Los Angeles Baby Photographer | First Year Collective | Milestone Photography Timeline
Your baby’s first year is full of big changes and it moves fast. From those sleepy newborn days to the first wobbly steps, every stage brings something new and beautiful to document. As a Los Angeles baby photographer, I get a lot of questions about timing. When should we take maternity photos? When’s the best age for newborn portraits? What about milestone sessions?
This post is your guide to exactly that: a month-by-month look at when to book each session. Whether you’re planning one shoot or hoping to capture the full story, this will help you feel confident about when to schedule.
And if you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the key moments? The First Year Collective is the best way to do that.
Beginning of Second Trimester
This is the perfect time to book both your maternity and newborn sessions.
I know it may feel early, but photographers (especially those who offer studio space and wardrobe options) often book out months in advance. Booking early means you get your preferred dates, and it also gives us time to talk through styling, location, and what matters most to you.
If you’re considering the First Year Collective, this is the ideal moment to commit. It includes maternity (optional), newborn, sitter, and one-year.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–36)
This is the most popular window for maternity portraits. You’ll be showing beautifully, but likely still comfortable enough to move easily. Most families book their session between weeks 30 and 34, but there’s a little wiggle room depending on your energy level and preferences.
Not sure whether to choose a studio or outdoor session? You can read more here, but either way, I’ll help you choose a setting that feels relaxed and natural.
Newborn Session (7–14 days after birth)
The first two weeks after birth are often the ideal time for newborn photos. Babies tend to be sleepier, easier to settle, and naturally love to be curled up, which helps us create those simple, connected images you’ll treasure forever. If we need to schedule your session later for any reason, that’s absolutely fine. My natural, baby-led approach to posing allows me to create beautiful newborn photos even after the two-week mark.
If you’re part of the First Year Collective or book your session during pregnancy, I hold space in my calendar based on your due date. Once your baby arrives, we’ll confirm the actual session date. I take a limited number of newborn sessions each month to ensure I can accommodate each family when their little one is ready.
Whether we shoot in the studio or your home, my focus is always the same: natural, timeless portraits that reflect the quiet beauty of these early days.
Sitter Session (Around 6–8 Months)
This is such a fun milestone. Your baby is sitting up on their own, full of personality, and likely very generous with smiles. It’s the perfect time to document that shift from baby to almost-toddler.
We’ll keep this session light and playful, following your baby’s lead and capturing all the little quirks that are starting to show at this stage. This session is always included in the First Year Collective, whether we begin with maternity or jump in once your baby arrives.
One-Year Session (12 Months)
This session celebrates the one-year milestone by focusing on your baby, while also including parents and siblings. At this stage, they are often walking, laughing, and showing big emotions as they grow more into themselves every day. It is a special time to pause and reflect on how much has changed in the past year and to capture the joy and connection of your family in this moment.
If you’re part of the First Year Collective, this session marks the final chapter, and it’s always such an emotional one to photograph. Watching families grow together over the course of a year is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.
Why the First Year Collective Makes It So Easy
The First Year Collective was designed for families who want to document not just one session, but the full story of their baby’s first year.
Here’s what it includes:
- 3-4 sessions throughout your baby’s first year (maternity is optional)
- Portraits with the whole family at every session
- Session payments spread evenly throughout the year
- Access to the studio wardrobe for mom and baby at every session
- Styling help for the rest of the family
- A collection of retouched digital images and credit to purchase prints
for each session
And the, best part of you ask me….
- An heirloom album with all your favorite images from every single session at the end of our year together.
This collection is ideal for anyone who values timeless images and wants to make sure no stage is missed. From the very beginning, we’ll create a plan that works for your family’s timeline.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re expecting or just welcomed a new baby, now is the time to get your sessions on the calendar. Whether you’re booking a single shoot or considering the First Year Collective, I’ll help guide you every step of the way. I promise as a mom and a photographer, you’ll never regret having these moments to look back on. Click here to reach out.
