery. 

Are you unsure what your vision is for your full newborn session? Let’s talk about what you’re hoping to do with your images — I’m here to help guide you to the perfect fit!

** If you wish to send me 'inspiration' photos, please be sure they are from my own website or my Facebook page and not Pinterest or from a web search. I prefer to photograph in my own style and cannot replicate certain poses or ideas ** 

To add extra people to a full newborn experience, such as grandparents, there will be an additional charge of $50 per person (LIMIT 2), which will be invoiced separately from your session fee retainer.

Please note: no RAW or unedited images will be delivered in your final order. Only the included images in your session or additional purchased digital files will be delivered. 

Newborn baby in a pink knitted outfit holds a white stuffed rabbit, lying on a fluffy pink blanket in Wisconsin newborn photography session

HELPFUL HINTS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHEN DO I SCHEDULE?

It’s ideal to book your newborn session during your pregnancy, typically around the second trimester (around 20 weeks), to ensure availability and gives us plenty of time to plan. By booking early, you can secure your preferred time frame and avoid any last-minute stress. I will pencil in a session date approx. 12-17 days from your due date. Once your little bundle of joy arrives, simply contact me to let me know the great news! If he/she arrived earlier or later than expected I will adjust the session date accordingly. If you did not book early or simply decided last minute that you want a newborn session don’t worry! I have successfully photographed newborns up to 8 weeks old.

The reason newborn sessions are best scheduled within the first 12 to 17 days after birth is that they are typically sleepier and more flexible in posing during this time. The early days also capture their tiniest features, such as their soft, curled-up poses, that are only present in the first few weeks of life.

Sleeping baby under a green blanket with toy sheep placed around the head in a Little Chute WI newborn photo sessin

WHERE DOES A NEWBORN SESSION TAKE PLACE?

Newborn sessions take place in my downtown Little Chute studio, located inside The Main Street Plaza and thoughtfully designed to feel warm, calm, and inviting. As an Appleton WI photographer, Little Chute WI photographer, and Wisconsin studio photographer, I’ve created a peaceful studio experience for families throughout Appleton and the Fox Valley to slow down and feel completely at ease.

As an Appleton newborn photographer, every detail of the studio is carefully curated to ensure your baby’s comfort and safety while creating timeless, elevated imagery. The space is fully equipped with professional lighting, soft neutral backdrops, fine fabrics, delicate newborn outfits, bonnets, and hand-selected props. You only need to bring your baby and their essentials. Everything else is thoughtfully provided for you.

Parents are invited to relax and enjoy the experience. The studio offers a Keurig, bottle warmer, a mini fridge stocked with beverages, and light snacks to help you feel cared for throughout your session. Once family portraits are complete, you’re welcome to settle into the parent lounge, where you can view heirloom product samples, rest, or comfortably feed your baby in a quiet, soothing environment.

If you have any meaningful personal items you’d love to incorporate, such as a handmade blanket, a favorite lovie, or a sentimental heirloom, please let me know ahead of time. This allows me to carefully plan and style your session so your images feel personal, intentional, and beautifully reflective of your family.

Sleeping baby in a pink bucket with a bow headband and white blanket in Appleton WI newborn session

WHAT TIME IS OUR SESSION?

I find that morning sessions work best, so I like to schedule sessions to begin at 10:00 AM. Newborn sessions can last several hours (approximately 3–4 for the full experience), so I kindly ask that you avoid scheduling other commitments during this time. The length of each session is entirely baby-led; some babies sleep peacefully throughout, while others may need more frequent breaks.

If sibling images are included, I strongly recommend that once siblings have been photographed, one parent or a trusted adult takes them home. This is not because I don’t enjoy having all of your little ones present, I truly do! However, the studio contains many tempting items to explore, as well as delicate and expensive equipment that could be accidentally damaged. Having siblings depart afterward helps ensure a calm, relaxed environment for you and allows me to focus my full attention on your newborn, so you can fully enjoy the session.

Newborn baby sleeping peacefully on a soft, dark blanket in little Chute WI newborn photo shoot

HOW DO WE HELP BABY BE SLEEPY?

Planning a little awake time one hour before your session can help burn off some energy, so baby will be sleepier upon arrival at the studio. Try to avoid your baby sleeping all morning, as a too well-rested baby may have difficulty settling during the session, which can limit our ability to capture the sleepy, posed images you booked me for.

A bath is a wonderful way to help tire your baby. Afterward, apply a gentle lotion to help reduce flaky skin, but please avoid oily or greasy products, as they do not photograph well. Dressing baby in a button or zip-up sleeper without a onesie underneath makes it easier and less disruptive when I need to undress them at the studio.

Please be sure to give your baby a full feeding right before you leave for your session. 

If you are traveling a longer distance to the studio, it can be helpful, if possible, to keep your baby from sleeping for the entire drive, though I know this isn’t always easy!

Swaddled baby under a blue rainbow decoration with flowers on a beige background in an Appleton WI studio newborn session

WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR?

My newborn photography style is a blend of wrapped images and softly posed, implied-nude portraits. I love highlighting those beautiful baby rolls and fresh newborn skin, while also providing variety through a selection of wraps and tiny outfits supplied by the studio.

While it can be tempting to bring store-bought or handmade outfits, I recommend using the pieces available in my studio. These items are specifically designed for newborn photography and tend to fit and photograph much better than typical retail clothing. If you do have a special outfit that you’re set on incorporating into your session, please send me photos of it prior to your session date so I can thoughtfully plan the best way to include it.

Baby asleep on blanket with crescent moon design, gently held by two adult hands in a Little Chute WI newborn studio photo shoot

WHAT SHOULD PARENTS WEAR?

For parent-and-baby poses, I recommend wearing solid-colored tops such as black, cream, blue, or other neutral tones. Color is absolutely welcome, but patterns can be distracting and may take attention away from your baby. Parent and family images are captured on my simple, neutral backdrops as well as seated on my studio couch.

For a more timeless and classic look, we can also do skin-to-skin poses. For mama-and-baby images, you’re welcome to use my studio gowns or a variety of soft fabrics to wrap mom’s upper body while holding baby. Dads are welcome to go shirtless as well if they’d like—this looks great for highlighting muscle tone and showing off any meaningful or fun tattoos.

Because hands are often featured prominently in these images, please be sure to moisturize beforehand and either remove old nail polish or apply fresh polish prior to your session.

Sleeping baby in pink outfit cuddling a small teddy bear during a studio photo shoot in Appleton WI

WHAT TYPE OF EDITING DO YOU DO?

I do retouch temporary skin concerns such as baby acne and small scratches. If your baby has significant flakiness, I will edit what I can while preserving the natural texture and integrity of your baby’s skin, ensuring the final images still look realistic and true to your newborn.

I do not remove birthmarks or other permanent features unless specifically requested by the parent and only within reason.

Sleeping baby wrapped in a green blanket, holding a round sign with hello world on it during newborn photo session in Appleton WI

WHY IS IT SO HOT IN HERE?

My studio will be kept warm to ensure your baby’s comfort during those mostly birthday-suit moments. You’re welcome to bring a change of cooler clothing for yourselves to wear after family photos are completed. Since your baby will be undressed for some poses, maintaining a warm environment is essential for their comfort.

I also use a space heater to provide gentle, direct warmth, along with a white noise machine to help soothe your baby into a peaceful, sleepy state.

Appleton WI newborn photo session of a sleeping baby in a white outfit and lace headband, lying in a round basket on a fluffy blanket.

WHAT IF MY BABY CRIES?

Babies cry & that's ok! I never do anything that could hurt your baby, and I never force them into poses that are uncomfortable. Some poses require a bit of flexibility, and thankfully newborns are naturally very flexible. Babies may wake or fuss simply from being gently repositioned. 

Certain poses can take up to 20 minutes to achieve. If you request a specific pose, I am always happy to try; however, if your baby resists, I will not force it. Every baby is different, and not all babies enjoy or tolerate every pose, and that is perfectly okay.

If you have already introduced a pacifier (even if your baby doesn’t typically like it), please bring one with you. A pacifier is one of the most effective tools I have for soothing your baby and can be especially helpful when achieving certain poses. 

We will take as many breaks as your baby requires for feeding, changing, and snuggling.

Little Chute WI newborn photography session of newborn in a blue outfit sleeps while holding a small stuffed animal on a soft, light-colored surface.

"OH MY GOSH, YOU ARE SO PATIENT!"

I hear this said in nearly every session! My regular response is "In this job if you cannot be patient then you are in the wrong line of work."

Some poses take time, and occasionally your baby may need a little extra soothing to drift into a deeper sleep. Babies aren’t used to being adjusted so frequently during what would normally be nap time, just as they get comfortable, I may need to reposition them again.

You may often see me sitting quietly with one hand resting on your baby’s head and the other on their bum or feet. This helps them feel secure and supported, which encourages them to settle more easily. If your baby seems uncooperative at times, please don’t worry, this is completely normal. The calmer and more relaxed we all remain, the calmer your baby will be as well.

Little Chute WI photography studio newborn session of sleeping baby in a basket, wrapped in a purple blanket, holding a small brown stuffed animal, with a matching headband.

A SPRINKLE OF EXTRA INFO....

No worries about pee, poops, or spit-ups — they’re completely normal and expected! All of my blankets, furs, wraps, little pants, and props are washed after every session, so nothing to stress about.

If you forget anything on this list, just don’t forget the milk! If you’re supplementing or bottle feeding, be sure to bring extra — more than you think you’ll need. All the moving and posing often calls for an extra snack or two. Don’t worry, there’s a bottle warmer ready for you to use.

If you’re nursing, plan to nurse during the session. It might be a quick snack or a full feeding — whatever your baby needs. There’s a cozy couch, a nursing pillow, and plenty of privacy. If you’re pumping, feel free to bring your pump along as well, as many moms find they need to pump during the session.

Little Chute, WI | Newborn Photographer | Serving Appleton & the Fox Valley

Preserve Your Baby’s First Precious Moments

Newborn photography for families in Appleton, Little Chute, and the Fox Valley is designed for parents who want to thoughtfully preserve the magic of their baby’s earliest days. As an Appleton newborn photographer and Wisconsin studio photographer, I create a calm, elevated experience whether this is your first baby or you’re growing your family. Each session focuses on capturing the sweetness, innocence, and delicate details that make this season so fleeting, creating timeless images you’ll cherish for years to come.

What To Expect

Your newborn session will be calm, safe, and fully personalized. As an Appleton newborn photographer and Wisconsin studio photographer serving Appleton, Little Chute, and the Fox Valley, I specialize in gentle posing and natural, timeless setups that highlight your baby’s unique features and personality.

Sessions take place in my Little Chute studio, which is fully equipped with everything needed for a professional newborn photography experience. From wardrobe guidance and soft styling to soothing techniques and thoughtful posing, I guide you through every step to keep your baby comfortable and relaxed. The result is a stress-free experience and beautiful newborn images you’ll cherish for years to come.

Why Choose Me

As an Appleton newborn photographer and Wisconsin studio photographer, I bring a patient, professional, and creative approach to every newborn session. My focus is on creating timeless, high-quality newborn images for families in Appleton, Little Chute, and the Fox Valley, photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

With a welcoming studio located in Little Chute, I provide a safe, calm, and comfortable environment where both you and your baby can fully relax. From gentle posing to thoughtful styling, every detail is handled with care so your experience feels unhurried and supported. Choosing me means trusting your baby’s first days to someone who values warmth, connection, and artistry just as much as you do.

Book Your Newborn Photography Session in Appleton & the Fox Valley

Your baby’s earliest days pass by so quickly. As an Appleton newborn photographer and Wisconsin studio photographer, I specialize in capturing these fleeting moments in timeless, heartfelt images you’ll cherish for years to come. Newborn sessions take place in my Little Chute studio, serving families in Appleton and throughout the Fox Valley. Contact me today to reserve your newborn photography session and preserve this beautiful season of life.

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Appleton, Wisconsin