There’s something extraordinary about watching a family grow right in front of my lens. This past year with baby Cameron has been such a joy. From his snuggly newborn days to his twinkly-eyed holiday session, and then from his sweet seven-month portraits to this moment—his first birthday celebration—we’ve officially come full circle. His First Year Bundle included three milestone sessions, and his parents added a fourth, making this year together even sweeter. For this final first-year chapter, we took the party to A Darling Studio in Chicago, and oh, my goodness, his birthday smash cake experience was priceless.

A Studio Celebration Filled With Thoughtful Details

The moment Cameron’s mom walked into the studio, arms full of the most darling details, I knew we were about to create magic. We’re talking:

• A perfectly scaled balloon arch in soft, muted blues.
• A tiny “One” birthday crown worthy of a miniature king.
• Outfit changes that were somehow both timeless and ridiculously adorable.
• And the pièce de résistance—a little smash cake that had “camera-ready” written all over it.

These thoughtful touches transformed a simple milestone session into a true celebration. The clean white backdrop at A Darling Studio was the dreamiest blank canvas. It let the blue hues shine, giving every moment a subtle editorial feel with lots of color. Everything came together exactly the way you want a first birthday session to feel. It was classic, sweet, joyful, and filled with personality.

A Birthday Boy With the Best Smile

I love photographing babies and toddlers because you just can’t beat their unexpected antics. Sure enough, Cameron brought a level of joy that could power all of Chicago. Truly. Every time I lifted my camera, there he was with this wide, scrunchy, full-body smile that made all of us melt immediately. I think he felt extra proud of those new teeth he’s been working on for the last few months.

Watching him explore the set, snuggle into his parents, and taste his tiny smash cake was such a privilege. We made space for family moments, solo portraits, and all the little interactions parents treasure but never see from the outside—a baby reaching for mom’s hand, dad lifting him just high enough to trigger a giggle fit, and those in-between expressions that shift from curiosity to delight in seconds.

Seeing a one-year-old lean in to his first birthday smash cake with enthusiasm always induces contagious laughter. 

Feeling Creative? Bring it On!

As a photographer, I can bring the light, the space, the creativity, and the direction. But sessions like this are truly a collaboration. And Cameron’s parents knocked it out of the park.

Everything was so well thought out: outfits planned with intention, props that complemented the palette instead of overwhelming it, and the perfect mix of structure and flexibility to keep things fun. The result? A gallery that feels not only cohesive but timeless. These are the kind of photos that live on walls for years, the kind you pull out at graduation and say, “Look at that face. Some things never change.”

Why I Love the First Year Photography Bundle

For expecting parents—or those holding a brand-new baby and wondering how to freeze time (because babies transform astonishingly fast)—the First Year Bundle is one of the most practical and meaningful decisions you can make.

Here’s why:

• You’ll actually remember to schedule the sessions. Life with a baby is beautiful… and busy. The days blur together, and if something’s not already planned, it often gets pushed off. Think of this like your wellness checkups or your dental cleanings—you book them while you’re already in the office because you know you won’t think of it again at the right time.

• You save money on the bundle. If you know you want multiple sessions, bundling them is the most economical option.

• You’re guaranteed consistent, cohesive images. Same photographer, similar editing, a planned progression of portraits—it all works together to tell a seamless story of your baby’s first year.

When you look back on that first year (and I promise, you will—over and over again), having these milestone moments beautifully documented feels like the greatest gift.

So… Which First Year Milestones Should You Capture?

There are no strict rules. Every family is different, and every baby reaches milestones at their own pace. But after years of photographing hundreds of little ones, here are a few tried-and-true options for your 3–4 session First Year Bundle:

1. Newborn (0–2 weeks)

Soft, sleepy, snuggly, and fleeting. Perfect for capturing the tiny details that disappear fast: curled toes, flaky skin, fuzzy shoulders, froggy legs, and that fresh-new-baby softness.

2. Three or Four Months

This stage is all about personality: the first big smiles, the emerging eye contact, and the cute squishiness that’s so endearing during early babyhood. Babies are often more alert here, making it a great milestone to document.

3. Six, Seven, or Eight Months (Sitter Session)

A fan favorite for a reason—babies can sit up, their faces are wildly expressive, and they interact more with both you and the camera. Cameron’s seven-month session was one of my favorites for this very reason!

4. First Birthday (12 Months)

A celebration wrapped inside a photoshoot. Whether you choose a simple studio look, an outdoor session, or a styled smash cake setup, this milestone feels big because it is big.

One Year Down, Many Milestones to Go

Photographing Cameron’s first birthday session was the perfect finale to a year filled with milestones, memories, and so much growth. It truly fuels my passion each time I get to help a family hold onto the seasons they never want to forget. If you’re expecting or already navigating that first wonderful, sleep-deprived, joy-filled year, I’d love to help you document it in a way that feels authentic, playful, and totally you.

Here’s to Cameron, to turning one, and to all the families on their way to celebrating this sweet milestone.