Your baby’s first year is full of incredible changes — not just in how they look, but who they are. From sleepy newborn stretches to sitting, crawling, belly laughs, and early steps… it’s a year that flies by.
Many parents want to document these changes but aren’t sure which ages are best for milestone photos.
As a Wisconsin baby photographer specializing in soft, neutral, emotional imagery, I created this guide to help you understand what each stage offers — and why each is uniquely beautiful.
If you’re wondering,
What ages should I photograph my baby?
or
Which milestone sessions are the most important?
This post will give you all the insight you need.
Let’s take a gentle, month-by-month look at your baby’s first year.
⭐️ Newborn (0–2 Weeks) — The Fresh & Fleeting First Moments
Why this stage matters:
The newborn stage is soft, sleepy, warm, and incredibly fleeting. Babies this age curl naturally, enjoy swaddles, and settle beautifully into arms.
What this stage looks like:
✔ tiny details
✔ curled poses
✔ swaddled images
✔ sleepy faces
✔ emotional family moments
Best time to photograph:
5–21 days old, but babies up to 8 weeks still photograph beautifully in my soft, connection-focused style.
⭐️ Two-Month Session — Bright Eyes & Early Personality
(This stage is optional but underrated.)
Why it’s special:
Your baby starts making eye contact, showing expressions, and becoming more alert.
What we capture:
✔ eye contact
✔ soft connection moments
✔ cuddles with parents
Things to know:
Babies this age are less poseable, but extremely expressive — perfect for organic lifestyle images.
⭐️ Three- to Four-Month Session — The “Smiley Squish” Stage
Why parents love it:
This is the first milestone where you get big personality.
What we capture:
✔ tummy time
✔ big smiles
✔ bright eyes
✔ soft rolls
✔ early curiosity
Why this age matters:
Many parents skip this age and regret it — it’s one of the sweetest developmental stages.
⭐️ Six- to Seven-Month Sitter Session — The MUST-HAVE Milestone
This is the MOST popular milestone session for a reason.
Why it’s magical:
By 6–7 months, your baby is:
✔ sitting unassisted
✔ giggly
✔ expressive
✔ playful
✔ curious
✔ full of personality
Your gallery will include:
• sitting portraits
• toe-grabbing
• wide smiles
• minimal props
• soft, organic storytelling
Why photographers LOVE this stage:
Babies can’t crawl away yet — which means happy, joyful, still images.
This is the #1 milestone session I recommend if you choose only one.
⭐️ Nine- to Ten-Month Session — The “Explorer” Stage
What makes this stage special:
Your baby is more mobile, expressive, and interactive.
What we capture:
✔ crawling
✔ pulling up
✔ curiosity
✔ little personality quirks
✔ laughter
✔ movement
This session is beautiful in studio or outdoors, depending on weather.
⭐️ One Year Session — A Big, Beautiful Celebration
Whether you choose a simple studio session or a cake smash, one-year photos are emotional, sweet, and full of meaning.
What’s included:
✔ standing
✔ clapping
✔ soft smiles
✔ curiosity
✔ cake smash or neutral setup
✔ family images if requested
Why this matters:
It’s a celebration of everything your baby accomplished in year one — one of the most sentimental moments to document.
⭐️ Which Ages Should You Prioritize?
If you want the core set, choose:
- Newborn
- Sitter (6–7 months)
- One Year
If you want a full story, add these:
- 3–4 Month Milestone
- 9–10 Month Milestone
If you want everything, join the Baby Plan to document every stage seamlessly, beautifully, and affordably.
⭐️ Why Choose Finch & Mae for Milestones?
My milestone sessions are:
✨ baby-led
✨ soft and neutral
✨ timeless
✨ focused on personality and emotional connection
✨ styled simply with textures, not props
Your baby is the focus — not busy backgrounds or themes.
Ready to document your baby’s milestones?
I would love to capture every sweet moment.
➡️ Book a Milestone Session
➡️ Explore the Baby Plan
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