Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest transformations. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, the journey to parenthood is full of moments that are raw, beautiful, and fleeting. From the quiet anticipation of pregnancy to the whirlwind of those first days home with your newborn, there’s power in remembering how it all felt. That’s why I believe in documenting the entire journey, so you can hold onto the details long after the sleepless nights fade.
Hi, I’m Megan, a Minneapolis-based newborn and family photographer who believes in telling the whole story, from bump to baby and beyond. If today’s look at the journey to parenthood has you thinking about how you want to remember this season, I’d love to help you capture it in a way that feels honest, emotional, and uniquely yours. You can explore my portfolio, learn more about what sessions feel like, or reach out anytime to start the conversation.
The Beauty of Maternity Photography
There’s something truly magical about pregnancy. It’s the beginning of your journey to parenthood, a season filled with quiet anticipation, big feelings, and a thousand tiny changes happening all at once. Your body is doing this incredible, invisible work. You’re growing a human while also preparing your heart and home for a brand new chapter.
But let’s be honest. It’s not always easy. You might feel exhausted, swollen, or a little disconnected from yourself. And that’s exactly why maternity photography matters.
Maternity sessions give you space to pause and celebrate everything this journey is asking of you. They’re not about looking flawless. They’re about honoring your strength, your beauty, and the bond already forming with your baby. I hear so many moms say they almost skipped maternity photos, and later they’re so thankful they didn’t. Because once your baby is here, those last weeks of waiting start to blur.
The way your partner held your hand. The curve of your belly. The stillness before everything changed. These are pieces of your journey to parenthood that deserve to be remembered.
Curious about what’s new in newborn photography? Check out my latest blog to see the trends shaping how we capture those first days.
The Best Time to Schedule Your Maternity and Newborn Sessions
Timing really matters when it comes to capturing your journey to parenthood. I recommend scheduling both your maternity and newborn sessions well in advance to make sure you have space on my calendar, and peace of mind in yours.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Maternity Session
- Best scheduled between 28–34 weeks. That’s the sweet spot where your bump is showing beautifully, but you’re not too uncomfortable yet.
- Evening light is usually best, especially outdoors (I’ll help you pick the perfect location.)
Newborn Session
- Typically scheduled within the first 5–15 days after birth
- Babies are still sleepy and snuggly, which makes it easier to capture those tiny details
- I’ll pencil you in based on your due date and finalize once baby arrives
Planning ahead helps everything feel easier. And when the time comes, all you have to do is show up. I’ll take care of the rest.
Are you curious about the difference between a Fresh 48 and a newborn session? Learn which option best fits your family’s story.
How Pregnancy and Newborn Photos Complement Each Other
Think of your maternity and newborn sessions as two parts of the same story. One tells the beginning. The other captures the first chapter. When you place those images side by side, you get a fuller picture of your journey to parenthood.
Your maternity gallery holds so much anticipation. It’s full of connection, quiet hope, and deep love. Then your newborn session adds the joy, the mess, the real-life magic of finally holding your baby. These sessions don’t just look beautiful together; they feel powerful when paired. They remind you of how far you’ve come. And one day, they’ll help your child understand how deeply they were loved from the very beginning.
Wondering what authentic newborn photography really looks like? Read the blog to see how real moments tell the most meaningful stories.
Capturing the Emotional Journey of Parenthood
Parenthood is emotional. It’s big and wild and humbling. Some days you feel like your heart might burst. Other days, you’re just trying to remember the last time you showered. This is real life, and that’s what I aim to capture.
I don’t pose you stiffly or ask your baby to do anything unnatural. Instead, I focus on honest moments. The way your partner brushes your hair back. The soft weight of your baby sleeping on your chest. The laughter when your toddler tries to tickle the baby. These are the memories that matter.
And even if your session feels a little chaotic (spoiler: they usually do), it’s all part of your journey to parenthood. It’s supposed to be messy and loud and full of love. You don’t need to be perfect; you need to be present.
Are you including the whole crew in your maternity or newborn photos? Grab my free guide to capturing real smiles you’ll actually love.
Including Partners and Siblings in the Story
Your journey to parenthood isn’t something you walk alone. It’s shared with the people closest to you, your partner, your kids, your growing family. That’s why I always encourage bringing them into both maternity and newborn sessions. When everyone’s part of the story, the photos carry even more meaning.
Including partners:
- They’re part of every step, the appointments, the planning, the midnight snack runs.
- Their love and support deserve to be captured, not just remembered.
- The connection between you during this season often shows up in quiet, beautiful ways, a hand on your back, a glance, a shared laugh.
Including siblings:
- Big brothers and sisters bring energy and honesty to your session.
- Involving them helps ease the transition into their new role, and it makes them feel seen and important.
- Whether they’re snuggling in, goofing off, or marching to their own beat, those moments are gold.
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection. It’s about connection. Letting everyone be themselves makes space for the kind of magic you’ll actually want to remember.
Looking for creative ways to capture the bond between your kids? Read this blog for sibling photo ideas full of love and personality.
The Heart Behind the Journey to Parenthood
What matters most is this: your journey to parenthood isn’t just about big milestones. It’s about all the little moments that carry you through. The way you hold your breath at the sound of the heartbeat. The last quiet morning before your baby arrives. The way your older child leans in to kiss their new sibling.
Documenting these moments gives them a place to live. So when you’re deep in the weeds of parenting, you can look back and remember, not just what it looked like, but what it felt like. That’s the power of photography. That’s the heart of this work.
If you want to remember your journey to parenthood in a way that feels relaxed, meaningful, and true to your story, I’d be honored to help you bring that to life. You can explore my maternity and newborn portfolio, reach out to start planning your session, or follow along on Instagram for more everyday magic and inspiration.
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