Why Milestone Photography Matters

Do you know all the major developmental milestones your baby will hit in their first year? Many parents learn them through pediatric visits or resources like the CDC's Developmental Milestones. But today, I want to walk you through each stage — and show you how we can capture these fleeting moments forever through milestone photography.

Newborn Stage (0-6 Weeks): Capturing Their Earliest Moments

The newborn stage is full of tender emotions — for you and your baby. During these first few weeks, your little one is adjusting to the world and sleeping often.

Best time to photograph:

Posed or swaddled newborn photos are ideal in the first 6 weeks.
If your baby is older than 6 weeks, we can capture those alert, wide-eyed expressions too!

📸 See more tips on newborn photography timing from my friend at Amy Nghe Photography.

3 Months: First Smiles and Giggles

By 3 months, your baby is engaging with the world:

Smiling and possibly laughing
Making eye contact and cooing
Holding their head up and starting to grab toys

Photography focus:
We capture these beautiful early interactions — you holding your baby, playing together in the nursery, or snuggling on the floor.

6 Months: Sitting, Rolling & Interactive Play

Halfway through the first year, your baby may:

Recognize familiar faces
Enjoy mirrors and fun sounds
Roll over and respond to your voice

Photography focus:
We bring favorite toys and blankets to create sweet, interactive portraits full of giggles, snuggles, and bonding.

9 Months: The “Sitter Stage”

At 9 months, you’ll see even more personality shining through:

Sitting independently
Reaching for you
Playing peek-a-boo
Responding to their name

Photography focus:
We encourage play, exploration, and genuine expressions to capture their blossoming personality and curiosity.

12 Months: First Birthday Milestone

Your baby’s first birthday is a major milestone — standing, cruising, waving, babbling, and exploring!

Photography focus:

Classic cake smash sessions (if that’s your vibe!)
Outdoor park sessions
Doljabi/Doljanchi celebrations with props and decorations available
Special birthday portraits in studio or on location

🎂 Bonus tip: Milestone sessions also make wonderful gift ideas for holidays, baby showers, or first birthdays.

Stress-Free Baby's First Year Photography Package

To make this journey even more special and effortless, I’ve created a Baby’s First Year Milestone Package that captures:

Newborn
3-month
6-month
9-month
First Birthday

With sessions scheduled ahead of time, you’ll have peace of mind knowing these precious memories are beautifully preserved without last-minute stress. Book your milestone package here.

Why Choose Mini Anna Photography?

I'm Anna Munandar, your trusted San Francisco Bay Area family photographer based in Marin County. I specialize in studio, indoor, and outdoor sessions, offering:

Newborn & milestone photography
Maternity sessions
Family portraits
Event photography (baptisms, birthdays, Doljabi, etc.)
Pet portraits

View my full photography services or contact me to book your session.

For ongoing inspiration, follow me on Pinterest where I share creative motherhood and photography content.

I’m Anna Munandar with Mini Anna Photography - and I’m based in Marin County and San Francisco Bay Area. I am a studio, indoor, and outdoor photographer who captures families, maternity, birthdays, milestones, events, baptisms, pets and newborn photos. Check out my website for more information about booking, or to see my work and published features. Or give me a follow on Pinterest (@MiniAnnaPhoto) to see some creative inspo for photography and inspiring motherhood content as well.