Baby and Milestone Photography: A Guide to the Best Ages, What We'll Capture, and Props We'll Use

Your baby's first year is a whirlwind of growth, discovery, and tiny, unforgettable moments. From those early sleepy days to their very first wobbly steps, every stage brings something new to treasure.

No matter how old your little one is, it’s always the perfect time to capture their story. Every age brings its own kind of magic, and understanding what we can expect at each stage helps us celebrate your baby exactly as they are right now.

I've put together a little guide to the beautiful stages your baby will move through in their first year, what you can expect during a photo session at each milestone, and the special props I love to use to create timeless memories you'll cherish forever.

Newborn | Up to 2 weeks

This is the best time for those dreamy, sleepy, curled-up poses everyone loves. Your baby is still adjusting to the world and naturally folds into those beautiful womb-like positions. You might even notice the soft "peach fuzz" on their skin — a tiny detail that's so special to capture before it fades away.

At this stage, flaky skin and tiny milk spots (those sweet little white dots) are very normal! If you'd like, these can be gently edited out during retouching, or we can leave them just as they are — a beautiful part of your baby's newborn story.

Tiny curled-up poses, delicate details, peaceful sleepy portraits, and the raw beauty of the very beginning.

All my newborn props are perfect at this stage! Baskets, little beds, bowls, buckets, and delicate wreaths create beautiful, cozy settings to show off your tiny newborn.

Timing is key! Booking your newborn session while you're still pregnant - ideally early in your second trimester - ensures we can reserve a spot around your due date.

New Baby | 3-6 weeks

Your little one will start stretching out a bit more and having longer awake periods. We can still get those sweet, sleepy photos, especially with some gentle wrapping to help them feel cozy and secure. Some babies love being fully wrapped, while others prefer to be free — we’ll follow their lead.

Around this time, it's very common for hormone spots or baby acne to appear. These can absolutely be softened or removed in editing if you wish! (In more severe cases, a little extra editing time may be needed.)

Soft newborn-like photos with a little more alertness, sleepy wrapped portraits, and those first wide-eyed looks at the world.

Most of my props are still suitable at this age, provided baby is comfy and wrapped. Some of my tiniest newborn props might be a little snug, but I have a wide range of bowls, low baskets, and cradles that give your growing bub room to move their arms and legs while still feeling supported.

At this stage, babies often need a little extra time to settle into those sleepy moments. While we can still capture beautiful wrapped and sleepy images, some poses that require bub to be in a very deep sleep may not always be possible — and that’s perfectly okay. We’ll work gently with your baby and ensure we capture stunning, relaxed photos that reflect this special stage.

Older Baby | 7-16 weeks

Now your baby is much more alert and starting to flash those very first smiles! They're often more comfortable in simple, soft outfits that allow their arms and legs to move freely. While they’re usually more wakeful at this age, we can still try for a few sleepy shots with some patience — though I can’t guarantee sleepy photos at this stage. Instead, we’ll focus on capturing their growing personality and beautiful expressions.

First smiles, engaging eye contact, and the beginning of your baby’s playful personality.

I have a selection of bowls and baskets large enough to suit your growing baby’s size, along with some bigger bed props for extra comfort during photos.

Prepare for lots of eye contact, tiny grins, and those heart-melting first expressions. We’ll embrace the wakeful moments and focus on capturing your baby’s blossoming personality in every shot!

Lying down & tummy time | 4-6 months

Tummy time becomes a big deal around now! Your baby’s personality is shining through, and their wide, curious eyes are busy taking in everything around them. We’ll capture adorable lying down, tummy time, and playful moments.

Bright, wide-eyed wonder, little personality quirks, and adorable tummy time pushes.

For this stage, I have beautiful baskets, heart-shaped bowls, and cradles to offer extra support if your little one prefers being a little more upright. We’ll also use soft, cozy blankets and mats that are perfect for tummy time photos.

Bring a favorite toy or rattle — it’s a great way to get those bright, excited looks!

Sitter | 7-10 months

When your baby can sit steadily (but before they're crawling too fast to catch!), it’s a golden window for photos. Sitters love playing with toys, grabbing their toes, and splashing in a milk bath if you’d like to add a fun, sensory twist.

Chubby cheeks, curious hands grabbing everything, joyful giggles, and the pride of sitting up all by themselves.

I have a wonderful collection of chair props, toys, cradles, and little beds that sitters can explore and play with during their session.

This is such a playful stage — expect giggles, chubby cheeks, and lots of movement! Bring along your little one’s favorite song, and be ready to dance, sing, and be silly — it’s the perfect way to catch those gorgeous, genuine smiles!

First Birthday | 11-12 months

Your little one is officially on the move! Whether they're crawling, cruising, or even taking first steps, it's the perfect time to celebrate their first birthday. Many families choose a cake smash session, a milestone portrait, or even a special family shoot to mark the occasion.

Big smiles, cheeky expressions, standing proud, first steps, and that all-important first birthday celebration.

My little chairs are very popular at this age, along with stools that toddlers love to pull themselves up on for those adorable standing shots. I also have some gorgeous wooden ride-on toys, perfect for adding a fun and classic touch to your little one's session!

Having a favorite song ready and being prepared to sing, dance, and get a little silly can work wonders to grab their attention and bring out those huge, happy grins!