Newborn experience
Everything you need to know before your newborn session- designed to help you feel relaxes, prepared and excited for the experience ahead.
A CALM BEGINNING
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most beautiful milestones—and one that passes far more quickly than we ever imagine.
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or growing your family, it’s completely natural to have questions before your session.
This page was thoughtfully created to guide you through the experience, answer some of the questions I hear most often, and help you feel relaxed and prepared before you arrive.
From the moment you walk into my Oshawa studio, my goal is for you to slow down, be present, and simply enjoy these precious first moments with your baby.
Your only job is to love your baby. I’ll take care of the rest.
Before Your Baby Arrives
Most families reserve their newborn session during their second trimester.
One of the best things you can do during pregnancy is reserve your newborn session early.
Because babies arrive on their own timeline, your due date is simply held as a placeholder in my calendar. Please keep in touch and once your little one is here send me a quick message and we’ll confirm the perfect session date together.
Newborn sessions are typically photographed within the first two to three weeks after birth, when babies are naturally sleepy and love to curl into those beautiful, cozy poses. That said, every baby is unique, and beautiful images can be created at any stage.
The most important thing is not having a “perfect” timeline—it’s preserving this fleeting season before it quietly slips away.
Petra’s Tip
Don’t worry if your baby arrives earlier or later than expected. Once your little one is here, simply send me a message and we’ll choose the best session date together.
Those small touches make the page feel uniquely yours. They’re also something your competitors can’t easily copy because they come from your real experience working with hundreds of families.
A Calm Experience
From the moment you arrive, my goal is for you to feel like you can simply exhale.
Newborn sessions are intentionally unhurried and completely baby-led. There is plenty of time for feeding, cuddles, diaper changes, and comforting your little one whenever they need it.
There’s never any pressure to rush or expect your baby to behave a certain way. Some babies sleep soundly, while others prefer to stay awake and take in the world around them. Both are perfectly okay.
The studio is kept warm, quiet, and welcoming so you can relax while I gently guide the session at your baby’s pace.
Some of the most meaningful photographs happen in the pauses—in the tiny stretches, the sleepy snuggles, and the quiet moments shared together as a family.
My hope is that you leave with more than beautiful photographs. I want you to leave feeling like you were able to slow down and truly enjoy this fleeting season with the people you love most.
There's no rush. No pressure. No expectation of perfection
Just a calm experience designed around your baby
What to wear
Choosing outfits for your newborn session doesn’t need to feel overwhelming.
The most timeless photographs come from keeping things simple. Soft, neutral colours, beautiful textures, and comfortable clothing allow the focus to remain exactly where it belongs—on the connection between you and your family.
For moms, flowing dresses, cozy knits, and soft fabrics photograph beautifully. Dads look great in simple, neutral layers, while siblings are always best dressed in timeless pieces without large logos or busy patterns.
Before your session, you’ll receive styling guidance to help you feel confident in your choices. And if you’re ever unsure, I’m always happy to help.
The goal isn’t to look perfect. It’s to look like you.
Outfits that compliment your family’s story
Soft Neutrals-Cream • Ivory • Beige • Soft Pastels or Solids
Beautiful Textures-Knitwear • Linen • Cotton • Soft Layers
Keep It Timeless-Avoid logos, graffiti, bright colours and busy patterns.
~ The goal isn’t to look perfect. It’s to look like you.
TINY DETAILS
The newborn days pass in the blink of an eye.
Those tiny fingers wrapped around yours. Delicate eyelashes. Little yawns. Curled-up toes. The soft wisps of hair you’ll absentmindedly brush back for years to come.
These are the little details that change before you even realize they’re gone.
While we’ll create beautiful family portraits together, I also take time to capture the tiny features that tell your baby’s story—because one day, those small details will be the ones you miss the most.
These photographs aren’t just about how your baby looked. They’re about remembering the little things your heart never wants to forget.
“The smallest details often become the biggest memories.”
FAQ’S
Every family has questions before their newborn session, and that’s completely normal.
Here are a few of the things I’m asked most often. If you don’t see your question here, I’m always just an email away and happy to help.
How long does a newborn session last?
Every session is baby-led, allowing plenty of time for feeding, cuddles, diaper changes and settling. Most sessions last between 1–2 hours, depending on your baby’s needs.
What if my baby doesn’t sleep?
Don’t worry—newborns don’t need to sleep through their entire session. Awake moments can be just as beautiful, and I always work at your baby’s pace.
Can parents and siblings be included?
Absolutely. Family photographs are an important part of every newborn session and often become some of the most treasured images you’ll take home.
What do I need to bring?
Very little. I’ll provide everything needed for your baby’s session. Before your appointment, you’ll receive a simple preparation guide so you know exactly what to expect.
Still have a question? I’d love to hear from you. Every family is different, and I’m always happy yo help you prepare for your session.
one day you’ll miss the weight of them in your arms.
Let’s create something beautiful together
The newborn days are beautifully ordinary while you’re living them—but extraordinary when you look back.
One day, the tiny stretches, sleepy sighs, and the feeling of your baby curled up in your arms will become treasured memories.
My hope is that when you look through your photographs years from now, you’ll remember not only how your baby looked, but how deeply you loved this season of life.
It would be an honour to preserve this season for your family, creating timeless photographs you’ll treasure for generations to come.
Serving families throughout Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Bowmanville and Durham Region