As a Fort Worth lifestyle newborn and family photographer, I often hear moms say, “I wish I’d taken more photos during that baby stage between crawling and walking!” It’s easy to think of newborn photos and then jump straight to first birthdays or family sessions—but there’s a whole season in between that deserves to be documented. That’s where milestone photography sessions come in.
If you have a baby between 9 and 24 months old, a milestone session is the perfect way to capture their growing personality in a simple, timeless way.
Let’s walk through what a milestone session is, what to expect, and why it might just become one of your favorite photo sessions ever.
What Is a Milestone Photography Session?
A milestone photography session is a short and meaningful portrait session designed specifically for babies between the ages of 9 months and 2 years. These sessions focus on your child’s unique stage of development—whether they’re sitting up, crawling, standing, or taking their first wobbly steps.
At Allison Krogness Photography, milestone sessions take place at The Lumen Room in Fort Worth, a bright and beautiful natural light studio that’s ideal for capturing your baby’s features without distractions.
Sessions are:
- 20 minutes long
- For a single child (ages 9–24 months)
- Include a few snuggly moments with Mom at the beginning
- Child-led and relaxed, so your baby feels at ease
In other words, they’re short, sweet, and filled with real smiles.
Why Are Milestone Sessions Important?
As a mom of three girls, I know firsthand how fast the baby years fly by. One moment your little one is babbling and clapping—and the next, they’re running around and suddenly seem so grown up.
Here are just a few reasons to consider booking a milestone session:
1. You’re documenting rapid changes.
Between 9 and 24 months, your baby’s development skyrockets. In a matter of weeks, they go from sitting unassisted to pulling up, from babbling to stringing together first words. Their face changes, their expressions mature, and their baby rolls begin to shift. A milestone session allows you to pause and preserve those changes.
2. Your child’s personality is emerging.
This is the age when you start to see their spark. Maybe they’re giggly, thoughtful, curious, or a little shy. These sessions are short enough to keep their attention, but long enough to capture those little moments that showcase who they are becoming.
3. It’s a beautiful follow-up to your newborn session.
If you booked a newborn session with me, milestone photography sessions are the perfect way to complete the story. You’ll love seeing the growth in side-by-side frames—from sleepy newborn to babbling baby. Even if you didn’t have newborn photos taken, this is a chance to start documenting now. It’s never too late.
When Should You Schedule a Milestone Session?
Milestone photography sessions can be scheduled anytime between 9 and 24 months, but there are a few key ages that moms often love to capture:
- 9 months: Baby can sit unassisted and is full of facial expressions
- 12 months: First birthday milestone with standing or early walking
- 18 months: A playful, personality-filled phase with lots of movement
- 24 months: A final baby-focused session before entering full-on toddlerhood
If your child is about to hit one of these stages, this is a great time to schedule.
What Happens During a Milestone Session?
These sessions are intentionally simple so your child can shine.
When you arrive at The Lumen Room Fort Worth, we’ll begin with a few sweet photos of you and your baby. Nothing posed or formal—just natural snuggles, playful moments, and genuine connection. After that, mom steps aside so we can focus entirely on your little one.
The space is free of distractions and full of natural light, which helps your child feel safe and calm. I always follow their lead, allowing for breaks, movement, or cuddles as needed. The goal is not perfection—it’s personality.
What to Wear for a Milestone Session
Wondering what to dress your baby in? You’re not alone. Outfit planning can feel overwhelming, but I promise it doesn’t have to be. In fact, the simpler, the better.
For Baby:
- Soft, neutral colors like cream, beige, pale blue, sage green, or dusty rose
- Textures like knit rompers, bubbles, or linen overalls
- Barefoot is best—baby toes are always a favorite detail
- Avoid clothing with writing, logos, or neon colors
Some of my favorite baby brands for milestone sessions include:
- Jamie Kay
- Zara Baby
- H&M Conscious Line
- LouLou Lollipop
- Quincy Mae
If you’re local, check out Babies on the Boulevard or Hale House Fort Worth for timeless baby outfits.
For Mom:
You’ll be in just a few images, but they’re always some of the most loved. I recommend:
- A flowy dress or soft blouse in a coordinating neutral
- Minimal makeup and hair styling—just enough to feel confident but still like yourself
- Soft fabrics and gentle patterns (if any)
If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to review outfit choices and offer styling guidance ahead of time.
What You’ll Receive After Your Session
After your milestone session, you’ll receive:
- A private online gallery of professionally edited, high-resolution images
- Options to purchase prints, albums, or framed artwork
- Help selecting favorites for printing or sharing
Many moms choose to print these photos for baby books, nursery décor, or grandparent gifts. You’ll be surprised how often these images become lifelong favorites.
Tips for a Smooth Session
- Schedule around your child’s happiest time of day. Morning is usually best!
- Bring one or two small items your baby loves—think soft lovey, wooden toy, or blanket.
- Dress baby at the studio if possible to avoid spills or wrinkles in the car.
- Don’t stress. Toddlers are unpredictable, and that’s okay. I’m used to working with wiggly babies and know how to capture the magic in between the chaos.
Common Questions Moms Ask
How far in advance should I book?
I recommend booking 4–6 weeks in advance. Sessions are limited and often fill up quickly, especially in the spring and fall.
Can siblings or dad join?
Milestone sessions are designed for one child and mom only. If you’re looking for a session that includes the whole family, a full family session might be a better fit.
What if my baby is shy or has a tough time?
That’s completely normal! I always take time to build trust and move at your child’s pace. Some of the best photos happen after a little warm-up time.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let These Moments Slip By
The baby years are a beautiful blur. You’re busy, tired, and doing your best—and sometimes photos fall to the bottom of the list. But here’s the thing: this season won’t last. The way they look at you. The tiny teeth. The chubby hands. The wobble in their walk. It all changes so fast.
Milestone sessions are my way of helping you press pause. So you’ll always remember what 11 months looked like. What 17 months felt like. What your baby looked like before they became your big kid.
If you’re in the Fort Worth area and have a child between 9 and 24 months, I would love to help you preserve this sweet chapter. Let’s create something timeless together.
Ready to Book?
You can inquire about a milestone session right here or send me a message to chat more about timing, outfits, or availability. I’d be honored to capture this milestone for you.
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