Milestone sessions are such a special way to capture all the little (and big!) changes your baby experiences throughout their first year. From documenting your pregnancy to celebrating their first birthday, these sessions freeze those fleeting moments in time. To make sure your milestone sessions go smoothly and result in photos you’ll cherish forever, here are some tips for how to prepare, broken down by session type.

General Session Prep

Get Excited!
This is an exciting time for your family! Rather than worrying about how everything will go, focus on the moments you’ll be sharing together. I’ll be there to guide you through each session, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Plan the Outfits
Start with mom! Choose something comfortable and flattering for yourself, then select outfits for the rest of the family that complement each other. If you need more guidance, check out my blog on what to wear for your newborn session here. And don’t forget to check out the client wardrobe!

Prep the Kiddos
No matter if it’s your newborn or your older children, make sure everyone is fed and rested before the session begins. Happy kiddos make for the best photos!

Session-Specific Tips

Maternity Session

Scheduling

The sweet spot for maternity photos is around 32 weeks. This timing shows off your beautiful bump without getting too close to your due date.

Location

Maternity sessions can be held outdoors at a favorite spot, in your home, or in my natural light studio in Northern Virginia.

Consider Professional Hair & Makeup

Treat yourself to professional hair and makeup if it’ll help you feel more confident and relaxed. And don’t forget to remind any bearded partners to groom!

Fresh 48 & Newborn Sessions

Scheduling

We’ll tentatively plan based on your due date. Fresh 48 sessions happen within the first 48 hours, while newborn sessions are ideal between 6-18 days old.

Location

Fresh 48 sessions take place in the hospital, birthing center, or home (for home births), while newborn sessions are often done at home in a space with great natural light. If prepping your space feels overwhelming, I also offer studio sessions.

Pamper Yourself

Clean and moisturize your skin, and consider a neutral manicure. These sessions can take time, so there’s no rush. We’ll pause for snuggles, feedings, and changes as needed—this is a relaxed experience for both you and your baby.

3-6 Month Sessions

Scheduling

We can schedule this session around a particular milestone—whether your baby is just starting tummy time around 3 months or sitting up around 6 months.

Location

Outdoor locations like a local park or your backyard are great for this age, giving you beautiful scenery while your baby explores.

Packing List

Don’t forget to pack bottles for feeding, wipes for drool and dirt, and a favorite toy to help bring out those adorable smiles.

1-Year-Old Session

Scheduling

Plan this session within a month of your baby’s first birthday to capture the milestone just right.

Location

Choose to have this session at home, in the studio, or even as part of a birthday celebration.

Packing List

A smash cake or birthday props are perfect for this session! And don’t forget your basics food, wipes, and toys. You can even bring the same toy from the earlier 3-6 month session to show how much your little one has grown!

What to Expect During Your Session

Gentle Guidance

You don’t need to worry about poses—I’ll provide gentle guidance to make sure you look and feel your best. Whether it’s helping you with hand placement or finding the most flattering angles, I’ve got you covered.

Collaboration

These sessions are about capturing your family’s story. I’ll work with you to ensure that the photos match your vision, and I’m always happy to discuss ideas, adjust poses, or try something new.

Care & Attention

Especially during newborn sessions, I take extra care to ensure that your baby is happy and comfortable. I allow plenty of time for feeding, changing, and soothing, so you’ll never feel rushed. I come to your home for these sessions so that you and your little one are in a familiar, relaxed environment.

Go With the Flow Attitude

Sessions are meant to be fun, not stressful. I take a relaxed, flexible approach so that everyone feels comfortable and can stay present in the moment. My goal is to capture genuine moments of connection while making the experience enjoyable for the whole family.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your milestone session, and together we’ll create beautiful, lasting memories of your baby’s first year. Whether we’re capturing your maternity glow, your newborn’s tiny toes, or your one-year-old’s cake-covered face, your family’s milestones deserve to be documented with care and love.