Your baby’s first year goes by in the blink of an eye. The tiny smiles, sleepy yawns, and first milestones happen so quickly, and before you know it, your little one has grown and changed. As a Columbus, Ohio photographer specializing in newborn and family photography, I help parents preserve these fleeting moments with milestone sessions that beautifully capture every stage of your baby’s first year.
Maternity
A maternity session is a chance to celebrate this special time, the excitement, anticipation, and love that is already growing in your heart. Whether it is capturing your ultrasound, quiet moments with your partner, or simply embracing the tiny life you are about to welcome, these maternity photos become the first chapter of your baby’s story.
I always recommend that mom chooses her outfit first, since she is the heart of the session. A long, flowy dress photographs beautifully, flatters your bump, and adds timeless movement. Once your outfit is set, your partner and any children can coordinate with you in simple, solid colors so the focus stays on your growing family.
Maternity sessions can be held outdoors in nature, in a cozy studio, or at a meaningful location that reflects your family’s story. Book your session early to ensure we capture this special chapter beautifully.
Newborn
Meeting your baby for the first time is truly magical. My newborn sessions focus on preserving those first days, capturing your baby in multiple outfits, snuggled in your arms, or sleeping peacefully. We also photograph tiny details like little fingers, toes, and nursery décor.
I suggest parents prepare two outfits for their baby in different colors. Soft neutrals, creams, or gentle pastels photograph beautifully and keep the attention on your little one. For parents, light, simple clothing works best. Flowing dresses for moms and soft shirts for dads create a timeless, natural look that highlights your connection with your newborn.
Most families choose to hold newborn sessions at home for a comfortable, personal touch, but a simple studio backdrop also creates a classic, clean look. Let’s capture these first days that pass so quickly.
Six Months
By six months, your baby’s personality begins to shine. They may be sitting up, grabbing their toes, or giggling at every little thing. These milestone sessions are playful and natural, whether in a studio, at a park, or at a favorite family spot.
Outfits at this age should be comfortable and simple. Rompers, soft knits, or one-piece outfits are perfect, and bare feet are adorable at this stage. For family portraits, coordinating colors in neutrals or earth tones look beautiful outdoors, while lighter shades photograph beautifully in the studio. Avoid stiff fabrics or heavy layers that can overwhelm your baby as they sit and explore.
Six-month sessions are the perfect way to capture your baby’s curiosity and joy. Schedule your session to preserve these playful, fleeting moments.
One Year
The first birthday is such a special milestone because it marks the end of your baby’s first year and the beginning of toddlerhood. One-year sessions often include family portraits, playful themes, and a cake smash to celebrate your baby’s big day.
I recommend choosing two outfits for your little one: a simple, classic look such as a romper, sweet dress, or suspenders with shorts for portraits, and a fun outfit for the cake smash. Bare feet add to the playful feel, and parents can coordinate in soft colors and flowy textures to keep family portraits looking natural and connected. Sessions can take place at home for a cozy, personal feel, in a studio for something timeless, or outdoors for plenty of space to celebrate.
Capture your baby’s first birthday in a way you and your family will treasure forever.
Client Spotlights
Levi’s first-year journey was full of magical moments. His maternity photos took place around Christmas at a local spot adorned with twinkling lights and festive trees. For his newborn session, we stayed in his nursery, capturing him sleeping peacefully and tender moments with his parents. At six months, Levi’s session was at the lake, one of his favorite places, where we captured playful, joyful moments. For his one-year session, we returned to his nursery for family portraits, candid smiles, and interactions with his favorite toys, creating memories his family will treasure forever.
River’s first-year journey was just as sweet and memorable. His maternity session took place at Everal Barn in Westerville, where his mom wore a flowing blue dress. His newborn session was at home, capturing cozy, tender moments with his parents. At six months, we did a Valentine’s Day-themed studio session full of playful props and smiles. For his first birthday, we celebrated at Inniswood Metro Park in Westerville, where he cuddled with his Build-A-Bear, enjoyed family portraits, and ended with a fun cake smash. Each session beautifully reflected the love and personality that make River truly unique.
Why Milestone Sessions Matter
Milestone sessions are more than just photographs because they are memories preserved. With maternity, newborn, six-month, and one-year sessions, you will have a complete story of your baby’s first year to cherish for a lifetime. My Milestone Membership makes it easy to capture every stage with a photographer you can trust. Together, we will create an heirloom collection of images that tell your baby’s story for generations to come.
Let’s start preserving your baby’s first year. Reach out today to schedule your milestone sessions.
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