Which Portrait Session is Right For You?

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Every baby is different & special in their own way. However, as a new parent it can be helpful to know what milestones to look for throughout baby’s development. Below is a simple list of some milestones you can look forward to during that first year as your baby grows.

Closeup of baby feet on a textured pink and white blanket

Birth to 3 Months

  • Pushes up on arms while lying on tummy
  • Opens and closes fists
  • Brings hands up to mouth
  • Lifts and holds up head while lying on tummy
  • Tracks a moving object with eyes while lying on back
  • Smiles at voices or sounds
  • Demonstrates interest in faces
  • Makes eye contact
  • Uses different cries for different needs (a hungry cry vs. a tired cry)
  • Turns head toward voices or sounds
  • Makes cooing noises

4 to 6 Months

  • Sits up using hands for support
  • Rolls over from back to tummy and vice versa
  • Reaches for toys while on tummy
  • Uses both hands to feel toys
  • Brings objects up to mouth
  • More easygoing, not upset at everyday sounds
  • Listens and responds when spoken to
  • Shows reaction to sudden noises
  • Demonstrates interest in food
  • Opens mouth for spoon

6-month-old baby seated on a neutral backdrop during his sitter session in studio

7 to 9 Months

  • Sits up without support
  • Transitions from tummy or back to a sitting position
  • Picks up small objects with fingers and thumb
  • Attempts to crawl
  • Focuses on objects that are nearby and far away
  • Recognizes sound of name
  • Imitates sounds
  • Shows recognition of some words/sounds

10 to 12 Months

  • Pulls up to stand and uses furniture for support
  • Claps hands
  • Enjoys listening to music
  • Crawls toward objects
  • Speaks one or two words
  • Able to feed self with finger foods
  • Uses gestures and hand movements to communicate wants and needs

1-year-old girl in ruffled pink dress standing on a garden path in Houston Texas

Baby Portraits in the First Year

Which developmental milestone is best for capturing baby portraits?

Honestly, all of them! Every moment with your little one is so special, and this first year flies by. Take it from a mama of three, you won’t believe how much your baby has changed and grown over the course of 12 short months.

That said, my personal favorite stages to capture baby’s growth and development is newborn (of course!), 6 months, and 1 year. I find that three photo sessions in that first year allows you to capture most of the major milestones—which is why I offer a First Year Baby Photo Plan, so we can document those precious moments.

If you’d like to schedule your baby’s newborn, 6 month and 1 year portraits, contact me here to book your session. I can’t wait!

Lots of love,

Shannon

First Year Baby Milestones