The Journey from Maternity to Newborn: Capturing every step I Petra King Photography
There’s a quiet kind of magic in the days before baby arrives — the curve of your belly, the anticipation, the stillness. And then, in what feels like a heartbeat, everything changes. Your baby is in your arms, and a new chapter begins and if this is your first, it’s exciting and scary at the same time.
This journey — from bump to baby — is unlike anything else. And it’s worth preserving in a way that feels honest, timeless, and truly you.
In today’s blog post, I’m sharing how I document this incredible transformation for the families I work with, and how you can plan your own maternity and newborn sessions to tell your story beautifully.
1: Why Document Both Maternity + Newborn Stages?
• The maternity season celebrates your strength, glow, and anticipation
• Newborn sessions capture the earliest days: soft details, sleepy snuggles, first connections
• These moments pass quickly — and they only happen once
• Having both sessions tells a full story: where it started and what you brought into the world. Think of it as your family storyline
“This isn’t just about photographs. It’s about remembering how it felt — to wait, to wonder, to hold.””
2: What the Bump-to-Baby Experience Looks Like
Maternity Session Includes:
• Captured in my cozy, light-filled studio (or on location)
• Wardrobe options to flatter and simplify your prep
• Easy, guided posing that highlights your natural beauty
• A calming space to feel seen and celebrated
Newborn Session Includes:
• Held in the same serene studio setting for consistency
• Baby-led posing — no rush, no pressure
• Wraps, simple props, and gentle posing for timeless imagery
• Parents and siblings included if desired
3: Why My Clients Love Booking Both
• Your images will feel cohesive and curated
• It removes the stress of finding separate photographers
• You’ll already know what to expect and feel at ease
• Bundled packages offer extra savings + priority booking
“I didn’t realize how special it would be to see both sets of images side-by-side — it made me tear up.”
4: When to Schedule Your Sessions
• Maternity: Ideal between 28–34 weeks
• Newborn: Best within the first 7–14 days after birth
• Booking both at once ensures a seamless, stress-free timeline
5: Ready to Begin Your Journey?
You’re growing a new life — and that deserves to be remembered.
Whether you’re counting kicks or cuddling your newborn already, I’d love to help you tell this story from beginning to beginning. Studio maternity and newborn sessions can be pre booked, and gifted. Gift certificates are available in studio. Just let me know at the time of booking if you’d like us to prepare one for you.
Explore my Maternity Portfolio and Baby Milestones Portfolio
Or reach out to start planning your own bump-to-baby experience.
Why Every Milestone Matters: Documenting Your Baby’s First Year.
As a mama, you already know it—the days are long, but the years are short. From your baby’s first sleepy stretch to their first smile, laugh, and tiny steps, the first year is a whirlwind of change. Milestone photography is not a trend — it’s a way to pause time and hold onto those fleeting moments you’ll never get back. For as long as I can remember, photographs and photography have been in my life. I am so thankful that my parents valued the importance (and beauty) in a photograph.
If you’re wondering when or why to document your baby’s growth in their first year, here’s what I always tell moms in my studio: babies don’t keep, but your memories can.
1. Why Milestone Sessions Are So Important
Each milestone marks a story — and those stories deserve to be told. While it might seem like a blur now, you’ll one day look back and be amazed at how quickly your little one changed. Capturing these milestones gives you:
• Tangible memories in the form of heirloom-quality photographs or an album to flip through
• A visual timeline of their growth and personality emerging. Along with the silly quirks or things they used to do
• Something to share with your child as they grow up. I STILL love to look through old pictures. Laugh and connect over a simple photo
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2. The First-Year Milestone Timeline
Every baby is different, but here are the typical stages many families choose to document:
• Maternity (28–34 weeks) – capturing the glow and anticipation
• Newborn (5–14 days) – curled up, sleepy, brand new (or wide awake and curious)
• 6-8 Months (Sitter Stage) – sitting up, exploring, big smiles, newly learned skills
• 12 Months – first steps, personality, cake smash or classic portraits
These aren’t just photo ops — they’re little chapters of your baby’s story.
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3. What Makes Studio Milestone Sessions So Special
At Petra King Photography, I’ve created a calm, light-filled space for families to slow down and simply be present. My studio wardrobe includes soft, neutral clothing for both mom and baby, and my minimalist setups ensure that your baby is always the focus.
You don’t need to worry about props or Pinterest-worthy outfits — just show up with your little one, and I’ll take care of the rest.
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4. A Legacy That Lasts
Milestone photos become part of your family’s visual legacy. Whether framed in your home, gifted to grandparents, or printed in a baby album — these images are a love letter to your child’s first year.
It’s more than photography. It’s your legacy, their story, and your heart captured in every image.
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Ready to Start Your Baby’s Story?
Whether you’re expecting or your baby is already here, it’s never too late to begin. My maternity and milestone sessions are designed to be stress-free, timeless, and deeply personal.
Book your session today or view the Baby Milestone Gallery to see what’s possible.
I can’t wait to document your Baby’s First Year for you!
Want to remember your baby’s soft curls, squsihy arms and how perfectly they fit into your arms? Let’s preserve this season together with a custom studio session.
Petra King Photography’s studio celebrates Baby Milestones in the Oshawa, Bowmanville, Courtice, Whitby, Durham Region, Toronto, GTA and surrounding areas.
How to plan a Relaxed Intimate Wedding in Toronto & Durham Region
Are you getting married in 2025 or 2026? Huge congrats to you! I am sure you are both still grinning from ear to ear and rightly so! It’s such an exciting time. It is also an overwhelming time but it doesn’t have to be. This blog post will help you consider an Intimate/Micro Wedding. One that still has the wow factor but is budget-friendly and less stress! Heck yea!
I promise to include practical tips to help you as a couple plan a meaningful, low stress day within the Durham Region and Toronto area.
Start with What Matters Most
It’s important to define your core values. Things that matter most to you both (ie: connections, family and location)
Before diving into guest lists or table settings, pause and reflect: What do we want to feel on our wedding day? Is it peaceful? Joyful? Private? Write down your non-negotiables — like personal vows, a private first look, or having your dog walk down the aisle — and let those values guide every decision from here.
2. Choose a Venue That Feels Like You
The right space sets the tone. Skip oversized banquet halls and opt for venues that feel personal. Think of Boutique Hotels, Gardens, Private Estates
or Backyard Weddings. A few stunning options in Toronto and Durham Region include the following below. These smaller venues often
allow more flexibility with timelines, decor, and layout — all helping you stay relaxed. Here are a few local venues in Toronto and the
Durham Region that suit small weddings. The Lake House, Heintzman House, Bellamy Loft, Bloom Field Gardens, Harding Waterfront Estate,
3. Create a Small, Meaningful Guest List
A smaller guest list opens the door to elevated experiences. Imagine fewer introductions and more quality time and can fit your budget better.
You can treat your guests to custom cocktails, a chef-prepared dinner, or even handwritten notes at each place setting.
4. Simplify Your Wedding Day Timeline
One of the biggest perks of an intimate wedding? No rush. You can sleep in, enjoy a slow breakfast, and get ready without the chaos.
Here’s a simple relaxed sample timeline:
• 2 PM: First look
• 3 PM: Ceremony
• 4 PM: Portraits + cocktails
• 6 PM: Dinner + toasts
• 8 PM: Cake, dancing, or fireside chill
Eliminate traditions that don’t feel right for you — like bouquet tosses or overly structured entrances — and build your own rhythm.
5. Work with Vendors Who Specialize in Intimate Celebrations
It is SO important to hire a Photographer (like myself) who knows how to document quiet, in-between moments.
I highly recommend that you speak to your potential photographer to make sure they are the right fit for you and your family,
You want someone who is invested in you and your day. One who is relatable and not just there for another gig.
I recommend doing your research for Wedding Florists ( like Aspen Florist) who have been in the business for over a decade and provide
the BEST customer service from start to finish, not to mention the highest quality in blooms. Planners like One in a Million Events will help
curate the most beautiful Wedding Day for you with the utmost care and detail.
6. Add Personal Touches That Reflect Your Story
The beauty of a small wedding is that you can do things your way. Write your own vows, choose a ceremony reading that’s deeply personal, or
wear a family heirloom. One couple I photographed in Durham shared tea after their ceremony to honour their heritage — it was the most grounding
and beautiful moment of the day.
7. Bonus Tips for Relaxed Planning
If you aren’t using a planner, consider hiring a day of co-ordinator.
Do a first look to calm the nerves
Create a no-pressure photo list or better yet, leave that up to your Photographer.
Leave time for just the two of you post ceremony. Bridal Portraits/Photos can be done during this time, or if weather allows sneak off for Golden Hour Photos.
Whether you’re planning a Toronto elopement, a backyard celebration in the Durham Region, or a cozy wedding in a lakeside venue, the best intimate weddings are the ones that feel like you. Looking for a photographer who specializes in small, heartfelt weddings? Reach out Here or Browse my Portfolio. I’d love to help you slow down, soak it in, and preserve every beautiful moment.
Congratulations and I can’t wait to document your Wedding Day for you both!
Wedding Venue: Harding Waterfront Estate
Wedding Florist & Chapel Designer: Aspen Florist
Photography: Petra King Photography & Whitney Heard
Petra King Photography specializes in Weddings and Intimate/Mirco Weddings in the Oshawa, Bowmanville, Courtice, Whitby, Durham Region, Toronto, GTA and surrounding areas.
Newborn Baby Girl: Petra King Photography I Maternity + Baby + Wedding Photographer
The journey of documenting life’s most important milestones never loses its magic. From maternity and newborn sessions to first birthday’s and beyond, it s a privilege to preserve these moments for my clients. Every chapter tells a story and I’m honoured to help you hold onto the memories that matter most.
There’s something truly magical about welcoming a new life into the world. Those first few days with your newborn are a whirlwind of emotions—overwhelming love, quiet wonder, and the incredible realization that life will never be the same. These fleeting moments pass in the blink of an eye, and before you know it, your tiny baby will be stretching, growing, and changing every day. Or wondering where the time has gone as your youngest is now in University!
That’s why I am so passionate about portrait photography. It’s more than just taking pictures—it’s about preserving the feeling of these early days, the softness of tiny fingers wrapped around yours, the peaceful expressions as they sleep, and the love that fills the room. These are the moments you’ll want to hold onto forever.
What sets me photography sessions apart? I create a warm, relaxed, and safe environment where both baby and parents can feel at ease. You are family when you walk into the studio. With a soft, timeless, and natural approach, I focus on capturing the purity and beauty of your baby without distractions. Simple and natural. Every detail, from the gentle posing to the delicate textures and soft lighting, is designed to highlight the love and connection that makes your family unique.
As a portrait photographer with a career that spans the last 19 years, I have the privilege of documenting life’s most cherished milestonesThank you for the —maternity, newborn, first birthdays , family sessions and beyond. It’s not just about capturing images; it’s about telling your family’s story, celebrating each chapter, and preserving the emotions that come with them.
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If you’re expecting and want to document the first precious days of your baby’s life, I would be honoured to create timeless images for you. Let’s capture these moments together before they slip away. Contact the studio today to book your session. I generally suggest to book at least 2-3 months in advance as we do sell out quickly.
Now booking for our Spring and Summer Calendar newborn sessions! Reach out to reserve your session today.
Petra King Photography’s studio celebrates Baby Milestones in the Oshawa, Bowmanville, Courtice, Whitby, Durham Region, Toronto, GTA and surrounding areas.
Top 5 Oils for new Moms: Petra King Photography I Maternity + Baby + Wedding Photographer
Welcoming a new baby into your lives is HUGE. It’s a BIG change to your family dynamics, be it your first or not. Along with these changes come a whole bag of tricks that we are generally unprepared for. Sleep deprivation, emotions, stress, fighting germs and oh ya…hormones.
I am here to help make motherhood easier.If you are concerned about all the crap that is out there and worried what’s best for you and baby, this will help. Bite sized info that are easy to digest. Any help or advice on what works while you are in the thick of things is what most moms crave, right? And at the end of the day YOU need to do what you believe is best. These are MY top 5 oils for new moms that I know you will love and appreciate.
Lavender
This is not your Grandmother’s lavender bathroom spray lol. This is the Swiss Army of oils. It also smells way different. In the best way too, because what we are used to is synthetic or a fragrance. YL Lavender is pure. Uplifts moods, amazing to unwind and my go to for sleep, skin (anti-fungal/inflammatory properties) Scrapes,bites and a great antihistamine.
Copiaba
Once teething hits…this is a lifesaver :) It’s powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties help to ease the pain on tender gums in minutes. It is also great for the nervous system, healing the skin and for colds/respiratory system.
Thieves
One oil I cannot live without! Every home needs Thieves and those who use it will totally speak volumes about it too. Thieves kills 99.98% of germs. Amazing for your immune support, keeping you healthy and warding off sickness. It dates back to the 15th Century when grave robbers stole from the sick/dying during the plague. It is YL’s #1 seller. They have a whole home cleaning line using Thieves oil.
Peace and Calming
This beautiful blend is perfect for calming and soothing anxiety, stress, hyperactiveness and can help with insomnia. Great support for your emotional and nervous system too!
Progessence Photo Plus (PPP)
Let’s talk about homones shall we? They aren’t fun and one minute you are hot the next freezing and in tears. I get it…been there lol. Progessence supports healthy hormone balance in women. It contains natural hormone extract (use progesterone) from wild yams. Provides relief during PMS and menopause, endometriosis, PCOS, PPD, hot flashes, insomnia, hair loss, weight gain and so much more. I love it. I use it twice a day (am and night) 1-2 drops as part of my daily routine.
Interested in trying something to see how it can help you and your family? Use this link below to save you 24% AND an additional 10% on your first order. Creating your account is easy and free and ZERO obligations.
I am here for you mama. Sharing my knowledge and love with you because healthy mamas and healthy families matter.
Welcome sweet little Sonny. Your big sister and family love you so much!
Much love and till next time,
Petra
Petra King Photography’s studio celebrates Baby Milestones in the Oshawa, Bowmanville, Courtice, Whitby, Durham Region, Toronto, GTA and surrounding areas.
Austin One Year: Petra King Photography I Maternity + Baby + Wedding Photographer
This beautiful family has been coming in for their most important milestones for the last 4 years. Austin and mama came in to celebrate his one year and once he warmed up to being somewhere new he had lots of fun!
If you have a little one who gets overwhelmed easily but want to document this stage, know that our sessions are never rushed. We take time to play and explore, pause for cuddles and snacks too.
Because at the end of the day, YOU are investing in memories and your session with me. I promise the experience will be a beautiful one along with gorgeous Milestone Portraits to cherish forever.
Plus…I always manage to get a smile or two :)