Milestone Sessions: what they are, when to do them, and what to expect from the top Mainline baby photographer

Babies don’t keep. While the days are long, the years are short, and soon you’ll wake up and that tiny newborn is now a crawling, babbling baby. Many families choose to schedule milestone sessions for their babies throughout their first year simply because it goes so fast – it’s a time capsule of your little one. I get many questions about milestone sessions and I’m here to share all about them as a Mainline baby photographer!

What is a milestone session?

Milestone sessions are booked at certain times during baby’s first year, when baby is expected to hit certain milestones. Of course, it’s different with every baby, but they generally are reserved as follows:

3 months, when baby is pushing up on their arms when situated on their stomach
6 months, when baby is sitting independently
9 months, when baby is crawling
12 months, when baby is standing (or maybe walking!)

As you can tell, quite a lot happens over baby’s first year! They change so much from their newborn session, which is why many parents opt to reserve milestone portraits with a mainline baby photographer.

Milestone sessions always include family portraits but focus more on baby; my sessions also include the beautiful detailed baby portraits that so many families come to me for.

When should you book your Mainline baby photographer?

This really depends on your photographer! Some photographers offer a baby plan (as I do!) where you can reserve milestone sessions along with a maternity and newborn session. This ensures availability and priority with scheduling; for example, many of my families like a Friday afternoon for their session time, and reserving their six month session with their newborn session ensures that they get that spot. As a general rule, most families reserve their milestone session with their mainline baby photographer 4-6 months in advance of the session.

What’s the best age for a milestone session?

I’d argue that every age is a great age for milestone portraits, but 6 months is my favorite time to photograph baby. They’re so interactive and playful at that age, and love to spend time with people. Every baby is different, but I also find that they’re less likely to have stranger danger than older babies. However, many parents choose a 12 month session with a mainline baby photographer to celebrate their first birthday. Both lovely options, and lots of families choose both!

Where does a milestone session with a Mainline baby photographer take place?

Almost all milestone sessions take place in my beautiful Philadelphia photography studio. This is because it’s a safe, clean, beautifully-lit space that’s perfect for babies to crawl around and explore. While outside sessions are an option, the sweet detail portraits that I’m known for as a mainline baby photographer happen in my studio. It’s also a great option because sessions can happen at any time of day, with any kind of weather. Milestone sessions in studio also avoid bug bites and itchy grasses (I’ve found that many babies don’t like the texture of grass, gravel, etc) which makes it hard for them to be put down unless they’re on a blanket.

How do I prepare for a milestone session?

This will depend on your photographer! All of my families receive a prep guide ahead of their milestone session with tips, tricks, and how to prepare. Ensuring that your baby is well rested and fed ahead of the session is always a good idea.

All of my families have access to my Client Closet, with over 250 dresses and hundreds of options for children; this is an amazing perk and takes all of the stress of what to wear out of your session!

Should I bring a cake to a milestone session?

This is totally a parent preference! Some parents like to do a cake smash at the end of their 12 month session as a way to celebrate baby’s first birthday. In my experience, this is a part of the session (while super cute!) that doesn’t need a ton of time. Leaving 5-10 minutes at the end of the session allows for those super cute cake portraits but the focus of the session is on your baby and your family. I do send recommendations for cakes to families for their milestone session!

Milestone Sessions: what they are, when to do them, and what to expect from the top Mainline baby photographer

If you’re hoping for a milestone session with a Mainline baby photographer, I’d love to learn more about your family! You can contact me here to share more about your vision.

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