So Much Can Change in Just 12 Months
The first year of your baby’s life is filled with so many little moments that mean everything. The first gummy smile. The chubby cheeks that jiggle when they laugh. The way they light up when they hear your voice.
As a baby photographer in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, I’ve seen just how quickly these tiny details shift. One day you’re holding a sleepy newborn, and the next you’re chasing a wobbly toddler around the living room. It all happens in what feels like a heartbeat.
That’s why first-year milestone photos are such a meaningful investment. They don’t just freeze time—they tell the story of your baby’s growth, your family’s journey, and the love that’s grown right alongside them.
Understanding Milestone Photography
Milestone photography is a series of professional sessions scheduled throughout your baby’s first year to document key developmental stages. The most common milestones are:
3 months
6 months
9 months
12 months (first birthday)
Each one offers a glimpse into a completely different chapter—each filled with its own kind of magic.
At 3 months, your baby starts locking eyes with you and showing their first expressions. By 6 months, they’re often sitting up, full of giggles and curiosity. At 9 months, they might be crawling or babbling. And by their first birthday, their personality shines in every movement and smile.
These sessions create a storybook of your baby’s first year—a tangible timeline of love, growth, and connection.
Planning Tips for Parents
Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your milestone sessions:
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Schedule early – Ideally, reach out 1–2 months in advance to secure your preferred time.
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Keep outfits simple – Soft textures and neutral or earthy tones photograph beautifully and let your baby shine.
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Bring a favorite item – A toy, blanket, or heirloom adds a personal touch and can help your baby feel more at ease.
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Be flexible – Some babies need a few minutes to warm up, and that’s totally okay. We’ll move at their pace.
And don’t worry—I’ll walk you through all of this in advance. I’m here to make it easy and enjoyable from start to finish.
Creative Ideas & Inspiration for Your Baby’s Milestone Sessions
Want to make each session a little more personal? Here are some sweet ideas to spark inspiration:
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Seasonal touches – Fall leaves, spring blooms, or cozy winter knits
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Mini themes – Hobbies you love, favorite books, or soft color stories
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Family heirlooms – A quilt passed down through generations or a handmade toy
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Location variety – Mix it up between studio and outdoor sessions around Saint Paul or Minneapolis
Some families love using a favorite stuffed animal at every session to show how baby grows over time—it’s such a sweet and subtle way to document change.
How Milestone Sessions Preserve More Than Just Growth
Every milestone session holds its own quiet magic—and while each family is different, the moments we capture often echo the same deep emotions.
📷 Six Months of Smiles
One baby girl came in for her six-month milestone just as the first spring buds were beginning to bloom outside. Her mom had chosen a soft floral dress for her, and we set up a sweet indoor scene with natural light pouring in through the window. She was sitting up on her own for the first time and beamed with pride every time her mom clapped and cheered.
Between outfit changes, her dad stepped in to gently bounce her on his knee. The laughter, the open-mouth smiles, the way her tiny fingers wrapped around her mom’s necklace—it was all so full of life. They later told me those photos are framed in their nursery and bring them joy every single day.
📷 First Birthday, Full of Joy
Another family returned for their son’s first birthday after working with me for newborn and six-month sessions. We planned a simple, joyful setup with light wood textures and a soft white cake for a sweet smash. He was already walking, toddling toward the camera with his arms outstretched and a giggle you could almost hear through the image.
His parents chose to include a few heirloom items—a stuffed bear from his dad’s childhood and a small quilt made by his grandmother. Those quiet, thoughtful touches added so much depth. When they received their gallery, they wrote back saying it felt like their son’s entire first year was “safely bottled up in a way we can always come back to.”
These stories are why I do what I do.
Want to Start Even Earlier?
Many families choose to begin their journey with a newborn session, and some even start with maternity photos. If you’re curious about how those sessions feel, you might enjoy these blog posts:
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Client Spotlight: A Journey Through a Newborn Session at Giliane Mansfeldt Photography
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Preparing for Your Maternity Photography Session: Tips and Inspiration
Together, these sessions tell a full story of your baby’s earliest chapters—from bump to birthday.
Don’t Miss a Moment You’ll Never Get Back
The first year goes by faster than anyone tells you. And while it’s full of sleepless nights and daily surprises, it’s also full of joy, love, and the kind of beauty that deserves to be remembered.
Baby milestone photography in Saint Paul offers more than just photos—it offers a way to pause and honor the journey you’re on. Each session tells the story of who your baby is becoming—and who you’re becoming, too.
If you’re thinking about scheduling milestone sessions, now is the perfect time to start planning. Let’s create a year of images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
💛 Let’s Capture Every Sweet Chapter of Baby’s First Year
📅 Click here to learn more about Milestone Packages and book your first session
📍 Serving Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and Twin Cities families with timeless, heartfelt baby photography
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I have to book all milestone sessions at once?
Not at all! While many families love booking a full milestone package upfront, you can schedule each session individually. I always recommend reaching out early to ensure availability.
Q2: What’s included in a milestone session?
Each session includes time for individual baby portraits, outfit changes if desired, and optional family or sibling images. You’ll receive a beautifully edited gallery and guidance every step of the way.
Q3: Can I include family members in the milestone photos?
Absolutely! Siblings and parents are always welcome to be part of these memories. We’ll make sure to include those sweet, connected moments too.
Q4: What if my baby is fussy during the session?
That’s completely okay—and very normal! I follow your baby’s cues and always build in time for snuggles, feeding, and breaks. We move gently and without pressure.
