Petite Newborn Photography Sessions in Appleton, WI

What to Expect From Your Petite Newborn Session

The Petite Newborn Session With Leah Islinger Photography is a simple, streamlined option created for families who want beautiful images of their newborn without a full-length session. Available in Appleton & throughout the Fox Valley, WI, this session focuses solely on your baby and is perfect for those who prefer a shorter experience.

This session features a shorter session time and includes five professionally edited images. Baby remains wrapped and swaddled throughout the session, allowing for a smooth, cozy flow that keeps things calm and efficient. Because of the session’s structure, parent and sibling poses are not included, making it ideal for families who only need a few timeless portraits of their newborn.

The Petite Newborn Session is a great fit if you’re looking for a more minimal approach, have scheduling constraints, or simply want a small collection of baby-focused images. You’ll still receive the same gentle care, attention to detail, and professional editing, just in a more compact session designed around simplicity and ease.

NEWBORN GALLERY

THE PETITE NEWBORN EXPERIENCE

Newborn sessions are slow-paced, quiet, and calm. Your petite newborn experience will be aproxx. 1 hour long. 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 Petite Newborn Experience is one upfront cost and includes 5 digital images from your session. This session includes up to 1 hour in the studio and includes baby only, no family or sibling poses. Includes wrapped only poses, with simple props chosen by the photographer.

After your session takes place you will receive your preview images in a private online gallery to choose your included 5 digital images. You will also have the option to purchase additional digital images, prints, or products 'a la carte'.

450.00 | THE PETITE NEWBORN EXPERIENCE

$450 total session cost, paid upfront to schedule

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Studio location, up to 1 hour

Newborn only, no family or siblings

Wrapped-only poses, with simple props

4 sets, 4 props with varied wrapping techniques

5 professionally edited, high-resolution digital images

Final images delivered electronically

Print release

Due to the shorter length of the session, I kindly ask that no siblings attend the session.

YOUR EXPERIENCE, EXPLAINED.....

The Petite Newborn Experience

This session is a baby-only session that is one price, paid upfront, and it includes 5 high-resolution digital images. This session is approximately 1 hour long in the studio. This session includes up to 4 setups/4 props with baby wrapped in different ways. Props will be chosen by the photographer - only certain types of props can be used with wrapped newborn poses.

Due to the shorter time limit baby may be awake for some or all of the poses, which means your baby will also be wrapped/swaddled in various ways for this type of session. If you are looking for poses that include outfits and the naked, curled up, sleepy baby poses, then the petite newborn experience may not be a good fit for you & you will want to schedule the full newborn experience.

Due to the shorter length of the session, I kindly ask that no siblings attend the session.

Are you unsure what your vision is for your petite 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 **

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.

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 give 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.

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.

WHAT TIME IS OUR SESSION?

I find that morning sessions work best, so I like to schedule sessions to begin at 10:00 AM. The petite newborn session generally only takes 1 hour, but please avoid scheduling other commitments close to this time. The length of each session is entirely baby-led; some babies sleep peacefully throughout, while others may need more frequent breaks.

Due to the shorter length of the session, I kindly ask that no siblings attend the session.

HOW DO WE HELP BABY BE SLEEPY?

Due to the shorter session time of the petite experience, baby may be awake for some or all of the poses, which means your baby will also be wrapped/swaddled in various ways for this type of session.

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.

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.

WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR?

The petite newborn experience is made up of a variety of different wrapped images. I will choose a selection of different props that allow for these wrapped poses.

My studio is full of wraps of different textures & colors and props like little beds with bed linens along with an abundance of little lovies for your baby to hold.

The petite experience offers the same variety of adorable poses of your baby, as well as close ups of their precious little features!

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.

WHY IS IT SO HOT IN HERE?

My studio is kept slightly warmer than usual during newborn sessions to ensure your baby’s comfort, but since your baby will mostly be wrapped for their session, the heat will be adjusted accordingly to ensure they do not overheat.

I use a space heater to provide gentle, direct warmth towards baby, this usually helps the parent area to stay cooler, but you may want to dress in layers if you tend to run warm.

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.

Since the petite experience involves various different wrapping techniques baby may fuss a little in-between wrap changes but I do my best to utilize each wrap to its fullest and to transition from one wrap to another slowly and gently, always keeping baby feel safe & snuggly.

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 between poses.

"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 babies take a little bit of time to settle in. 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.

More often than not, once baby is wrapped snuggly, they will relax and drift off to sleep, even the babies who claim that they hate being wrapped. 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.

For the petite experience if your baby is awake, but calm & relaxed, I won't work to get them to sleep. If they are clearly fussing and flailing about then I might have to work a little bit harder to at least get them content, if not asleep or dozing.

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, 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.

Contact Me

VIEW NEWBORN GALLERY

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