Chicago Newborn Photography
Newborn sessions that feel like yours — not someone else’s.
Newborns don’t wait. Those first days — the curl of a fist, the weight of them on your chest, the way they smell — go faster than anyone warns you. My job is to slow that down, just for an hour or two, so you have something real to hold onto when it’s over.
I’m Maggie Rife Ponce, a Chicago newborn photographer with 15+ years of experience working with families across the city and surrounding suburbs. In-studio and in-home sessions available.
When to Schedule
Any stage of the newborn window — here’s how to choose.
I photograph newborns at every stage of those early weeks, and each has its own character.
Fresh 48
Within the first 48 hours — often at the hospital. Baby is at their most curled and sleepy. Raw, quiet, documentary. These moments can’t be recreated.
Within 14 Days
The classic newborn window. Still deeply sleepy and curly — the sweet spot for wraps, soft poses, and that timeless look most parents picture.
Fresh 48
By 5–6 weeks, babies are waking up and starting to smile. A different energy — more interactive and alive — and beautiful in its own way.
The most important thing: don’t wait until the baby arrives to book. Book during your second trimester and we’ll hold your spot with a flexible due-date window.
Where We Shoot
In-studio or in-home — which is right for you?
📍 In-Studio Sessions
At my Wicker Park studio — a calm, private space with consistent natural light and everything we need on hand. Great for families who want a cleaner, more styled look: wraps, textured surfaces, simple backdrops. Step out of the house and into a space designed for this.
Best for: styled newborn portraits, winter sessions, families who want a dedicated space.
🏠 In-Home Sessions
In your space, with your light, your people, and your real life as the backdrop. More relaxed, more documentary — less about posing and more about capturing who your family actually is in those early days. If you want photos that look like your home, not a studio, this is the one.
Best for: documentary style, lifestyle newborn, families who want something personal and unhurried.
Not sure which to choose? Tell me what you’re drawn to and we’ll figure it out together.
What’s Included
Newborn sessions for every family.
Mini Newborn Session
From $899
A focused, one-hour session centered on baby. Fewer setups, fewer changes, a tighter final gallery. Perfect for parents who want beautiful images without the full production.
- 1 hour session
- Baby-focused portraits
- In-studio or in-home
- Online gallery of edited images
Full Newborn Session
From $1,200
The full experience — unhurried, inclusive, and built around the reality that new babies are unpredictable. Time for feedings, changes, soothing, and the whole family.
- 2–3 hours of shooting time
- Baby, parent & sibling portraits
- In-studio or in-home
- Full online gallery of edited images
- Print products available
Milestone Minis
Ask for pricing
Capture the first year in chapters — sitting up, crawling, first birthday cake smash, first steps. 30–45 min sessions at key milestones. Bundle with your newborn session for a discounted first-year rate.
- 3, 6, 9 & 12 month sessions
- Cake smash available
- Bundle discount with newborn
- In-studio or in-home
Common Questions
A few things parents always ask.
How far in advance should I book?
During your second trimester if possible — around 18–24 weeks. I hold your spot with a flexible window around your due date so we can confirm the exact date once baby arrives.
What if my baby is fussy or won’t sleep?
We work around it — always. Longer sessions are intentionally unhurried for exactly this reason. Fussy moments and feeding breaks are completely normal and part of every newborn session.
Is newborn photography safe?
Always. Safety is the first priority. I never place a baby in a position they can’t naturally hold, and any composite-style posing is done with proper support throughout.
What should I wear?
For parent-inclusive sessions, soft neutrals and textures that don’t compete with baby work best. I’ll send you a full style guide after booking.
Do you travel to the north suburbs?
Yes — Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and surrounding areas. Travel fees may apply beyond a certain radius; ask when you inquire.
Can siblings and parents be included?
Absolutely. The full session is specifically designed to include your whole family. Shorter mini sessions are more baby-focused — we can talk through what makes sense for your family.
What Families Say
Real families. Real moments.
“You are a baby whisperer! But also a toddler, little kid, big kid and dog whisperer! 🤍🤍 You are magic Maggie!!.”
Angela R
In-Home Newborn Session + Legacy Family Client· Chicago
“Maggie took newborn and family photos for us a few months ago, and we are still gushing over the photos! She is brilliant and has given us forever memories of our happiest moments in 2019. To other parents, she is fantastic with kids. Somehow, she got our tornado 2-year-old to cooperate for over an hour. We highly recommend Maggie and will use her again.”
Elizabeth R
Newborn + Family · Winnetka, IL
“Maggie captures precious family memories beautifully! We cherish her photos so much, and she’s wonderful to work with! We have done three family photo sessions with Maggie over the years, and each time she delivers so many beautiful photos in such a short amount of time. She is so easy to work with – I had to reschedule a session, and it was very easy. She creates a comfortable and fun environment for both adults and kids (5 y/o and 2 y/o). We love working with Maggie and can’t wait for our next session with her!”
Emily Tisone
Full Newborn Session with Siblings · In Home + On-location
Get Started
The newborn window is short. Let’s make the most of it.
Newborn sessions available in-studio in Wicker Park and in-home across Chicago and the north suburbs. Starting at $899.