You have probably heard about milestone photography from other parents or on tv, but never actually had a chance to find out what a baby milestone photo session is?
So what is a milestone photo session? Photo sessions which take place in the first year of the baby’s life. Captured by family photographers, these sessions are usually done when the baby is one month old, six to nine months old and at nine to twelves month old (cake smash session).
Each milestone is unique, and there are many reasons why you should think about the milestone sessions. In this article, I have put together all you need to know about your baby’s first year of photography life.
Why do parents prefer milestone photography?
In the first two weeks, babies are mostly asleep and don’t interact much with the world.
That’s the perfect time for newborn photo sessions, where on average parents finish with baby’s professional photography.
But some parents like to capture all the milestones in the first year. In this first year, the baby changes more than ever.
Saving those moments is essential for any parent, and you can then admire those photos over and over in albums or digitally.
First-month milestone photoshoot.
In the first month, the baby is already showing some signs of interest in everyone around.
Parents do not usually book a professional photographer for the first-month milestone.
Instead, they tend to do an improvised mini photo session at home with some props and new outfits that the baby has not yet worn.
You can achieve some great pictures if you’ve got a DSLR camera and you know how to use it, but you also can achieve great results with the latest iPhone and some good lighting.
Six-nine month milestones photo-session.
Also called a “sitter session“, when the photographer highlights the new baby’s sitting milestone.
Bear in mind; not all babies can sit upright unassisted at the six-months-old milestone. The baby is still discovering its balance and all babies achieve ‘balance’ at different times during their first year.
You should bring the baby to the session when you feel your child can sit solidly, and not wobble or fall to one side.
If the baby can’t sit unaided yet, the photographer might ask you to assist or will have a spotter within arms reach to support the baby.
The photographer will use the composite image technique to crop the spotter’s arm when visible, from the pictures by using photoshop.
You can consider bringing the baby at seven months-old or later to make sure the session won’t be a struggle for the baby.
The Props
If the baby is still not stable, photographers will use props or supports, so that the baby will sit more securely, hiding anything not wanted in the finished shot. Photographers will make sure the edges of any accessories are not harmful in any way to the baby’s skin.
Back pose
Also, at a six-month-old milestones session, it’s easy to create a pose where the baby is lying on its back.
Some babies will try to roll over as they are pretty active, or stick their hands into their mouth.
I would suggest having a favourite toy ready, preferable one that makes a noise to distract the baby while the photographer is taking a picture.
Tummy
At this stage, babies love to lie on their tummy or might even crawl.
Photographers will try to capture some cute pictures when the baby is laying on their tummy and holding themselves upright using their hands (like a baby yoga pose!).
This pose requires a spotter as well, in case the baby is proactive and tries to crawl away.
If you also love to watch tutorials the video below from “My Big Camera” on YouTube is a fantastic tutorial of a six-month-old photo session.
Cake Smash Photo Session
The cake smash photo session takes place before the first birthday of your child, between 9-12 months.
The photos can be used for party invitations, decorating the birthday party, and as a beautiful memory of your baby’s first birthday.
The ‘cake smash’ photo session is becoming more and more popular every year because the photographer can capture a wide range of emotions in a colourful setting.
The baby is placed in front of a big cake and allowed to do whatever he/she wants with it. As you can imagine, this results in a fun (and sometimes messy) scene. The ‘Cake Smash’ session can be the most enjoyable photo session for you and your baby.
Cake
Many photographers will leave the cake smashing towards the end of the session so that the baby can get used to being in the studio.
The first part of the session will be used for family photos, photos with balloons and different decorations.
When the baby has relaxed and feels more comfortable, you’ll bring the cake in so the baby can start playing with it.
If the cake is going to be on the studio floor, it could be too low for the baby, consider using a stand for the cake that will allow the baby to play more comfortably with it.
Not all babies will love the taste, especially if this is their first experience with a big cake. Even a ‘disgusted’ facial expression can make a good photo though, so don’t worry!
Photographers will have tissues ready to wipe the baby’s hands and mouth if needed.
If you have a feeling that your baby may not like a sugary birthday cake, then you could substitute a fruit cake.
Remember it does not have to be a cake necessarily, you can even use a fake cake and give the baby something that you know he/she likes to eat while sitting next to the cake.
The photographer will edit the pictures, so it looks as though the baby is eating the cake.
The photographer will usually supply the cake, but if you want to bring your cake, it shouldn’t be a problem. Every professional studio has its policy, and you can ask about the cake at the time you book the session.
Outfits
If you have some outfits that you wanted to try for the session, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Discuss that with the photographer in advance as some photographers do have an impressive range of outfits in various sizes prepared for specific themed sessions.
Photographers, like all artists, plan and visualize the sessions well in advance. They will ask for a lot of information so that they can fulfil your expectations.
How long is a milestone photoshoot
On average milestone photo sessions last between 1-2 hours if everything goes smoothly and the baby cooperates with the photographer.
Professional photographers will work very fast as soon as the baby is comfortable, not to miss any of your baby’s emotions.
What do I need for milestone photoshoots
Same as for other photo sessions, you will need a lot of patience. Sometimes the baby will not settle and will continuously try to get back to their parents.
Photographers will do their best to accommodate the baby, but sometimes parents will have to put in a lot of effort to help.
Prepare a few outfits for the baby, depending on how many different poses you want the photographer to take.
Bring any outfits for the baby that you wanted to try, your photographer may or may not have costumes ready.
Talking of outfits for the day, Parents should wear some comfortable clothing with no logos or prints and should choose soft- tone, natural colours to match the contrast of the skin, avoiding bright colours.
Check out the pinterest for some fresh ideas
Do photographers offer package deals
When you are looking for a photographer, check their price list page for details of all the packages they offer. If you are willing to do several milestones sessions, including newborn photography, you might be lucky to find an excellent ‘all in’ package that saves money.
Also be wary of choosing a photographer who covers too many types of sessions, the quality of the pictures and editing time might not be as good as you expected.
Summary
If your circumstances allow you to capture every milestone in your baby’s first year of life, do it without hesitation. Allow time for researching if you are new to this, and enjoy every moment of your baby’s milestone sessions.
I hope this article has been helpful to you and don’t forget to check out my blog section for more useful content about newborn photography.
Related Question
Is Newborn Photography Worth It?
It’s always worth taking professional newborn photography pictures, not just because of the experience, gear and an artist’s eye that the photographer has.
But also for the high-quality photos that a professional camera can take, which you can print out on a large scale and won’t lose quality.
Although your iPhone can take amazing pictures, you may not be able to achieve the same results.,
Is Newborn Photography Safe?
Usually, newborn photographers who have been in the industry for years and years are highly skilled and safe professionals, who have a lot of experience.
These are moms, and rarely dads who have got quite a few first aid and child safety courses done through their career.