- 419-966-4520
- callanphoto1@gmail.com
- Delta, Ohio
- Travels to all of Northwest Ohio
Thank you so much for trusting me to capture this milestone for your baby.
The first year is full of so many changes — from first smiles, to sitting up, to curious little personalities beginning to shine. These sessions are meant to capture your baby just as they are during this stage.
I know preparing for photos with a baby can sometimes feel overwhelming. My goal is to make the entire experience easy, relaxed, and enjoyable for your family.
Use the tabs below to help you prepare for your session. But the most important thing to know (even if you don’t read anything else — read this!):
Your baby doesn’t need to perform.
They don’t need to smile on command.
They don’t need to sit perfectly the whole time.
You just need to show up.
Some babies are full of giggles.
Some are curious and observant.
Some prefer staying close to mom or dad.
All of it is perfect.
I’ll guide the session, move at your baby’s pace, and capture the genuine moments — the little expressions, the tiny details, and the personality that is starting to shine through.
Milestone sessions are meant to be simple, playful, and stress-free, so you can relax and enjoy watching your baby explore, smile, and just be themselves.
Feel free to send me inspo pictures. We will work together to use the elements that you like and weave them into your simple, timeless session. You can also call or text me with any questions or ideas any time!
I suggest having your bag packed the night before photos to help keep picture day as simple as possible!
Water and mess-free snacks (crackers, bananas, apples, goldfish, ect)
Wipes or tissues
A favorite comfort item for young children
Backup outfit for babies or toddlers (just in case)
Chapstick, make up or brush for quick touch-ups
Special items for photos (optional)
Outfit to take baby home in
Simple is always best.
Outfits that photograph beautifully include:
Just a diaper
A simple romper or onesie
A neutral outfit
A small dress or bloomers
Suspender sets or simple outfits
Avoid clothing that is too big, stiff, or distracting so the focus stays on your baby’s expressions and personality.
Tip:
Choose colors and outfits that match the tones in your home so the photos feel natural when displayed on your walls.
Personal touches make milestone sessions extra meaningful.
Some ideas include:
Number balloons
Balloon garlands
Favorite toys
A special stuffed animal
Sports jerseys
Family heirlooms
Birthday hats
Seasonal items
Special outfits or shirts
Cultural items important to your family
Simple items that reflect your baby’s personality often create the most meaningful images.
Helpful tips:
A simple cake works best
Light colors photograph beautifully
Avoid dark frosting (it can stain baby’s skin)
A 4–6 inch cake is perfect for smashing
Let baby try cake beforehand so they know what to expect
Some babies dive right in… others prefer to investigate slowly. Both make adorable photos!
I can provide a simple white cake for $20 and 2 weeks notice!
Milestone sessions are usually scheduled a few weeks before baby’s first birthday so you have the photos in time for celebrations or invitations.
Babies are usually happiest when they are:
Well rested
Fed
Not close to nap time
We’ll work around your baby’s schedule to help them feel comfortable and happy. If we need to change the time of your session, please let me know ASAP! 419-966-4520!
The timing of your photos depends on whether your session will be indoors or outdoors.
Indoor Sessions
Indoor milestone sessions can take place any time of day. Because the studio lighting is controlled, we have flexibility to schedule around what works best for your baby’s routine.
If possible, try to choose a time when your baby is typically well rested and recently fed so they’re comfortable and happy during the session.
Outdoor Sessions
Outdoor sessions look best when the light is soft and flattering. For this reason, outdoor photos are typically scheduled about 1.5 hours before sunset.
This time of day provides warm, gentle light that photographs beautifully.
If earlier in the day works better for your baby’s schedule, we can also choose a shaded location where the light is still soft and natural.
The goal is always to choose a time that gives us beautiful light while keeping your baby comfortable and happy.
Milestone sessions are relaxed and baby-led. We move at your baby’s pace so they feel comfortable, curious, and happy throughout the session.
Here’s what a typical session looks like (but it can be adjusted for your family!):
Next we capture a few relaxed family photos.
These are simple, natural images of you together — holding your baby, playing, and enjoying the moment. These photos often become some of parents’ favorite images because they show the connection between your family and your little one during this special stage.
We begin with simple portraits of your baby while they are clean and happy.
These images capture all the little details you’ll want to remember — curious expressions, tiny fingers, big smiles, and those adorable baby rolls.
If siblings are joining, we’ll often capture those photos during this part of the session as well.
Now it’s time for the cake!
We place the cake in front of your baby and let them explore. Some babies dive right in, while others take their time inspecting the frosting first.
Both reactions are completely normal and make for adorable photos.
Parents are always close by to encourage baby if needed.
After the cake smash, we finish the session with splash photos in a small tub.
This is often babies’ favorite part of the session. They love playing in the water, splashing, and washing off the frosting.
These playful moments create joyful images and end the session on a fun note.
Once baby has finished splashing, we wrap up the session.
Parents can dry baby off, change them into clean clothes, and head home while I begin preparing your images.
A happy baby makes milestone sessions easy and fun. The good news is you don’t need to do anything complicated — a few simple things can make a big difference.
Plan Around Baby’s Schedule
Try to schedule the session when your baby is usually happiest. Many parents find the best time is after a nap and feeding.
Feed Baby Before the Session
A full tummy helps babies stay comfortable and content during photos.
Bring Familiar Comfort Items
If your baby has a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or lovey, feel free to bring it along. Sometimes just seeing something familiar helps them relax.
Don’t Stress About Moods
Babies have different personalities. Some are giggly, some are quiet observers, and some take a little time to warm up.
All of that is completely normal.
I allow time for babies to get comfortable, and we follow their lead during the session.
Relax and Enjoy It
Babies pick up on their parents’ energy. When you relax and enjoy the moment, your baby usually will too.
My goal is to keep the session playful, relaxed, and baby-led so we capture genuine expressions and personality.
-Choose simple clothing that feels comfortable and truly feels like you. Neutral tones photograph beautifully and help keep the focus on connection.
-Choose simple, light colors- whites, creams, tans and light browns are all timeless and photograph well.
-Add layers. A simple cardigan or textured sweater is always a beautiful choice.
**It is WARM in the studio- dads should be able to take off any sweaters after photos!
-Keep jewelry simple and minimal.
AVOID:
Bright and dark colors
Large Logos and Designs
Busy/Distracting Patterns
Kids do not need to be on their best behavior—wiggles, giggles, and curiosity are all part of their story. Everything is cleaned after each session.
YOUR job is to look at your kids like everything they do is the cutest thing in the world!
A few things that help the session run smoothly:
Try to talk about your upcoming session in a positive tone around your kids!
CELEBRATE!! Do something fun and maybe start a “after photos” tradition to look forward to again next year.
For Your photos—
If you chose the Classic or Essential session, your gallery will include 30 or 15 digital images. You have two options:
1. You choose your favorites: I will narrow down the gallery to the technically beautiful photos and let you choose your favorites. I will edit your favorites and return the final gallery within 2 weeks of you returning your favorites.
2. I choose my favorites: Your gallery will be delivered within 2 weeks of your session.
You will receive a full print release, which means you are welcome to print your photos wherever you choose. However, when you order directly through your gallery, I can personally guarantee the quality, color, and longevity of your images.
If you’d like guidance, I am always happy to help you select and order your prints during a complimentary ordering appointment, so your photos can be enjoyed in your home exactly as they were meant to be.
