The first year moves faster than anyone warns you. The baby who fit along your forearm in January is reaching for the cake by the next birthday. You will not remember every stage, which is exactly why a few of them deserve to be portraits, not just phone photos.
Which milestones deserve a real portrait?
You do not need to photograph every week of the year. Choose the chapters that change the most and cannot be repeated: the first days at home, the family as it first becomes a new family, the mother in the middle of it all, and the first birthday. Four chapters, thoughtfully chosen, tell the whole story.
The newborn days
These are the quietest, softest weeks, and they pass in a blink. Newborn sessions are ideally photographed between 5 and 15 days new, and up to about 8 weeks. They are all-inclusive: every wrap, outfit, and prop is provided, and each set is designed uniquely for your baby, who stays my top priority from start to finish. Reserve in your final trimester so your date is waiting for you.
The family, newly four, or three, or five
A new baby changes the shape of your family, and that deserves a portrait of its own. Immediate and extended families are warmly welcomed, in the studio, on location, or at a destination. Siblings meeting the baby, grandparents holding the newest generation, and the two of you tucked in close are the images that become the heart of a gallery wall.
Why should Mom be in the photograph?
Your camera roll is full of your baby and missing you. A Mommy and Me session is a fine art portrait of the bond at the center of this year, with access to the couture client closet for Mommy. Years from now, your child will look for you in these pictures, and you will be glad to be there.
The first birthday
The cake smash is the celebration that closes the first year. Set design, props, wardrobe, and a simple iced cake are all included, and we sing Happy Birthday together before the icing flies. Keep it classic or theme it to your child's favorite things. A well-rested, well-fed birthday baby makes the happiest portraits, so plan around nap time.
How early should you plan?
Babies change quickly, so the best approach is to think ahead. Newborn dates are best reserved before your baby arrives, and a first birthday session is lovely to book as the date approaches. Every session is secured with a $100 retainer, with the balance due on your session day.
What will you do with the portraits?
A milestone is more meaningful on your wall than on a screen. Each package includes edited high-resolution images and a print release, and canvas, acrylic, metal prints, and albums are available as well. Imagine a hallway where your baby grows up, framed, in the order it happened.
Begin with the chapter in front of you
You do not have to plan the entire year today. Start with the chapter that is closest, and let the rest follow. I would be honored to help you hold on to this season, one beautiful portrait at a time.
You can explore session experiences, review newborn and cake smash packages, or see how each chapter looks in the portfolio.
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