One of the most rewarding parts of being a baby photographer is watching families come back again and again as their little one grows. From those first sleepy days to the cake-covered chaos of a first birthday, every stage is worth capturing.
But if you are new to professional baby photography, you might be wondering which session is right for your baby right now. Here is a breakdown of all three session types I offer at Flowertown Photography.
Newborn Sessions — The First Three Weeks
Newborn sessions are best scheduled within the first 5 to 21 days of life. During this window, babies are at their sleepiest and most naturally flexible, which allows me to create those classic curled-up poses in wraps, baskets, and on simple backdrops.
These sessions last about two to three hours — not because I am photographing the entire time, but because we work around your baby's schedule. Feeding breaks, diaper changes, and soothing time are all built in.
What you will get: A curated gallery of posed portraits, close-up details of tiny hands and feet, and family and sibling images to choose from.
Best for: Parents who want timeless, artistic portraits of their newborn while they are still small.
Milestone and Sitter Sessions — Three Months to One Year
Once your baby can sit up unassisted — usually around six to eight months — it is time for a milestone session. This is one of my favorite stages to photograph because your baby's personality is really starting to shine. They are laughing, reaching, babbling, and making the most expressive faces.
These sessions are shorter than newborn sessions, usually about 30 to 45 minutes. We work with simple setups and let your baby's personality drive the session.
What you will get: A mix of sitting poses, close-ups, and parent or sibling shots that capture your baby's expressions and personality.
Best for: Parents who want to document the stage between newborn and first birthday, especially that adorable sitting-up milestone.
Cake Smash Sessions — The First Birthday
Is it even a first birthday without a cake smash? These sessions are pure, messy, joyful fun. Your baby gets a beautiful cake, a balloon backdrop, and full permission to dig in with both hands.
Cake smash sessions typically include a few clean portraits at the beginning before we bring out the cake. This way, you get both polished and playful images in one session.
What you will get: Portraits in a few different outfits on a few different sets, action shots of your baby discovering and destroying their cake, and some truly hilarious expressions.
Best for: Celebrating your baby's first birthday with a session that is as fun as it is photographic.
Can I Book All Three?
Absolutely — and many of my families do. Booking all three sessions gives you a beautiful visual timeline of your baby's first year, from those quiet, sleepy newborn days to the wild, cake-covered celebration of turning one.
I also offer a First Year package that bundles all three sessions together. If you are interested, visit my investment page for details or reach out through my contact page to learn more.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If your baby is already here and you are not sure which session fits their current stage, just send me a message. Tell me how old they are and what milestones they have hit, and I will help you figure out the perfect session. Head to my contact page and let's chat.
