5 Reasons to Schedule a Milestone Session with a Utah Child Photographer

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black and white portrait of little girl in a sunhat blowing dandelion seeds in a utah county portrait studio

toddler holding white teddy bear milestone session

first birthday girl with balloons and one letters

baby in tub with rubber ducky after cake smash session

girl with big brown eyes by utah child photographer

baby boy sitting on stool taken by utah child photographer

duck lips baby girl by utah child photographer

#1 your Child is only this age once

Once of the crazy things about parenthood is how time can simultaneously pass so slowly and so quickly. While it seems you have forever with your little ones, you blink and they have changed. Consistent portrait sessions are the perfect way to take a snapshot of each phase so you don’t miss any of the sweet changes your little one (or big one) goes through.

#2 it promotes self esteem and connectedness

Multiple studies have shown the connection between printed photos of your child (and your family) hanging in your home to greater feelings of self worth and connection in children. When you hang up photos of your child in your home, you tell your child that you value them, you remind them of how much you love them and that they have a place in your home and your heart.

#3 school pictures just don’t capture personality

We all love school photos, right? I spent years feeling guilted into purchasing school photos- which sometimes were admittedly adorable, and other years less adorable. But the fact of the matter is, school photos only capture that one, ten second smile the photographer grabbed before moving on to the next kid. Milestone photo sessions are the WAY TO GO if you are looking for a fun way to capture your child’s personality. It’s an experience all about your child and what they love.

#4 some day you’ll want these

Some day, your kids will be grown and you’ll want to be able to look back at these photos. We have several walls in our home actually dedicated to our favorite portraits from our children’s growing up years- just because they have moved on to another stage, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to (or want to) take those photos down. Whether it’s in wall art or an album, you’ll want the easy ability to see your child in these moments.

Some day your CHILD will want to see these, and will want to share them with THEIR children. I love seeing old photographs of my parents and grandparents, and love how my children gather around when we’re looking at old albums and smile at the different pictures of family.

cute baby in overalls sitting on a white backdrop by a utah baby photographer

#5 you won’t regret the photos you take

I have never, ever, once regretted having photos taken of my children. Not even those cheesy school photos. What in the moment can feel like a big investment, soon becomes money spent in the past. But there are few things that grow in value over time as much as portraits of the ones we love.

While I’ve never regretted spending money on a photo session, I have had plenty of moments when I wish I HAD sacrificed a little bit more to spend more on a photographer, or to even have a portrait session at all.

Those are moments missed that I wish I could have back. Take the photos now- set up a plan of how often you would like portraits and work them into your budget, whether it’s once a year or every other year. You won’t regret the photos you take.

Frequently asked questions

As an Utah Child Photographer, I get many questions about when the best time to book Milestone Sessions is! While there is never a wrong time for scheduling your child’s session, there are some Milestones that parents tend to celebrate and I would highly recommend.

Following Newborn sessions, the next typical session is Sitter Sessions. These take place when baby is around 6-11 months old, and is able to sit unassisted (but preferably before baby is crawling or walking). This is a prime age to get pictures, as once baby becomes more mobile there is a lot more chasing involved.

The next big session is Cake Smash / Birthday Sessions. If you’re looking for a birthday session, that will fall under the regular milestone session pricing. Cake Smashes are a little bit extra fun- and you can learn all about those HERE.

Following the first birthday, many families enjoy doing a yearly photo session of their growing child. Even once your child is school age, milestone sessions are a great alternative to getting the standard single school photo pose, and do a better job of capturing your child’s personality.

Your child’s portrait session will take place in my portrait studio, unless we make prior arrangements at another location. Travel fees may apply for child sessions.

I suggest having at least one outfit change. Many parents love having one more formal outfit and one casual outfit or something that represents their child’s personality. Sitter sessions include the use of 2-3 outfits from my studio’s sitter session closet.

You will schedule a Gallery Release Appointment which will take place within 14 days following your session. This takes place in my studio and usually lasts about 30-45 minutes. You’ll get to see your portraits in a custom slideshow, you’ll choose your digitals and purchase print products.

Milestone session pricing

Baby must be able to sit alone unsupported (and be stable) for Milestone Sessions. Sitter Sessions (6-11 months) also include the use of up to three outfits from my sitter session closet (sizes 6-12 months). Milestone Sessions are for children ages 1-16

Standard Milestone Package

200

+ $200 MINIMUM PRODUCT PURCHASE
– Portraits of Child, Up to 3 Outfits
– Gallery Reveal With > 30 Images to View
– 25 High Resolution Digital Files

Minimum Product Purchase is an additional amount that must be spent on products or additional digitals during your gallery reveal.

Digitals Only Package

450

DIGITALS ONLY PACKAGE

Do you want a Milestone Session without any products, with just the digital files?
This package includes everything in the Standard Milestone Package, but instead of a minimum product purchase you’ll just pay a set package fee.
2 weeks following your session you’ll be emailed your complete edited gallery of High Resolution Digital Files (at least 30) and a Print Release

Minimum product purchase is an amount (separate from your session fee) that must be spent on products before any digitals are delivered.

Hey Girl, Can I just get the digitals?

As a Utah Child Photographer, my emphasis is beautiful portraits you will love to share- and so it’s important to me that you find your perfect way to share your photos!

The session fee is a non-refundable retainer to reserve your session time, and covers my time and talents. Your minimum purchase amount may be spent on products or additional digitals, and will be spent at your Gallery Reveal. This makes it so that instead of a one-size-fits-all package, you’re able to customize your spending based on your preferences and budget, with the flexibility to invest in what products are the most meaningful to you.

I would love to be your utah child photographer!

If you feel like we would be a good fit, click the link below and leave your details. I’ll be in touch soon!

Let’s Chat!

Looking for a Cake Smash?

Package details are a little bit different for Cake Smashes! Click HERE to find out more about scheduling a Cake Smash Session.