Ellen Dykstra has been a professional photographer of babies and expectant moms in Kalamazoo and Portage Michigan for more than a decade, specializing in organic, pure and classic photography of pregnancy, newborns and older babies. She's an RN and mom of 4, so has extensive experience with babies. She has also photographed hundreds of newborns and their families over the years.
Working with her makes the process easy- sessions take place in your home and everything is provided. Ellen is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and travels to areas throughout Southwestern Michigan, including Portage, Mattawan, Niles, Schoolcraft, Plainwell, Otsego, Paw Paw, South Haven, St. Joseph, Jackson, Battle Creek and Richland.
Working with her makes the process easy- sessions take place in your home and everything is provided. Ellen is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and travels to areas throughout Southwestern Michigan, including Portage, Mattawan, Niles, Schoolcraft, Plainwell, Otsego, Paw Paw, South Haven, St. Joseph, Jackson, Battle Creek and Richland.
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I'm Ellen, a maternity and newborn photographer in Kalamazoo Michigan. I'm a former RN who loved my years working in ICU, but relished the years after that at home with my 4 kids even more. I've loved babies almost since I was one myself. I remember spending hours poring over the pictures of beautiful babies in the Better Homes & Gardens Baby Book.
Have you just started your search for a newborn photographer and found yourself overwhelmed with choices? While it's a good problem to have, too many choices can sometimes make it harder to decide. Here's help to demystify the world of newborn photography and get you started in finding the perfect newborn photographer for you!
You're busy and about to be busier with a new baby- I'm here to explain the details, make the process easy and help you get beautiful newborn pictures simply and without stress. If you'll supply the baby, I'll do the rest! I come to you and bring everything we need, and just use a small open space to work in.
Your session can be one of two types. For a studio look to your pictures, your session will take place in your home. I bring simple backdrops and lights and everything else we'll need to turn your living room into a mini-studio. If you prefer outdoor scenery, we can meet outdoors in a scenic area. These can be done year-round, using spots like a park or garden in the spring and summer, beaches in summer, fields in fall and even out in the snow in the winter.Look over the pictures on the website and see if you prefer indoor or outdoor photos, posed or more interactive with others.
Reviews (10)
Ashleigh Colpetsir
Jun 26, 2022
Ellen was extremely patient and professional while photographing our newborn. Ellen came to our house and set up her studio which was so convenient and helpful being a new Mom. Ellen truly has a gift for photographing newborns and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for this style of photography. The pictures were beautiful!
Mrs. Jill Plesko
Jun 12, 2022
I met Ellen at a neighborhood event this spring and am so glad that I did! I quickly scheduled a photoshoot with her for our foster son. She was wonderful to work with! She knew babies so well and was so professional, friendly, and patient. With any photographer, you can discuss your ideas for backgrounds and props beforehand so that you're all on the same page. Thanks, Ellen! We love our shots!
Jillian Karbowski
Jun 11, 2022
Ellen was super easy to work with! Her communication was frequent and thorough. I used her for maternity and newborn photos. Love the outcome and how the photos looks! She's was great with my toddler! Best perk was she brought the studio to me, I didn't even have to leave my house! Her prices are also super reasonable! Will definitely use her again in the future!
Catherine Henshaw
Jun 04, 2022
We choose Ellen for our newborn photos and she did an absolute amazing job. She came well prepared and we loved watching her work. She was professional and understanding to our wants/needs and gave us really good tips to make sure the session went well for our daughter. Everyone we showed the photos to loved looking at them. Ellen did amazing work and we highly recommend her.
Ted Drews
Mar 31, 2021
Ellen was fantastic and very accommodating. She was fantastic with our son and I learned a few tricks as well. She has everything she needs, and was more than happy to work with our requests. From start to finish we could not have been happier with our experience and of course the photos. They turned out great and have been so enjoyable to share with friends and family. Thank you Ellen!
Olivia Allen
Jan 07, 2021
Ellen Dykstra (aka the baby whisperer) is simply AMAZING. My son was born early November 2020, my boyfriend and I were hesitant on weather or not to get newborn pictures done due to covid. After deciding we had to, the search was on for someone who not only had good quality content, but also the professionalism when it came to precautions they took with covid.
When we found Ellen's website we couldn't have been more excited! Not only did we love her style and look of her photos, but the fact that she comes to YOUR home and brings EVERYTHING (wraps, props, hats, lighting, back drops & more) was worth it to us on its own. Even more so, Ellen truly is radiant in what she does. You can tell she's passionate about her work, very professional, and was an absolute saint when it came to working with/handling our son. The photos came out beautifully, and we will cherish them for many years to come. I would highly recommend Ellen to anyone wanting to get family/baby pictures done!
When we found Ellen's website we couldn't have been more excited! Not only did we love her style and look of her photos, but the fact that she comes to YOUR home and brings EVERYTHING (wraps, props, hats, lighting, back drops & more) was worth it to us on its own. Even more so, Ellen truly is radiant in what she does. You can tell she's passionate about her work, very professional, and was an absolute saint when it came to working with/handling our son. The photos came out beautifully, and we will cherish them for many years to come. I would highly recommend Ellen to anyone wanting to get family/baby pictures done!
Katie Phan
Oct 31, 2020
Ellen has taken newborn photos of both of my children. It's great that she comes and takes pictures in the comfort of your home so you don't have to worry about taking your newborn out. She provided all of the outfits and props. She is so kind and patient especially when the babies were fussy. I would definitely recommend Ellen Dykstra for photos!
KitCat A. Sullie
Jun 01, 2020
We chose Ellen for our maternity photo shoots as well as newborn photo shoots for our first and second baby. She is extremely professional, works very fast (which is helpful when there is a 4 year old involved), and she is so careful with the newborns. Ellen also helps pregnant women to pose in a manner that makes them look very attractive at a time when we don't always feel very attractive.
She has the best little outfits for newborns! If you let her just do her thing, she will never disappoint! If we decide to have another child, we will always choose Ellen for maternity and newborn photos.
She has the best little outfits for newborns! If you let her just do her thing, she will never disappoint! If we decide to have another child, we will always choose Ellen for maternity and newborn photos.
Lauren Denny
Feb 04, 2020
Ellen took both our maternity and newborn photos. As a first-time mom I was so nervous about our little one not cooperating for the photo shoot. Ellen worked her magic and made it such an easy and enjoyable process. She was so gentle, patient, professional, and kind. We are so incredibly happy with our photos and the experience as a whole. I highly recommend her services to capture your family's sweet memories.
K. P.
May 03, 2019
Great experience! I didn't plan ahead and schedule newborn pictures. Once we were home from the hospital, I searched for newborn photographers in the area and Ellen's name came up. I didn't think she would be able to fit us in on such short notice, but she did! She came to our house, which made the entire process stress-free and enjoyable. Ellen was so patient when working with our son, and she was able to capture some incredible pictures. We are very pleased with our beautiful newborn photos and would recommend Ellen Dykstra Photography to our friends and family!
