Your baby’s first year is like no other. In just 12 months, they’ll change from a curled-up, sleepy newborn into a curious, playful toddler and you’ll wonder where the time went. Believe me, I know – my second baby is six months old and I swear, I gave birth a minute ago..

As a newborn and baby photographer based in York, I’ve seen hundreds of families walk through my studio doors. They all say the same thing: ‘it feels like I’ve blinked’. And it’s true, those tiny details and first-year milestones fly by. That’s why capturing them in photographs is so important.

Whether you plan to take photos yourself or visit my cosy York photography studio for a milestone session, here’s a guide to the moments you’ll never want to forget.

Newborn stage (0-2 weeks)

This is where it all begins, those first days when you can’t stop staring at them. Their skin is so soft, their hair smells like heaven, and they curl perfectly into your arms.

In the studio, this stage is my favourite for gently posed, timeless newborn portraits. Your baby is usually still very sleepy, which means we can capture those beautiful, curled-up poses and tiny details, the toes, fingers, and button nose that you’ll never want to forget.

One of my favourite memories was of a little boy whose dad whispered softly to him throughout the shoot. Every time he heard his dad’s voice, he gave the tiniest smile and we caught it perfectly. Those are the moments you’ll treasure forever..!

My top tip: Newborn photography is best within the first 2 weeks after birth, so it’s worth booking your session before your due date to secure your spot in my York photography studio.

First smiles (around 6-8 Weeks)

By this stage, your baby is more awake, more alert, and starting to smile on purpose (rather than by accident after a good nap!). These first smiles are so genuine, often just for you, and they’ll melt you.

For these sessions, I often recommend a relaxed, lifestyle-inspired approach in the studio. We can create cosy setups with soft blankets, natural lighting, and room for cuddles, so you’re part of the memories too.

My top tip: Even if you missed the newborn window, this is a gorgeous age to start your professional baby photography journey.

Tummy time (3-4 months)

At 3 – 4 months, your little is beginning to interact more with the world around them. They’re building strength in their neck and shoulders, and tummy time becomes a daily adventure. This stage is perfect for capturing wide-eyed curiosity and gummy grins.

In the studio, I use soft, textured blankets and simple props so the focus stays on your baby’s expressions. Often, they’ll lift their head to look right into the camera and that direct gaze is just beautiful.

One little boy I photographed at this stage kept “chatting” the whole session making little coos and blowing bubbles. His parents said the pictures were exactly how they wanted to remember him: happy, curious, and full of personality.

Sitting up (6-8 months)

The ‘sitter’ stage is one of my absolute favourites for baby photography. Your baby is sturdy enough to sit without help but not yet mobile, which makes for a wonderfully calm session (no chasing them around the studio just yet!)

At this age, babies are brimming with personality, clapping their hands, waving, and laughing at every silly noise you make. My simple, neutral backdrop ensures all the focus is on your baby’s face and those adorable rolls of baby chub.

One of my favourite sitter sessions was with twins who had just learned to sit. They spent the whole shoot reaching for each other’s hands and babbling away. The connection between them was pure magic.

My top tip: Bring along a favourite toy or comforter as it often helps bring out the biggest smiles.

Crawling (9-11 months)

Once your baby is on the move, photography becomes an adventure! This is a great stage to capture action shots, crawling towards the camera, pulling themselves up to stand, or exploring little props.

In my York studio, I create safe, baby-friendly setups where they can roam and play while I snap away. Sometimes we even take the session outdoors to nearby green spaces for natural light and a change of scenery.

The Big One (12 Months)

Your baby’s first birthday is a huge milestone and a chance to celebrate their first year with a fun, joyful session.

Many families choose to mark the milestones with a cake smash photoshoot in my York studio. We start with clean portraits, then bring out the cake for some messy, giggly fun. Others opt to do a bubble bath shoot and most ask to do both! There’s no such thing as too much on a birthday.. ask my husband, I celebrate my birthday week 😉

My top ytip: Book your first birthday session a few weeks before the big day so you can have the photos ready for party invitations or thank-you cards.

Why milestone photos matter

Your baby will never be this little again. Ever. And while you’ll remember the feeling, photos are what bring it all rushing back in vivid detail for both you and your littles. But once that moment is gone, it’s gone. You can’t recreate it.. your little one might want to look back with their own children one day and show them what a wonderful childhood they really had! Milestone photography means you can hold onto each stage forever, from their sleepy newborn days to their confident first steps.

At my York newborn and family photography studio, I make sure every milestone session is relaxed, baby-led, and full of genuine smiles. Many of my clients choose to book a ‘first year package’ so we can capture all these moments in one beautiful collection.

Feel free to explore my website for more information and to see some of the maternity photography I’ve captured. Have questions? Send me a little message here, lovely! I’d love to hear from you.

With love,

Lucy xx