Baby Milestone Sessions because, yes, babies really do change that fast
Los Angeles BABY Photographer
I’m going to guess that you landed on this page because you’re somewhere in the midst of your baby’s first year and you’re realizing that even though some days feel very very (very) long, your baby is actually changing quite fast.
Just like everyone said they would.
While I can’t slow down time, I can absolutely document all this growth and change so that you can revisit it and appreciate it when you are a little less exhausted.
BAby milestone sessions
What's the best age to photograph
your baby?
Of course, babies are cute at any age and there’s no bad time to photograph them. However, if you’re planning ahead, I do have some favorite ages and stages to recommend.
3-4 months
If you missed out on newborn photos, I recommend having your baby photographed around three months. Your little one is still a tiny baby, but also starting to show some real personality and probably some social smiles too!
6-8 months (sitter session)
This might just be my favorite age to photograph! I suggest you schedule a session when your baby is sitting up on their own, but not yet crawling (this is why it’s called a “sitter session”). Think gummy smiles, belly laughs, and thigh rolls.
12-15 months
Come in right at 12 months to celebrate your baby’s first birthday, or wait until they are taking their first steps. This session captures your little one on the brink of toddlerhood and commemorates their first trip around the sun.
“After countless hours of research, we decided on Ariel for our son's 6-month photo shoot
We love the clean aesthetic of her work, and the precious images of babies that she captures in such a classic and timeless way. Ariel was a pleasure to work with. She is a true professional and managed to get the perfect shots! With a great eye for imagery and superb editing skills, every photo is a winner. Thank you for a wonderful experience!”
Amanda Campbell
Baby photos to capture every stage.
How it works:
Reach out
Making the time to find a photographer was the hard part. All you have to do now is head to the contact page to fill out my form or schedule a call and we can get started planning your session.
Get ready
After you book your session, I’ll send you a prep guide and help you with what to wear. I have studio wardrobe for moms and babies and will help you style the rest of your family, too.
Session day
During your session we’ll follow your baby’s lead and take breaks when we need to. I have lots of experience with babies and unlimited patience so there is no need to feel stressed or rushed.
Relive it
Just a week after your session, you’ll receive a slideshow of your images and choose your collection.
Sorry, but you might need tissues.
Baby Photoshoot Locations
I serve LA and the surrounding areas.
Choose from these favorite locations:
The Studio
The studio is the perfect place to capture classic, light and airy baby portraits and is my preferred location for babies under 9 months. My studio is located in Northeast LA (90065).
The Garden
Arlington Garden in Pasadena boasts manicured courtyards, fields of wild grasses, and even an orange grove. A great location for one-year and toddler sessions.
The Beach
Beach sessions take place in Malibu at golden hour and provide a truly stunning backdrop. Recommended for babies one-year and up, during the warmer months.
Custom and in-home sessions are also offered.
Studio Wardrobe
Milestone sessions include up to three wardrobe changes for your baby and access to the studio wardrobe collection.
I have an adorable collection of dresses, rompers, and knits for babies ages 3-12m as well as collections for girls and women.
And the rest of the family? I’ll personally help you style them for a cohesive look.
Fine Art Prints
You’ll want to see these photos IRL, not just on a screen. With me, you get digitals, no matter what. You can do whatever you want with them.
But, together, we can print heirloom quality artwork. Every image collection includes both digital files and a credit to spend in your gallery store. I’ve spent years testing products through professional labs so you don’t have to waste time researching the best of the best.
Custom design is also included. Whether you want an album or framed photos, I will help you choose what’s best for you and what will look best in your home.
“Her relaxed approach was just what we needed to get some amazing shots of our seven-month-old.
Ariel was such a pleasure to work with and her home studio was beautiful and comfortable. We will treasure these photos for years to come and look forward to returning for family portraits in the coming years.
Katy Pelissier
Baby Photography Investment
Baby sessions begin at $850 and include:
- A relaxed session (usually 1-1.5 hours)
- Parent and sibling portraits
- Access to the studio wardrobe
- Styling help for the rest of your family
- A collection of retouched digital images
- A credit to purchase prints
Before you go …
Let me tell you about the First Year Collective
Ready to document your baby’s story from the very beginning? My First Year Collective is a fantastic way to capture your baby’s entire first year of life. Catchy name, huh?
The Collective includes maternity (optional), newborn, 6-month/sitter photos, and 1-year photos, as well as an heirloom album of your baby’s first year. Want more details?
F.A.Q.s
All the extra details …
What ages are best for milestone photos?
Babies are adorable at every stage, but some ages are extra fun to capture:
3–4 months: still tiny but starting to smile and show personality.
6–8 months (sitter stage): my favorite — think gummy grins, belly laughs, and rolls.
12–15 months: perfect for celebrating a first birthday or catching those first steps.
If you’re planning a sitter session, I suggest booking around 7 months; we can adjust the date if your baby is sitting earlier or needs more time.
Where do milestone sessions take place?
You can choose from three favorite locations:
The Studio (Northeast LA, 90065): classic, light, and airy — best for babies under 9 months.
Arlington Garden in Pasadena: great for one-year sessions and toddlers who love to explore.
Malibu Beach at golden hour: stunning backdrops, perfect for one-year and up in warmer months.
Custom or in-home sessions are also available.
What time of day do milestone sessions take place?
Studio sessions are usually scheduled after your baby’s first nap. Outdoor sessions begin about 1.5 – 2 hours before sunset for the best light.
How long does a milestone session last?
Most sessions run about an hour (90 minutes max). Babies can be easily overstimulated, so we keep things relaxed and playful without pushing past their limit.
Can parents and siblings be included?
Yes! While the focus is on your baby, I always encourage including parents and siblings for a few portraits. These images show your child how loved they were at every stage.
What should my baby wear?
You’ll have access to my studio wardrobe collection — a curated set of timeless outfits for babies 3–12 months, plus flattering dresses for moms. I’ll also help style the rest of your family so everything looks cohesive.
What’s your style of baby photography?
My milestone sessions are simple, timeless, and baby-led. I don’t use props or sets. Instead, I focus on genuine expressions, soft light, and the connection between your baby and family. The result is classic portraits that will never feel dated.
What if my baby is fussy or shy?
That’s completely normal! I have lots of experience with babies (and unlimited patience). We’ll follow your baby’s lead, take breaks when needed, and keep things low-stress so you end up with joyful, authentic images.
When should I book my session?
My schedule fills up quickly, so it’s best to reserve your session as early as possible.
How do I book a session?
The first step is to fill out the inquiry form on my contact page so that I can send you session details and answer your questions. Once you are ready to book, I’ll send you a link to your contract and deposit invoice.
Do I get digital files?
Yes. Every image collection includes a selection of retouched digital images delivered in your private online gallery, ready to download and share.
Do you include prints?
Each collection comes with a print credit you can use toward heirloom-quality artwork. From albums to framed prints, I’ll help you design pieces that bring your images to life in your home.
How do milestone sessions fit into the First Year Collective?
The First Year Collective includes newborn, sitter, and one-year sessions (with maternity as an optional add-on) to capture every milestone of your baby’s first year. It all comes together in a custom heirloom album celebrating this incredible chapter.