Welcome

your Maternity & Newborn Guide

From the anticipation of pregnancy to the quiet moments of welcoming your little one, I'm honored to preserve this incredible chapter of your family's story.


Congratulations on your growing family, and thank you for trusting Northlit Haven Photography to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments.


This guide was thoughtfully created to help you feel prepared every step of the way. Inside, you'll find everything you need to know about your maternity and newborn sessions—from planning and styling to what you can expect before, during, and after your experience.


My hope is that this guide allows you to relax, enjoy this beautiful season, and know that every detail has been thoughtfully taken care of.

Newborn baby sleeping peacefully in a wooden bowl, wrapped in a white knit blanket, holding a small white stuffed animal.

 

Chapter One: The Journey Begins


Your Maternity Session


Celebrating the anticipation of meeting your little one.

 

Pregnancy is one of life's most meaningful seasons, and your maternity session is an opportunity to slow down and celebrate it.


As part of your newborn experience, you'll also receive a complimentary maternity session designed to preserve the anticipation, excitement, and connection you already share as a growing family.


Whether you're welcoming your first baby or growing your family, these photographs become the first chapter of this beautiful new season.

Pregnant couple sitting on grass by white picket fence, man embracing woman with baby shoes nearby.
Three Labrador Retriever dogs nuzzling a pregnant woman outdoors in a green garden setting.

 

"every story begins long before your baby is placed in your arms."

 

what to expect

WHEN TO SCHEDULE

Between 28–34 weeks is typically the ideal time for maternity portraits.

CHOOSING A LOCATION

Choose between an outdoor location or a beautiful natural-light studio.

WHAT TO WEAR

Soft neutrals, earthy tones, and timeless textures create a beautifully cohesive gallery.

ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE

I'll gently guide you throughout your session so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.

A couple sitting on green grass in a backyard, relaxing by a white picket fence surrounded by lush trees.

 

Chapter Two: The Sweetest Hello


welcome, little one


a new chapter begins.

 

Peaceful newborn baby sleeping wrapped in a soft beige muslin cloth against a muted green backdrop.
one of my favorite messages to receive is:

"baby is here!"

Once your little one arrives, simply send me a message and we'll finalize your newborn session date together. I intentionally leave flexibility in my schedule around due dates so we can photograph your baby during those precious first weeks whenever possible.


Every baby arrives on their own timeline, and we'll work together to find the perfect day.

your next steps



• Send me a message once your little one arrives.


• We'll find the perfect day for your newborn session together.


• I'll thoughtfully prepare everything for your family's session.


• All that's left is to enjoy these first sweet days.

 

Chapter Three: Preparing for Your Session


a calm, comfortable experience


A little preparation allows you to simply relax and enjoy every moment.

 

Every detail thoughtfully prepared

From the moment I arrive, my goal is for your newborn session to feel peaceful, comfortable, and completely centered around your growing family.
A couple in neutral tones gazes at each other while tenderly holding their newborn baby near a sunlit window.

Preparing Your Home


There's no need to spend hours cleaning before I arrive—your home doesn't need to look like a magazine. The most meaningful photographs are created in the places where your family already feels at home.


Before your session, I simply recommend:


• Opening blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.


• Turning your thermostat up to around 72–75°F so your little one stays cozy during wrapped and posed images.


• Tidying a few areas we'd likely use, such as the nursery, primary bedroom, or living room, if you'd like. Beyond that, leave the rest to me.


I'll gently guide you through the best spaces in your home and work with the light that's naturally available.

preparing baby



Every newborn is beautifully unique, and every session follows baby's lead.


If possible, I recommend:


• Feeding your little one shortly before I arrive.


• Dressing baby in a loose-fitting zip-up sleeper to help prevent clothing marks on their skin.


• Having extra diapers, wipes, bottles (if applicable), and a pacifier nearby—even if your baby only uses one occasionally.


Most importantly, don't worry if baby needs extra cuddles, diaper changes, or feeding breaks. Those quiet in-between moments are often some of my favorites, and there is never any rush.

Happy family portrait on couch with large brown dog, man, toddler, woman holding newborn baby in bright living room.

Your Whole Family Belongs


Your newborn session is about celebrating your family as a whole—not just your newest arrival.



Partners, siblings, and even beloved pets are always welcome to be included. Whether your toddler needs snack breaks, your dog wants to investigate my camera bag, or your baby simply wants extra cuddles, we'll embrace those moments as they come.


Some of the sweetest photographs happen naturally, and I'll gently guide everyone throughout the session without ever rushing or forcing moments.

 

Chapter Four: Curating Your Session

THOUGHTFULLY CURATED FOR YOUR FAMILY


Every detail is intentionally chosen to create timeless photographs that feel uniquely yours.

 

Every newborn session is thoughtfully styled with timeless, neutral pieces that allow your baby to remain the heart of every photograph.


Before your session, I'll ask about your nursery colors, home décor, and overall style. Rather than asking you to choose every wrap, blanket, or accessory, I'll carefully curate everything for you using your preferences as inspiration.


From soft textures to simple, organic props, every piece is selected to complement your family while creating a cohesive gallery that feels natural, refined, and timeless. My hope is that years from now, when you look back on these photographs, you'll remember your baby—not the props.

Sleeping newborn baby girl swaddled in burgundy wrap with white floral headband in a cozy bowl prop.

 

Chapter Five: The Little Details


The Beauty in Simplicity


Simple. Timeless. Intentionally curated for your family's story.

 

 

Every wrap, blanket, bonnet, and prop in my collection has been thoughtfully chosen to create timeless photographs that feel natural, refined, and never distracting.


I love soft textures, organic materials, and neutral tones that keep the focus exactly where it belongs—on your little one.

 

Sleeping newborn baby girl wearing a delicate floral headband, resting peacefully in a decorative bowl.
Newborn baby swaddled in blue wrap sleeping peacefully on a miniature striped bed with black metal frame.

 

natural props

 

 

My collection of props has been carefully chosen to complement—not compete with—your baby. From timeless baskets and wooden bowls to my favorite little rattan bed, every piece is selected for its soft textures and natural materials.


Rather than filling your session with lots of different props, I'll thoughtfully choose only a few that best fit your family's style, creating a cohesive gallery where your baby remains the focus.

 

Sleeping newborn baby girl wearing a delicate floral crown, wrapped in a white lace blanket in a wooden bassinet.
Peaceful newborn baby sleeping in sage green bonnet and wrap on matching green background.

 

Wraps & Layers

 

 

Soft wraps help create the cozy, peaceful look that many families love while helping babies feel secure and comfortable throughout their session.


I use a collection of timeless neutral wraps and carefully select the ones that best complement your family's style, your baby's features, and the overall story we're creating together.

 

Peaceful newborn baby sleeping in a basket with fluffy white fur, wrapped in cream knit blanket and bonnet.
Sleeping newborn baby in white knit outfit with floral headband lying on soft white fur blanket.

 

BONNETS & HEADBANDS

 

 

Every bonnet and delicate headband in my collection has been chosen with the same timeless approach as the rest of my styling. These simple finishing touches add softness and texture while never distracting from your baby's natural beauty.


Whether your little one wears a cozy knit bonnet or a delicate floral headband, I'll thoughtfully choose the piece that best complements the overall styling of your session.

 

 

"Years from now, these photographs won't just remind you what your baby looked like—they'll remind you how it felt to hold them this small."

 

 

Chapter Six: Your Gallery


Your Memories, Beautifully Preserved


Every image is carefully selected and hand-edited to tell the story of your family's newest chapter.

 

After your session, I'll thoughtfully curate and hand-edit every image, selecting the strongest moments that best tell your family's story.


Every gallery includes both the quiet little details and the meaningful family moments, creating a complete story of this season you'll cherish for years to come.


Your final gallery will be delivered in a beautiful online collection where you can easily download, share, and order professional-quality prints and artwork for your home.

Close-up of tiny newborn baby feet in a wooden bowl, wearing a peach outfit on a soft white blanket.
A father tenderly holds his swaddled newborn baby close, touching noses in an intimate indoor moment.
New parents tenderly kissing their sleeping newborn baby together in a heartwarming family portrait.
A young blonde boy gently kisses the head of a newborn baby, cradling it lovingly near a bright window.
Loving parents lean foreheads together while cradling their newborn baby in a bright studio portrait.
Close-up of a sleeping newborn baby gently holding an adult's finger, wrapped in a soft cream blanket.
Smiling young boy lying next to sleeping newborn baby sibling on white bedding.
Newborn baby in pink onesie lying on white surface, held by adult hands on both sides.
Young girl sits on cream sofa gently cradling sleeping swaddled newborn baby, sharing a tender sibling moment.
A mother with red nails and a tattoo gently holds her newborn baby's tiny feet in her hands.
Three babies lying together on a white surface, two toddlers and a sleeping newborn in a pink headband.
Happy couple smiling and kissing while lovingly cradling their newborn baby in a bright, cozy nursery room.

 

Relive Every Little Moment

 

Your gallery is designed to tell the complete story of these first days—from tiny fingers and sleepy stretches to quiet cuddles, proud siblings, and the love that fills your home. Together, these moments become the beginning of your family's legacy.