The first year flies by, let’s take a look at some fun stages and ages to document. But before we do, I cannot stress enough to communicate with your photographer goals that you have for the first year or two. This time flies by and you can easily loose track of the time. If your photographer knows what you are working toward they can keep you on track. My clients love the baby plan because that insures that they will get two major stages in the first year: sitting and first birthday plus bonus Christmas and Easter sessions. If you are working to create a wall gallery or an album, it is important to let your photographer know that to keep the work cohesive and take into consideration when photographing.

Sure she may seem big at 3 months but this is such a fleeting stage. It is a great stage to capture as she starts to move, works on tummy time and genuinely put a big smile on her face.

This might be your first time in the photo studio and if so, it is an excellent time. At this age a cute onsie is the perfect outfit as it allows those chunky thighs to be shown off.

6-9 months old will focus on crawling, sitting and maybe standing. She will probably be scooting and rolling over the studio backdrop, laughing and giggling easily at all the silly faces I make at them.

This is a fun age when they laugh easily, love to play peek-a-boo but they can’t get very far too fast.

Turning one! This is a fun milestone. They are often walking or standing on their own by now. Many parents like to end the session with a cake smash or other fun way to celebrate the first year.

Donut smashes and pasta parties as well as balloons, fun shirts and their favorite stuffed friends all are great ways to personalize the first birthday portrait session.

This is also an excellent time for a family portrait!