A baby’s first year of life is a time of remarkable change. It’s no secret.  Today my second daughter, Nora turns 10 months old.  I remember her as a tiny helpless infant who slept the day away and didn’t really interact at all, to now, my baby’s whole face lights up when our eyes meet.  She likes sweet potatoes, but not green beans; she loves to chew on Cori’s finger puppets, but has zero interest in the baby rattle she got for Christmas; and she tells me she knows it’s nap time when she lays her head on my shoulder and sucks her thumb!  And this child is a genius, I’m sure of it.

Obviously we want to document every little moment our babies grow, especially in the first year.  So here are the best “milestone” times to bring your baby in for professional photographs:

Newborn, of course!  Newborn babies are out most important client around here.  These tiny children are on tiny ONCE.  Cliche, absolutely, but so so true. Like I mentioned, my youngest is 10 months, but I honestly don’t know how that is possible.  I was pregnant with her like 10 minutes ago!  Of all the “regret” calls I get, the most popular lamentation I hear is a mom telling me she skimped on newborn pictures, and how she’d give anything to go back and get those done.  … I really hope you hear this next part: Newborns have a brief window of LESS than two weeks to shoot.  If you’re preggo, please read these posts before you camp out on this milestone post…. When to book a newborn shoot,  when we shoot the newborn session, and relational newborn sessions.

4 months.  Babies who have had daily tummy time by now are probably pushing up on their own. Their eye contact is strong and deliberate, and they respond to voices, and mom and dad making loving faces at them. This is a delightful time for mommy+baby, and daddy+baby relational shots.  This is also one of only TWO ages I photograph babies on the light table.  I usually don’t recommend photographing outdoors at this session. Studio sessions are safe and clean for these young babies.

7/8 months.  This time is probably one of my very favorite times to photograph a baby other than the newborn session. Usually by now babies have a better sense of balance and can sit up on their own without the need for a bobby placed around them.  Baby’s personality is developing quite nicely and interacting is usually pretty easy.  This is a great time to make a family photograph!  Babies can see across the room much better now, so when I am 10 feet away at my camera, they can see me and grin at my crazy peek-a-boos.  This session is the last widow for photographing on the light table.  Studio sessions are wonderful for babies this age, but now so are outdoor sessions, provided we have fair weather. (Clients who have reserved their outdoor session can go here to view my favorite locations to shoot.)

Annnd you guessed it, the one year session.  What a time!  In all likelihood, babies are pulling up and standing, and some babies are even walking! (My first didn’t walk until 15 months though. I wouldn’t get too wrapped up in dates.)  Actually, a baby who is NOT yet walking confidently is a bit easier to photograph since they’re not running away from us while we’re shooting!  This session has a lot of variety.  Different outfits, crawling baby, standing baby, sitting baby, family shot, AND, if mom and dad want…  CAKE SMASH!  By the very nature of how much these kiddos move around, variety is inevitable.

The above are typical great times to shoot.  It’s important to schedule your session according to baby’s development; not the age.  For example, some kids don’t push up like a pro until 5 months.  That’s no problem.  We’ll shoot at 5 months.  If we try to shoot too early, and baby isn’t ready, it’s likely we wont get as many quality images.

“When do I book my session if I don’t know when she’ll reach her milestones?”  Go ahead and book the session when baby is 4, 7, and 12 months.  I am happy to reschedule your session if the week prior, you see she needs a couple more weeks.

After baby has completed her first year, it’s tradition to make an album (if you haven’t already.)  We compile photographs from all four sessions in to a beautiful timeless book you will absolutely cherish.  You have heard the question, “if your house was burning down, what would you take with you?”  The answer is almost always, people, pets, and photos.  You’ll grab the albums of your children!  These are the kinds of things that get passed down when kids are grown.  If I were you I would not skimp on this one.

CONTACT ME to book your next session!

859-685-8516

robin@robinallen-photography.com