Oh, how they grow, grow, GROW! 

Capturing your baby's milestones through photography is a wonderful way to preserve precious memories as they grow. From their first smiles to their first steps, each moment is worth documenting. Planning a successful milestone portrait session involves thoughtful preparation to ensure that the outcome beautifully represents your baby's personality and development. In this guide, we'll share essential tips to help you plan for an unforgettable photography experience that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

1. Choose the Right Time

Baby's personalities and moods can vary greatly throughout the day. Schedule the session during a time when your baby is typically happy and alert. Mornings are often a great choice.

2. Select a Comfortable Location

Whether you choose a studio, a park, or your home, ensure the environment is comfortable for your baby. A familiar setting can help your little one feel at ease.

3. Plan Outfits in Advance

Choose outfits that complement your baby’s personality and the theme of the session. Layering options can be great for versatility. Don’t forget about accessories!

4. Bring Comfort Items

Pack a few of your baby’s favorite toys, blankets, or pacifiers. These items can help comfort your baby and might even get some adorable candid shots.

5. Time for Snacks

If your baby is eating solids, plan for a snack or meal break. A happy, fed baby is more likely to be cooperative in front of the camera.

6. Coordinate with the Photographer

Communicate your ideas and expectations with your photographer beforehand. Discuss any specific milestones you want to capture, as well as any poses you have in mind.

7. Keep it Fun

Remember, the goal is to capture your baby’s milestone in a fun way. Don’t stress too much about getting the perfect shot. Enjoy the moment and let the photographer capture the joy!

8. Prepare for Changes

Babies can be unpredictable! Be prepared to adapt your plans if your baby is having an off day. Flexibility can lead to unexpected but delightful photos.

9. Capture Family Moments

Include family members in some of the portraits. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate your baby's milestones together and create lasting memories.

10. Think About Props

Consider incorporating props that symbolize your baby’s milestones, such as a sign with their age or items related to their interests or hobbies.

Even though I'll get to hang out with Wiley a few more times before her first birthday, it's crazy to see how much she's changed in just six months. She's even more beautiful than the last time I saw her.

Wiley wasn't exactly a ray of sunshine during the session, but she made the cutest serious faces and expressions. Maybe she has a future in modeling because her model face is on point!

At just 6 months old, Wiley can already sit up and pull herself up onto objects. Her gross motor skills are amazing! Mom and Dad better watch out because this little girl is going to be on the move before they know it!

I can't wait to see her again for her cake smash. Thanks for another great session, baby girl!

I had the privilege of photographing Isaac since before he was even born, and I was thrilled to capture his 2-year session. Two-year-old sessions can be challenging, but Isaac made my job incredibly easy with his infectious smile and willingness to play.

We had a blast playing with all sorts of cars, dump trucks, and teddy bears. Isaac was full of life and on the go, but he happily stopped to pose and smile for me when asked. I couldn't have asked for an easier session with such a fun little guy.

Here are some of my favorite moments from Isaac's 2-year session:

I am so grateful to Isaac's parents for trusting me to capture this special milestone in their son's life. I hope these photos will bring them joy for many years to come.

Happy birthday, Isaac!

Pat Hermann Photography is a full-service portrait studio that offers custom and creative portrait sessions for maternity, newborns, and babies. We treat each client and their family with the greatest care, and we will professionally document your memories and milestones. Our portraits are carefully crafted to offer you images you will love forever.

We are located in Peoria, IL, and we serve the surrounding areas including Bloomington, Dahinda, Edwards, Galesburg, Morton, Pekin, and Washington. Contact us today to schedule your portrait session!

See highlights of baby Vivi's 6-month milestone session

As a professional photographer specializing in capturing the precious moments of babies and families, I am thrilled to share Vivi's 6-month photo session with you.

When Vivi arrived at the studio, she was a bit shy and hesitant in front of the camera. However, with patience and my gentle approach, she gradually relaxed and started to show her true personality. It was such a joy to capture her adorable smile and playful spirit in a series of beautiful images.

Vivi's infectious smile and sparkling eyes truly lit up the room, radiating happiness and contentment. Every shot reflects her charming personality and the special bond she shares with her parents. It's evident that she is a loved and cherished baby.

At Pat Hermann Photography, we believe that the first year of a baby's life is filled with significant milestones that deserve to be documented and preserved for a lifetime. These early moments pass by so quickly, and it's our privilege to capture them in a way that families can cherish forever.

Vivi's parents were overjoyed with the photos and expressed their gratitude for the memories we created together. They eagerly anticipate Vivi's cake smash session in a few months, knowing that we will capture all the special moments of her first year.

If you're seeking a photographer to document your baby's precious journey, I would be honored to be a part of this special time. My passion lies in capturing the essence of babies and families, creating timeless images that will bring joy for generations to come. Thank you for allowing me to share Vivi's 6-month photo session with you. It's a privilege to witness and document these special moments in the lives of families.

Pat Hermann Photography is a full-service portrait studio that offers custom and creative portrait sessions for maternity, newborns, and babies. We treat each client and their family with the greatest care, and we will professionally document your memories and milestones. Our portraits are carefully crafted to offer you images that you will love for a lifetime.

We are located in Peoria, IL, and we serve the surrounding areas including Bloomington, Dahinda, Edwards, Galesburg, Morton, Pekin, and Washington. Contact us today to schedule your portrait session!

I am so excited to share Anderson's latest baby plan milestone session with you all! He is such a happy and adorable little guy, and I just love getting to see him every few months.

Anderson is on our baby plan, which means that I get to photograph him at various stages of his first year. I love watching him grow and change, and it's amazing to see how much he's learned and developed since his newborn session.

At his latest session, Anderson was 4 months old. He was sitting up on his own, and he was starting to interact with his surroundings more. He also had the cutest little smile!

I had so much fun photographing Anderson, and I can't wait to see him again at his 6-month session. I know he's going to be even cuter then!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from Anderson's 3-month session below. If you're interested in booking a baby plan session for your little one, please contact me today. I would love to capture all of your precious memories.

Pat Hermann Photography is a full-service portrait studio that offers custom and creative portrait sessions for maternity, newborns, and babies. We treat each client and their family with the greatest care, and we will professionally document your memories and milestones. Our portraits are carefully crafted to offer you images that you will love for a lifetime.

We are located in Peoria, IL, and we serve the surrounding areas including Bloomington, Dahinda, Edwards, Galesburg, Morton, Pekin, and Washington. Contact us today to schedule your portrait session!