20 MUST-HAVE FIRST-YEAR MILESTONES
The moments worth capturing in your baby's first year
A simple guide so you don't have to keep track of every "first" on your own.
The first year goes fast.
Your baby will grow more this year than at any other time in their life. You want to soak up every bit of it. But the first year is also a lot. The diapers, the short nights, the laundry that never ends, the days blur together.
It's hard to catch the sweet moments when you're just trying to keep up with today.
I've been there, Mama. I know how hard it is to hold the hard parts and the good parts at the same time.
The good news is you don't have to pick one. Even on the messy days, one look at your growing baby brings a little bit of joy back.
When you have photos of the big stages, you don't have to worry about losing them. You can just enjoy each moment, knowing it's safely saved.
So often, Mom is the one expected to remember everything - the journal, the baby book, the photo updates for the whole family. You've got enough on your plate. You shouldn't have to carry the memory-keeping too.
That's what this guide is for. These are the moments most worth photographing in your baby's first year. The pressure to remember them all is officially off.
20 MUST-HAVE MILESTONES TO PHOTOGRAPH DURING YOUR BABY’S FIRST YEAR
MATERNITY
Before baby arrives
This is a special time, and it goes by quick. Your maternity session is a chance to slow down and remember what this felt like. A lot of my moms make it part of their baby-moon, soaking up the last few weeks before baby comes. In a couple of months, we'll pick the story back up at your newborn session.
When you book, we'll set your newborn session too - so your spot is saved around your due date.
Best time: Around 32 weeks. Your bump is a nice round shape by then, and you'll still have the energy to stand and move around.
Five shots to get:
Just you. You and your bump, and the love you already have for your baby.
You and your partner. The two people who started it all.
The whole family. Everyone together, waiting on the new addition.
Close on the bump. A simple shot that's all about the belly.
Bare bump (if you want). A softer, more personal option - only if you're comfortable.
NEWBORN
7 - 21 days new
Baby's here! Congratulations! A newborn session is a beautiful way to meet the newest member of your family and slow everything down. This is the tiniest they will ever be. A year from now, at their first-birthday session, you won't believe how much they've grown.
Best time: Book early in your pregnancy to save your spot near your due date. Once baby arrives, we'll confirm the date. 7 to 14 days old is great for sleepy, curled-up photos. 14 to 21 days is better for open eyes and a little personality.
Five shots to get:
Swaddled. All snug and cozy - the "awww" shot every time.
Tiny details. Those little hands, feet, and lips. They change so fast.
Snuggles. Mom and Dad holding their brand-new baby.
Close-up face. Fun to compare later - who does baby look like?
Family hug. Everyone wrapping the new baby in love.
SIX MONTHS
Sitting up & Smiling
This one is a fun add to the first-year set. We move away from the sleepy newborn poses and start catching your baby in action.
Not sitting up yet? No problem. Every baby is different. We've got plenty of tricks - soft pillows, cozy props, and more - to keep baby safe and comfy. We'll get lovely, relaxed photos either way.
Five shots to get:
The chubby bits. Cheeks, wrist rolls, round little belly. All of it.
Their personality. The giggles, the grins, the way they light up. It's all showing up now.
Tummy time and play. Peek-a-boo, finding their toes, wobbly first sits. We're on it.
Big smiles. Know what makes baby laugh? Tell us and we'll get that toothy grin.
Baby bum. This age is perfect for that squishy little bum shot.
ONE YEAR
Happy first birthday!
One year old already! Let's celebrate your baby with an easy, fun studio session.
Best time: A week or two before the big day. That way you can share the photos the morning of the birthday, and even display them at the party.
Five shots to get:
Their milestone. Standing, crawling, or those first steps - whatever they've just started doing.
The whole family. This year grew all of you. A photo of everyone together shows it.
Studio play. Baby exploring the space, curious and busy. Great for candid shots.
Cake smash. Bring on the mess and the giggles as they dig into the cake.
Bubble bath. A quick, cute clean-up with bubbles and a rubber duck, then cozy towel snuggles.
You don't have to do this alone
When you have these milestones saved, you can stop worrying about how fast time goes. The most important moments are captured and printed in albums and artwork you'll keep for good.
I built a whole experience around taking really good care of moms - first-time or third-time. It's called the First Year Collective: three to four sessions with your baby across their first year. I handle the details from one session to the next, so you don't have to.
Here's what that means for you:
You're in the photos. Not just behind the camera - actually in them.
You get the memories. The moments you shared, not just the ones you snapped.
You carry less. The photo-taking and planning is on me.
The whole family is welcome at every session. We keep toys, colouring books, and activities on hand for older siblings while we photograph the baby.
From one of my moms
“As a new mom, it has been so nice to work with Karen! From hair and makeup to coordinating family outfits, beautiful photographs, and even installing the photos in your home, Karen truly provides a full service!
Family photos can be overwhelming for moms, but Karen takes the stress out of it. She is kind and patient, makes you feel comfortable, and is so good with little ones. She even thinks ahead about where you want to hang the portraits and comes to hang them herself. She has thought of everything!
We cherish these photos, and our little one loves looking at them too. I recommend Reflections to anyone looking for a stress-free family photography experience."
- Jessica Nielson, First Year Collective member