Getting to Know Each Milestone Baby Portrait Session – A Massachusetts Photographer’s Guide
Because I didn’t grow up around a lot of babies, when I first started my business (in 2009 before I had children of my own), I didn’t fully understand just how much of a difference a month or two can make in a baby’s first year. Now, I’m so attuned to these changes that I can probably guess a baby’s age down to a couple of weeks! The transformations are truly incredible. So basically I thought it might be fun to share a bit of that with you for when you’re choosing the best possible time for your baby’s milestone photos.
What to Expect in a Milestone Session
Every milestone session is unique and special in its own way. Each stage brings different styling options, props, accessories, and poses, but there are also some fun similarities and common threads throughout them all. So I thought I’d walk you through the most popular milestone baby photos and the poses that typically go with each age. I’ve written in more depth about each of these poses or types of photos. Click the links to learn more!
Starting with Family Photos
While every session and family is different, I often start off with family photos or portraits of baby with each parent. This helps everyone get comfortable with me, my assistant, and the studio environment. Plus, let’s be honest, these are usually the photos parents are least excited about, so I like to knock them out early!
Props, Props, and More Props!
Anyone who’s been in my studio knows I love props. I’ve built up a huge collection over the years, and I love finding creative ways to incorporate them into sessions, no matter the milestone. Many of my milestone sessions include photos of babies with props.
Showcasing All Those Baby Details
Milestone headshots are a perfect way to capture the tiny features that make your baby unique—their bright eyes, button nose, chubby cheeks, and little curls. These close-up portraits focus on the sweet details that change so quickly in the first year.
Poses by Age: What Makes Each Stage Special
And speaking of milestones—each one comes with its own special and unique milestone poses. Newborns have that classic “tushie in the air” pose. At 3–4 months, it’s all about tummy time. By 6–9 months, babies are usually sitting on their own, or maybe grabbing at their toes. And for that big first birthday? We’re standing, we’re clapping, and yes, we’re smashing cake!
Milestone Guide: Poses by Age
Without further ado! My goal is to show you baby milestone photo ideas of each of the aforementioned milestones: newborn, 3-4ish months, 6-9ish months, and the 1-year session. So for each baby milestone I will show you portrait examples of the following poses:
Milestone: Newborn
Newborn portraits beautifully capture the tender early days of a baby’s life through a variety of poses and setups that highlight their delicate features and tiny details. Including parents in the photos creates heartfelt, emotional images that celebrate the bond and love of the new family. Classic prop setups such as baskets, bowls, or soft blankets offer a cozy and artistic touch, often paired with natural textures and soft lighting. A close up headshot focuses on the baby’s face, showcasing their peaceful expressions, wispy hair, and little features with incredible intimacy. The popular “tushee in the air” pose, where the baby is gently positioned on their tummy with legs tucked and bum up, adds a playful and adorable element, emphasizing their squishy cuteness in a timeless way.
3-5 Month
At 3 to 5 months old, babies are beginning to show more personality, making this a wonderful stage for portraits filled with smiles and curiosity. Including parents in these sessions adds warmth and connection, capturing the growing bond and joy shared between them. Babies at this age often have better head control, making tummy time poses both safe and expressive. This is perfect for showing off those bright eyes and cheeky grins. Headshots are especially sweet now, as babies begin to focus, engage, and show early giggles, creating intimate and charming close ups. Using props like supportive baskets, crates, or soft textured blankets helps keep babies comfortable while adding a cozy, styled touch to the photos.
6-10 Month (aka Sitter Session)
Between 6 to 10 months, babies are full of energy, expressions, and new milestones, making this a lively and joyful time for portraits. Including parents in the session brings out genuine connection and laughter, highlighting the playful bond that’s blossomed. Many babies are confidently sitting up by now, allowing for sweet poses in or on props like crates, bowls, or textured blankets that add charm and style. Laying down shots where babies grab their toes are especially adorable, capturing their flexibility and fascination with their little feet. Headshots are full of character at this age, often showcasing toothy grins, chubby cheeks, and twinkling eyes. This stage is all about movement, personality, and celebrating just how much they’ve grown.
1 Year (11-14 Months)
One-year photos are a joyful celebration of a baby’s first big milestone, filled with personality, movement, and big smiles. Including parents in these portraits adds depth and emotion, capturing the love and pride that marks this special moment. At this age, babies are often able to stand, sometimes requiring a little help, which opens up fun posing options that show off their growing independence and confidence. Props like stools, chairs, balloons, or birthday themed setups add festive flair and give little ones something to interact with, making the photos both playful and meaningful. Headshots at one year are full of character, from mischievous grins to curious expressions, perfectly capturing their unique spirit. It’s a wonderful time to freeze all the sweet and silly moments before toddlerhood begins.
Milestone portraits are a beautiful way to document your baby’s incredible journey through their first year. Starting with those sleepy newborn cuddles to curious tummy time, joyful toe grabbing, and proud first steps. Each stage brings its own unique charm, growth, and personality, and capturing these moments ensures you’ll always have timeless keepsakes to look back on. Whether it’s your baby’s very first portrait or a one-year celebration, these photos tell the story of love, growth, and all the little milestones in between.
See more from our Pinterest boards! Crabapple Photography is located near downtown Andover, MA and serves clients from around the Merrimack Valley, Greater Lowell area, and Southern NH. Kate McKenna has been photographing babies and children of all ages since 2009. Contact Kate today to learn more!
