The MKP Experience Guide
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I have so much love for my hometown that I truly never imagined leaving. Then I met a guy... and, well, you know the rest.
After getting married in 2019, we made Fort Mill, South Carolina, our home. We built such a wonderful life there, adding two babies and a dog, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. But we knew we wanted to raise our family closer to the people we love most. So, in 2026, we packed up and headed to Noblesville, Indiana, to begin our next chapter.
I believe the most meaningful photographs aren't about perfect poses—they're about preserving the joy, connection, and beautifully ordinary moments that make your family's story uniquely yours.
location guide
Marissa Krause Photography
Urban
downtown indy - lockerbie square
carmel arts district
downtown zionsville
noblesville & historic hamiliton county courthouse
rural
flat fork creek park
macgregor park
west park
dr james a dillon park
architecture & other
coxhall gardens
historic ambassador house & gardens
payne & mencias palladium
historic potter’s covered bridge
natural light studio (located in fortville, additional fee applies)
"From booking to the actual session, Marissa was always available to answer my questions and just made everything feel so easy and honestly fun. Even though family photos can sometimes be stressful, it wasn't at all with Marissa!"
Hannah S.
family dressing guide
For family sessions, I do not recommend planning an outfit change. It cuts into our shooting time and can interrupt the natural flow of the session—especially with younger children. Keeping everyone comfortable helps us capture the most genuine moments.
*These are simply recommendations, not rules! Your session should reflect your family and your style. Feel free to choose outfits that match your vibe and aesthetic.
Start with Mom
I always recommend choosing Mom's outfit first and building everyone else's outfits around it. Pick something you feel beautiful and confident in, but also something you can comfortably move, sit, cuddle, and play in.
If you're constantly adjusting your dress or tugging at your clothes, it'll show in your photos. Comfort is just as important as style!
Choose a Color Palette
Once you've chosen Mom's outfit, build a color palette of 3–4 complementary colors. Everything—from dresses and shirts to shoes, hair bows, and accessories—should fit within that palette.
Color palettes can also reflect the season:
Spring: soft pastels, creams, sage, dusty blues
Summer: warm neutrals, terracotta, olive, light blues
Fall: rust, camel, cream, olive, deep browns
Winter: warm whites, charcoal, navy, evergreen
Neutrals and earthy tones are timeless choices that photograph beautifully.
Try to avoid bright yellows and light greens, as they tend to cast unflattering color onto skin tones.
Coordinate, Don't Match
Rather than putting everyone in the exact same color, aim for outfits that complement one another.
A great trick is to lay everyone's outfits out side by side before your session. This makes it easy to see whether the colors, textures, and overall style feel cohesive.
And remember—I'm always happy to help! Feel free to send me a photo of your outfit choices, and I'd be glad to offer suggestions.
Patterns
Patterns can add beautiful texture when used intentionally.
A good rule of thumb is to have only one patterned outfit for every two or three solid-colored outfits.
Try to avoid:
Small checkered prints
Thin stripes
Tiny polka dots
These patterns can create a distracting or blurry effect in photographs. Instead, opt for larger, subtle prints or textured fabrics for added visual interest.
Most Importantly...
Choose outfits that make you feel like yourselves. When you're comfortable, confident, and connected, those genuine moments shine through—and that's what creates timeless family photographs.
Senior Dressing guide
For graduating seniors, I recommend bringing two outfits to your session. Your first look can be casual or highlight an extracurricular that's been a meaningful part of your journey. Your second look should be more polished and include your cap and gown, if you have one!
The Casual Look
Your first outfit should reflect your everyday style and personality.
Jeans with a favorite t-shirt, sweater, or blouse
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Choose timeless, neutral colors when possible
Avoid bold colors, large patterns, and prominent logos
The Extracurricular Look
This is your chance to celebrate what made your high school or college experience unique.
Bring anything that represents your passion, such as:
A sports uniform
Musical instrument
Dance attire
Letterman jacket
Cheer uniform
Club or academic gear
Anything else that's been an important part of your story
The Formal Look
Finish your session with a classic graduation portrait.
Bring your cap and gown, if available
Wear an outfit that complements your gown
Avoid yellows, greens, and light pinks, as they don't photograph as well outdoors
Skip bold patterns and large logos to keep the focus on you
Tips & Tricks
Wear clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Plan your entire outfit—from shoes to accessories to your hairstyle.
If you normally wear glasses, consider bringing contacts for at least a portion of your session to help minimize glare.
Make sure all clothing is clean and wrinkle-free before your session.
Most importantly, choose outfits that feel like you. Your senior photos should reflect your personality and this exciting season of life!
the newborn suite
Marissa Krause Photography
tips & tricks
The best way to capture those precious newborn features is for your baby to be sleeping during the session. Here are some tips and tricks to make that happen!
-If you are nursing, avoid coffee and spicy or other foods that may cause gas for 48 hours prior to the session. Most common food to avoid: acidic foods, such as lemons, oranges, berries, cucumbers, cabbage, broccoli, pizza, spaghetti, chili, and tomato products.
- Please make sure to bring enough milk/formula for two feedings. Babies will always eat a lot more than you'd expect during a session, so having extra is key for a successful session.
-The baby needs to be fed as much as possible 8-10 hours before the session. Feeding the baby an extra time or two will help amazingly with getting them to sleep deeply.
-Feed the baby right before you leave for your session or arrive at the location.
-If your session is at home, please make sure the temperature is set between 75-80 degrees, this will help calm the baby and keep them comfortable as they are undressed and changed
-During the morning of the session, keep the baby awake and stimulated as much as possible for at least an hour prior to the session. This is VERY IMPORTANT!! Without this we will spend too much time trying to get them back to sleep rather than photographing them. Give them a bath, play for a while.
FAQ
what is a lifestyle newborn session?
A lifestyle newborn session is all about documenting the connection between your family and your newest little love in the comfort of your own home. Rather than using props or elaborate poses, we'll capture natural, heartfelt moments that tell your family's story.
I'll gently guide you into flattering poses while allowing plenty of room for genuine interactions, cuddles, and all of the little moments in between. The result is a timeless gallery that feels authentic to your family.
what if my newborn is fussy?
Please don't worry—newborns are wonderfully unpredictable, and I've planned for that!
As a mom myself, I understand that babies need to eat, be changed, soothed, and cuddled. We'll take breaks whenever needed, and I'll never rush your session.
I won't leave until I'm confident we've created a beautiful gallery you'll treasure for a lifetime.
can my pet be included?
Absolutely! Pets are family, too.
I'm a dog owner myself and am more than happy to include your furry family members in your session whenever it's safe and comfortable for everyone.
what should we wear?
For the family, follow my Family Outfit Guide—start with Mom's outfit and coordinate everyone else's clothing around it.
For your newborn:
A simple, solid-colored onesie is perfect.
White is always a timeless choice.
Keep outfits free of large graphics, logos, or busy patterns.
Don't stress too much about multiple outfit changes—babies often need to be changed during the session anyway!
If your baby will be wrapped for some photos, choose a swaddle or blanket that complements the colors of your nursery and your family's outfits for a cohesive, timeless look.
The goal is to keep the focus where it belongs—on your baby and the love your family shares.