How to Capture Milestone Photos of your New Baby
As a mom and a CDA newborn photographer, I know how precious milestone photos of new babies are. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a mama, knowing how to capture milestone moments is important! Here are the tips you absolutely must know to perfectly preserve those sweet and beautiful newborn details. Plus, I’m including tips for 6 months and beyond!
Newborn Milestone Photos
With newborns, so many of those details you want to remember change so fast, so the earlier you take photos the better! I’ve found the best timeframe is within the first two weeks. At just a month old, your little one transforms so much! You will be so happy to have those very first newborn moments; they’re so worth it.
Focus on the little things: rolls of skin, tiny toes and fingers, those precious yawns, and those chubby cheeks. Get up close! Let your camera capture the beauty and magic of your brand new baby.
This might be more of a personal preference, but don’t overpose! Lifestyle moments are the best ones to focus on. How they’re sleeping, what they look like when they open their eyes– these moments might seem simple now, but you’ll love being able to look back at all of that once they’re even a little bit older.
Be patient! It’s best to allow 1-2 hours for a session to allow for any feedings that might need to be done. Plus, always prepare for diaper changes! You want to make sure your newborn is relaxed and peaceful; get them comfortable, quiet, and/or sleeping.
Finally, make sure to include any heirloom items! Hand-me-down blankets, toys, or clothing will be so special to look back on and honor your family history!
Six Month Milestone
By now, your little one is sitting up, laughing, smiling– their personality is blossoming! Focus on all the incredible new things they’re doing and the tiny little person they’re becoming. I love to use their favorite toys, books, and music to get their attention and capture all the laughter and movement.
Never be afraid to get into play together; make funny faces or do funny voices! Capturing their new expressions and personality while they’re discovering joy and happiness is truly remarkable. Another great tip for the six month milestone? Do something to refer back to their newborn session! The same position or similar outfit is a great way to show their huge growth.
One Year Milestone
Ah yes, one years-old! Such an incredible moment in your little ones journey. By this stage, they’re crawling, standing and maybe even walking! Their personality is even more developed, and they might even have a little sense of self (and definitely more teeth!). All of these incredible moments are worth capturing.
Have fun at this marker. Let them tear into a cake or play with balloons! Take them to a favorite family spot, or even do a callback to their newborn session. This part of your little one’s life is all about growing and changing– these are the moments you’ll want to be able to remember forever! If they have a favorite toy or item they bring everywhere with them, capture these details.
Get creative! Play games, chase them around, throw them up into the air. Anything that gets them laughing and showing their personality is the goal here!
18 Months and Beyond
After your baby’s first birthday, feel free to continue milestone sessions at six month intervals until they turn three. Recreate photos from sessions before and, again, get creative! And change your angles.
If you welcome another bundle of joy into your family during this time, include them! There is nothing like a siblings moment throughout a milestone session. Plus, you get to do it all over again, and what is more special than that? A final tip- include your fur babies! They’re just as much part of your family and deserve to be memorialized along with your kiddos.
Let’s Get In Touch
Milestone photos are so important for your littles, at every stage. From newborn to high school graduation, capturing memories of all their biggest moments is something I promise you’ll never regret. As a Coeur d’Alene lifestyle photographer and a mom myself, I know! If you’re interested in learning more about lifestyle photography, let’s get in touch! I am a huge lover of film photography, and the two go together so well.
