Which Milestones Deserve Family Photos?

A Guide to Capturing Life’s Most Meaningful Moments

If you’re like most families, you have every intention of taking more photos—but the seasons fly by, and somehow another year passes without scheduling that session. I get it. Life is full and fast. Kids grow quickly. You’re juggling a lot. But here’s the truth: time doesn’t slow down, and our babies don’t stay little.

Family photography isn’t just about a pretty picture for your holiday card or something to frame above the mantle. It’s about documenting your life—your actual life—as it’s unfolding. It’s about preserving the seasons you’re in before they change, which they always do. It’s about showing up in your own story, not just for now, but for your kids and grandkids who will one day look back and see where they came from.

So when should you invest in professional family photos? Which moments are worth capturing? Let’s talk about the milestones that matter most—and a few you might not have thought about.

Why Milestone Photography Matters

We often think of photography as “extra”—a luxury we’ll get around to someday. But when I look back at photos of my own family, I’m reminded that they aren’t just pictures. They’re anchors.

A photograph can instantly bring back the smell of your newborn’s head, the sound of your child’s giggle, the feel of a toddler hand wrapped around your finger. It’s more than just a record of what someone looked like at a certain age—it’s a record of who you were together at that moment in time.

When done thoughtfully, milestone photography tells your family’s story across years. It becomes a visual heirloom—something that grows more valuable with each passing season.

The Most Important Milestones to Photograph

Let’s walk through the chapters of a family’s story and explore the moments you’ll want to make sure are documented with intention.

1. Maternity and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a miracle and a whirlwind. You may not feel your best, but there’s beauty in the anticipation, the transformation, and the quiet moments of waiting. Maternity photos usually take place between 28 and 36 weeks when your bump is showing but you still feel comfortable moving around.

These sessions can be solo, or they can include your partner, children, or even pets. They’re not just about the baby growing inside you—they’re about the family they’re being born into. And yes—your second, third, or fifth baby deserves photos too. Every new life brings a shift in your family dynamic that’s worth celebrating.

2. Newborn Photos

Those first few weeks after birth are such a blur. You’re learning each other. You’re adjusting. You’re sleeping (barely). It’s a time that slips away quickly and often gets lost in the fog of diapers and feedings.

Newborn photos freeze that fleeting magic. Whether you prefer softly posed newborn portraits in the first two weeks or a lifestyle/documentary-style session at home within the first two months, the goal is the same: to capture the sacredness of this new beginning.

We’ll document the way they fit in your arms, the gentle wrinkled toes, the way your partner looks at your baby with awe. These images become some of the most treasured possessions you’ll ever own.

3. Baby’s First Year

From helpless to independent in twelve months—how is that even possible? Baby’s first year is full of big developmental leaps, and each stage has its own magic.

Consider capturing:

3–4 months – when babies are alert, starting to smile and interact
6–7 months – sitting up (often the best stage for joyful, personality-filled photos)
12 months – standing or cruising, and celebrating their very first birthday

Some families opt for a milestone package to document all three, while others just choose one or two. Either way, you’ll want to look back and remember these transitions—the gummy grins, the chubby thighs, the way they light up when you walk into the room.

4. Birthdays and Annual Check-Ins

Birthdays aren’t just for parties. They’re a natural time to reflect on who your child is becoming. Whether it’s a themed photoshoot, a cake smash for a one-year-old, or a simple backyard session to celebrate another trip around the sun, birthday sessions help you see the progression year by year.

And beyond birthdays, many families choose to do an annual family session in the same season or month each year—almost like an emotional time capsule. These sessions can document not just how your children look, but how your family feels at that stage. They become part of your rhythm, something your kids even look forward to.

5. Starting School: Preschool, Kindergarten, Middle School, High School

That first drop-off. The excitement. The nerves. The backpack that looks too big. These transitions are enormous for children and for parents.

Milestones like starting preschool, heading off to kindergarten, entering middle school, or kicking off high school mark new eras in your child’s development. A professional photo session helps honor that shift—especially when you compare them over time. These portraits also make thoughtful gifts for grandparents and special keepsakes for you.

6. Senior Year

Senior sessions are some of the most emotionally significant photos I take. They’re a celebration of who your child has become and a beautiful send-off into their next chapter.

Senior portraits are a chance to capture personality, hobbies, and dreams. Think sports, music, art, nature, favorite spots in Kansas City—they should feel like them. These sessions can also double as a family portrait session while everyone’s still under the same roof.

7. Family Transitions or Achievements

Not every milestone is marked on a calendar. Sometimes it’s something quieter but equally important:

Moving to a new home
Welcoming an adopted or foster child
Celebrating sobriety, recovery, or healing
Graduating from a career, finishing a big project, or launching a business
Blending two families together

These seasons deserve to be honored. Even if the world doesn’t stop to applaud you—you know what they meant. That’s reason enough.

8. Grandparent Sessions & Generational Photos

One of the biggest regrets I hear from families is: “I wish we had a photo with Grandma before she passed.”

Don’t wait. Schedule the session. Bring grandparents into the story. A simple photo of your child with your parents can become one of your most meaningful treasures.

Generational portraits are also a beautiful way to celebrate milestone anniversaries—25, 40, or 50 years of love. These images honor the legacy of your family and help your children see the beauty in growing older and staying connected.

9. Seasonal and Holiday Sessions

Fall in Kansas City is a favorite for a reason: golden leaves, cooler weather, cozy outfits. But don’t overlook the beauty of spring wildflowers, summer sunflowers, or winter holiday magic.

Whether you’re booking a full session or a quick mini session, seasonal photos offer a fun and low-pressure way to stay current with your family photos.

And bonus—these are perfect for holiday cards, gifts, or updated gallery walls!

10. “Just Because”

Not every session needs a milestone. Sometimes the best photos come from the in-between seasons.

The year your toddler won’t stop dressing like a firefighter
The backyard moments with muddy feet and popsicles
The lazy Saturday mornings baking together
The quiet winter days reading books by the fireplace

These “nothing special” sessions often become the most special. They reflect who your family really is—and they’ll mean even more as the years go by.

Tips for Making the Most of Milestone Sessions

Find the right photographer: Look for someone whose style matches your family’s personality—whether it’s playful, quiet, adventurous, or traditional.
Dress intentionally but comfortably: You don’t have to match. Choose tones that complement each other and allow your personalities to shine.
Let go of perfect: Kids will be kids. If someone won’t smile or sit still, that’s okay. Some of the most heartfelt images come from in-between moments.
Include yourself: Don’t hide behind the camera. Your kids will want to see you in the photos.

How Often Should You Book Family Photos?

There’s no rule—but here’s a good rhythm to consider:

Pregnancy through toddlerhood: more frequent sessions—every 3–6 months if possible
School-age kids: once a year, ideally around the same time each year
Major milestones: add extra sessions for big transitions, achievements, or celebrations

Mini sessions are a great option if time or budget is tight. They’re short, sweet, and still meaningful.

Your Story Deserves to Be Remembered

There is no “perfect” list of what milestones to photograph. Every family is different. Your values, your pace, your story—it’s all uniquely yours.

But if you’ve been thinking, “We should really take more pictures,”—this is your sign. Don’t wait for things to slow down. Don’t wait until you lose weight or buy a new outfit. Life is happening now.

The seasons pass quickly, but photos let you revisit them again and again. They say, We were here. We loved each other. This was our life.

If you’re ready to capture your next milestone—or just want to freeze time before it moves again—I’d be honored to help. Reach out to schedule your session or ask questions. I’m here to walk with you through every season.