Client Guides, Newborns

January 28, 2025

Baby’s First Year: The Best Time for Photos | Baby Milestone Photos

Baby’s First Year: The Best Time for Photos | Baby Milestone Photos

As a new parent, you want to document every precious moment of your baby’s first year. Your newborn will change so much during those twelve months, and I know you want to capture it all and hold onto it forever! But when during baby’s first year is the best time for photos? As a family and newborn photographer here in Northern Virginia, here are the ages I’ve found work best for baby milestone photos.

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The Newborn Stage (1-2 Weeks)

The first few weeks of your baby’s life will go by in the blink of an eye. It’s also quite surprising just how much baby changes during this time! I always recommend taking newborn photos between 10-14 days after baby’s arrival. Baby is usually still very sleepy during this age and will be willing to curl up for those extra cute snuggles as they are still very flexible. 

We can still take photos once we get to the 2-3 week range, but baby acne can sometimes appear around week 2. Baby also may be fussier and not interested in sleeping for longer stretches. 

Read the Guide to Newborn Photos here

3 Month Baby Milestone Photos

Baby has grown quite a bit by three months and is developing neck control. They’ll also be more alert and active. We may even get a few smiles and giggles! It’s always a super cute age to capture, especially because it goes by so quickly.

6 / 7 Months – Sitting Baby Milestone Photos

This classic milestone – often called a sitter session – is one of my favorites. It’s especially popular when clients book the Baby Plan Membership! Baby is becoming more social and will look much different than their newborn photos. They will have more expressions and emotions and be interested in reaching and holding on to toys and other objects. Your baby will also likely be sitting by this age, making it perfect for those individual portraits you’ll cherish forever.

9 /10 Months – Baby Milestone Photos

Your baby is getting more mobile – and it’s time to photograph those special milestones! Your baby may be crawling and holding themselves up while holding onto furniture or your hands. We’ll also get a better glimpse at their emerging personalities – always cute for portraits!

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12 Months – One Year Baby Milestone Photos

Happy first birthday to baby! This session is a must-have for parents who want to document baby’s first year. Your baby is now a toddler, and with that comes all the excitement of learning new things. Your baby may be getting ready to take their first steps – or they may already be walking! They’ll  be much more engaged in you and the photos, and it’s truly a unique age before they grow up even more and only want to run and run during photos.

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Which age should you choose for your baby’s milestone photos?

The most popular ages for my clients are newborn and one year. This allows you to capture those precious early days, and baby’s personality as they grow into a toddler.

If you want to document that first year, many families decide to on the following:

3 sessions: Newborn, 6 /7 months sitting, 12 months

4 sessions: Newborn, 3 months, 6/7 months sitting, 12 months

It’s also up to you if you want to do full family photos, or photos of just baby. No matter what you choose, you will not regret having these moments documented! That first year goes by in the blink of an eye, and you don’t want to miss it!

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BONUS: Best time for maternity photos

You can also add on a maternity session if you really want to document the full experience! I recommend taking those when you’re between 28-34 weeks along depending on how big you want your bump to be and personal preference. I offer maternity portrait sessions at my photography studio in Northern Virginia, outdoors around Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland, and in the comfort of your own home. Browse the blog here for more maternity session photo ideas.

If you’re expecting a little one, or if you’re considering booking a baby milestone session, I would love to chat with you! Fill out the inquiry form below – I can’t wait to meet you.

INQUIRE NOW

 

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