Hey hey, mama!

If you’re anything like most moms I work with, your camera roll is probably FULL of your baby… but also somehow missing the moments that actually mean the most. 

And I get it, baby’s first year is a blur. You’re tired, you’re soaking it all in, and you keep thinking, “I’ll take better photos later”. But the thing is, later sneaks up FAST with little ones. Most moms don’t realize what they’ll wish they had photos of until those moments are already gone. So instead of spending too much time trying to capture everything perfectly, I want to help you focus on what actually matters. 

Here are 5 must have photos from your baby’s first year that you will never regret having, whether you take them on your phone or have them professionally done.

#1  You + Your Baby (Yes, YOU)

This is the one most moms skip.

You’ve got hundreds of photos of your baby… but how many do you have with them? And I know the thoughts: 

• I don’t look put together
• I’ll wait until I feel better / lose weight
• I just want photos of them to remember how small they are

But one day? They will want to look back on the photos and see YOU in it with them. Being able to see the love in how you hold them, look at them, and care for them… that’s what they’ll treasure the most. Not the perfect ones. 

The ones where they’re in your arms. The ones that show the special bond you created early on. 

Quick Tip: Hand your phone to your partner, a friend, or even set up a timer to snap a photo of what you naturally already do with them. It doesn’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to share it online, it just needs to exist. 

#2  The Tiny Details

The little things? They change before you even realize it. 

The way their tiny hand can only wrap around one of your fingers. The chunky baby rolls. The little toes and sleepy newborn stretches. 

These are the details that feel small now, but end up meaning everything later.

Quick Tip: Get close. Like really close. You don’t need a fancy setup, just good lighting and a quiet moment. Get up close to all the tiny details to help highlight them. Have them hold a little teddy bear or heart to compare to later. 

#3 Everyday Moments

Not every photo needs to be a milestone. 

Some of the sweetest images come from simple everyday moments like: 

• Feeding Time
• Rocking them to sleep
• Playing on the floor
• Those random little smiles

And no, this doesn’t have to be perfectly styled at-home sessions. Even quick, in between moments count. This is about capturing your life as it is now. One day, it won’t feel ordinary anymore. When you look back you’ll be able to reminisce on just how special those moments truly were. 

Quick Tip: Pick one normal moment this week and intentionally get a photograph of it.

#4 Milestone Moments

While not every photo needs to be a milestone, it’s still important to capture those big moments too. They don’t have to be (if you don’t want them to be): 

• Perfectly Posed
• Overly Themed 
• Pinterest-perfect

Whether it’s sitting up, crawling, or first birthdays, make it feel like your family. These can be simple, styled, or somewhere in between, what matters is documenting the stage they’re in.

Quick Tip: Remember the baby is the focus. If you do a theme, pick something that brings your little one’s joy and helps highlight their personality for the best photos. 

#5  The Connection

This is one that hits differently. 

The way they look at you. The way you make them laugh. The way they snuggle into you.

These are the moments that will bring you right back to how this season felt. You won’t remember the outfits or poses, but that feeling is what’ll come rushing back. 

Quick Tip: Instead of saying “look at the camera”, just interact with your baby. The magic is in those natural moments with your baby. 

If there’s one thing I want you to take from this, it’s this: 

You don’t need everything to be perfect, you just need to document it before time slips away. These photos aren’t just for right now, they’re for the version of you who will look back and wish she could’ve held onto this stage just a little longer.

The truth is, this season is already changing. And FAST. So whether you take these on your phone or hire me to help you capture them… The important thing is, to not let them pass without getting the photos. 

Save this blog, and come back to it when you’re ready to start documenting your little baby. 

If you’re in the Pittsburg, KS or Joplin, MO area and want help capturing these moments in a way that actually feels like your family, I’d love to be that person for you!