First Year Collective
Los Angeles First Year Baby Plan Photographer
You’ll never regret having photos from the baby days
Pregnancy feels … long.
Those newborn weeks feel endless.
And in the middle of the night when the baby won’t sleep? Time basically stops.
Then somehow, by some sort of sorcery, your baby (your tiny, fits in one arm, can’t-hold-their-own-head-up baby) is a walking, talking, toddler.
Life with a baby is busy and time can get away from you.
As a Los Angeles newborn & first year photographer, I’ve got you covered.
I created The First Year Collective — the most intentional and stress-free way to document your baby’s first year with a thoughtfully designed first year baby photography package for Los Angeles families.
The First Year Collective is …
includes …
Maternity Session
Start with a studio or outdoor maternity session and document your baby’s story from the very beginning.
This session is optional.
Usually photographed at 30-35 weeks.
Newborn Session
During your studio or in-home session we’ll slow down, follow your baby’s lead, and create natural, organic portraits that capture all the love. No props necessary.
Usually photographed 7-14 days after birth.
Sitter Session
We’ll photograph your baby in my studio when they are sitting up on their own. It’s the perfect time to catch all their chubby rolls, belly laughs and drooly smiles.
Usually photographed at 6-8 months.
One Year Session
Choose a studio or outdoor session. We’ll celebrate their first trip around the sun with toothy grins, first steps, and all the personality and curiosity of your toddler.
Usually photographed at 12-15 months.
Album
Maybe the best part?
The First Year Collective includes a beautiful linen-bound photographic album with your favorite images from every session. No need to sweat over a baby book!
Parent & siblings portraits are included in every FYC session.
First Year Collective Galleries
“The First Year Collective has been such a tender way to capture our journey from a family of three waiting to meet our newborn to that same family chasing our toddler!
Ariel has always put me at ease and made the process warm and inviting. I appreciate having the time to for us to grow the relationship with Ariel too—and I think it shows in the quality of the photographs. She really sees and brings out the best in her clients.”
Leslie Ghanim
Booking The First Year Collective
versus Individual Sessions:
While you can certainly book maternity, newborn, sitter, or one-year sessions individually, joining The First Year Collective means you’re planning your baby’s entire first year as one seamless experience.
When you choose the Collective, your sessions are thoughtfully connected so the imagery flows together beautifully and your spot is reserved on my calendar — so you won’t need to remember to schedule each milestone on your own. You also enjoy perks that individual bookings don’t include, like a custom heirloom album that brings all your favorite moments together at the end of the year, coordinated wardrobe support, and the option to spread payments across the year.
In short: Collective members get a stress-free, full-story approach to documenting the most fleeting year of your baby’s life — with images that are intentional, cohesive, and crafted to last generations.
A true heirloom is rare with our generation
There just isn’t much that’s made to last that long. But this will.
We’re talking real photographic prints mounted on thick (read: toddler-proof) pages, hand-bound with an embossed linen cover.
In two years? It will be your child’s favorite book.
In twenty? It will bring a rush of memories sweeping back for you.
FYC Investment
Collections begin at $3150 and include:
- 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 finally, drumroll please …
- An heirloom album with all your favorite images from every single session at the end of our year together
“The First Year Collective felt like a time capsule that I just wanted more of throughout the year.
It took away any mental load of having to document the whole year. Ariel is really capturing the signature expressions and quirks at every age and it just locks in those moments. I can relive them. The smells, the feel of her soft rolls, early attempts to stand and take steps … all those things are in the photos. It was a concierge service and we knew we were in good hands. Ariel guided us every step of the way.”
Malique Carr
Have questions? You’re not alone.
Can we abbreviate? For both of our sakes: FYC
Here are answers to the most common things families ask about The FYC — from what’s included to how and when to book.
What is the First Year Collective?
The essential portrait experience for new parents — a membership that includes 3–4 sessions to capture the most important moments of your baby’s first year. The FYC also includes a complimentary heirloom album featuring favorites from each session, along with additional perks to make the experience seamless and enjoyable.
Which sessions are included?
The First Year Collective includes 3 or 4 sessions: Maternity (optional), Newborn, Sitter (6–8 months), and a One Year session.
What’s the benefit of joining The FYC rather than scheduling sessions one by one?
The biggest benefit of The FYC is the heirloom-quality album that comes with your membership. At the end of the year, you’ll have a beautifully crafted record of your baby’s first year — a true family heirloom designed to be enjoyed now and passed down for generations. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing your spot is reserved on my calendar, I’ll contact you when it’s time to book the next session to keep everything on track, and you can spread the cost with a simple 12-month payment plan.
Are these sessions only for the baby, or can family join in?
All of my sessions include family photos. I encourage parents and siblings to join in — the most meaningful images often capture your love and connection as a family.
Where do my sessions take place?
Maternity sessions can be held in the studio or my favorite Pasadena garden (included), with the option of the beach or a custom location if you’d like something extra special (additional fee applies). Newborn sessions take place in my studio (included) or in your home for an additional fee. Sitter sessions are photographed in my studio — a simple, cozy space that lets your baby’s sweet personality shine. One-year sessions can take place in the studio or the garden (included), or we can plan a beach or custom session for an additional fee.
Do I get digital files?
Yes. Each session includes a selection of digital images, delivered in your own private online gallery.
When should I book?
The earlier, the better. I only take a limited number of FYC clients each month, so reserving your spot during pregnancy is highly recommended. You may opt into the FYC when booking your maternity or newborn session, but not after.
How do I book a session?
Just fill out the inquiry form on my contact page and I’ll send you all the details about the First Year Collective. Once we’ve connected and you decide you’d like to book, I’ll send over your contract and invoice for your deposit. Your spot in The FYC is officially held once the deposit and paperwork are complete, so you can relax knowing everything is taken care of.
“The best thing is just having the memories. You cannot put a price on them.
All the photos were so good. I just love looking at them. I love them. I love them all.
We were in the thick of sleep deprivation for the newborn shoot. I would never remember how little and cute she was if I didn’t have those photos. The way that Ariel is able to capture these moments is something that I don’t think just any photographer can do. She made me feel so special and like we knew exactly what we were doing even though we didn’t.”
Rachel Salvo
Featured FYC Galleries
