Milestone Session Prep
What Ages Are Milestones?
Milestone ages are typically at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. However, I believe all ages deserve to be documented! So whether you’re celebrating 6 months or 60 years, let’s take that picture!
Have you ever seen a photo of your grandfather as a baby? Or maybe your mother as a teenager? These photos are more than a digital image that remains imprisoned on your phone. They’re heirloom items that can be handed down for generations.
The average time it takes me to delivery your gallery is 2 weeks. If it’s important for you to have your images delivered in time to celebrate the milestone, then I recommend scheduling your session with me a couple weeks in advance, so that you can expect your photos back in time for the actual milestone date.
If you are wanting to order props or a cake, also consider the time it would take to have these items delivered as well.
Milestone sessions are most often done in my studio, Collective. It’s located at 523 Georgia Ave in North Augusta, SC. We have street parking in the front and grass parking in the back.
My studio sessions are scheduled Monday - Friday 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. Weekends and after hours are available with a $49 fee.
Take your child’s nap time schedule into account when planning their session. Request a time that they would most likely be happy, and avoid scheduling a time that would normally be their nap time.
For siblings in school that you want included in the session, I recommend treating this like any other appointment. I have school excuses available if requested.
When To Schedule
What To Bring
Milestone sessions are allotted up to 3 outfit changes. Take advantage of this! Changing outfits not only helps add variety in your gallery, but can also help create different moods in your photos.
I have a minimalist style and only have a few props of my own that I use. If you would like something specific or more elaborate, feel free to bring it!
For health and allergy reasons, I do not provide cakes. But you’re welcome to bring your own!
If your little one has a favorite snack or toy, I recommend bringing it to assist in helping them if they need extra help to feel comfortable.
What To Expect
If your milestone session is for a little one, expect to sweat. Babies are always on the move or might need to be entertained. This is where parents can help!
Parents, or whoever might be in attendance, will help wrangle fast crawlers and quick runners. It’s a lot of back and forth work, but your helping hands are always appreciated!
Sometimes they’ll cry or refuse to smile. Don’t stress about it! While my goal is to capture at least one photo, smiling happily, and looking straight at the camera, I find that the more genuine photos are the ones we cherish the most.
If your little one(s) is crying, you’ll hold them, tickle them, and spin them around.
And I’ll take the photos.
Including Family
While it’s not required, I always encourage family to be included in some photos during their little one’s milestone session. Sometimes it’s a cherry on top of the session, other times it might be a necessity to help calm a little one.
Feel free to come dressed and ready to join the spot light. You’ll never regret taking the photo.