Your baby’s first year goes by in the blink of an eye. Each stage brings new expressions, new movements, and new memories that you’ll never want to forget. As an Oklahoma City newborn and milestone photographer, I’ve photographed hundreds of little ones during their first year — and I can tell you exactly when to plan each session for those picture-perfect memories.

Here’s a simple roadmap to help you capture every milestone beautifully.

Newborn Session (0–2 Weeks) — The Tiny Beginning

The newborn stage is fleeting. Within the first 14 days after birth, your baby is still sleepy, curled, and flexible — perfect for those swaddled, serene poses everyone loves.

In-studio newborn sessions at The Homestead Studio focus on your baby’s delicate features, tiny fingers, and brand-new details. This session is best booked before your due date, so we can reserve space and adjust once baby arrives.

→ Learn more about newborn sessions here.

Tummy Time Session (3–4 Months) — Personality Emerging

By this stage, your baby is starting to smile, make eye contact, and hold their head up — and their personality is starting to shine!
This is the perfect time for light, airy portraits that focus on those early smiles and big curious eyes.

These sessions are often simple and cozy, photographed in neutral tones that highlight your baby’s features.

Sitter Session (6–8 Months) — Sweet Expressions & Chubby Cheeks

Once your baby can sit unsupported, it’s time for the sitter session — one of my absolute favorites! At this age, babies are expressive, happy, and full of energy.

This milestone is ideal for capturing giggles, curiosity, and play. I use soft props and simple setups at The Homestead Studio to let your baby’s personality shine.

If you’re planning to display your baby’s portraits on a gallery wall, these images often pair beautifully with your newborn photos for a cohesive look.

→ Ask about my milestone mini session options.

First Birthday Session (10–12 Months) — The Celebration

Your baby’s first birthday deserves a little extra celebration!
Whether you want a simple, classic portrait or a cake smash session with custom décor and styling, this milestone is one of the most fun and meaningful sessions to plan.

At Photos by Ashleigh, I provide custom cakes and styling for each celebration session so everything coordinates perfectly with your chosen theme or color palette.

Optional Family Session — The Full Circle

At least once during your baby’s first year, I encourage scheduling a family portrait session to capture your growing bond. Whether in-studio, outdoors, or in your home, these sessions beautifully document the connection and joy your family shares.

Family sessions also make a wonderful closing chapter for your first-year album or wall display.

Heirloom Artwork for Every Stage

Each milestone session is part of your baby’s story — and when displayed together, they become a breathtaking collection of memories.

I offer a range of fine art prints, heirloom albums, and wall art designs that allow you to see your child’s growth over time, beautifully preserved in tangible form.

From those sleepy newborn swaddles to the frosting-covered first birthday smiles, your baby’s story deserves to be seen, felt, and remembered.

Ready to Plan Your Baby’s First Year?

Let’s design a milestone plan that captures every sweet stage — simply, beautifully, and intentionally.

👉 Start planning your baby’s first year sessions today.