Your baby's first year is filled with beautiful stages to capture.

Many families choose to book around:

• 3 months (especially if this is your first session or you've already had an early newborn photoshoot)
• 6–9 months, when their baby is happily sitting but not yet on the move
• 12+ months, when many children begin taking their first steps.

Together, these sessions create a beautiful story of your baby's first year and capture the wonderful variety of changes that happen along the way.

Every child develops at their own pace, and I always tailor each session to suit your baby's age, personality and stage of development.

I recommend booking your milestone session a few months in advance to give you the best chance of securing your preferred date and the stage of childhood you'd most like to capture.

Families who book A First Year Milestone package secure priority booking in my calendar, making it easier to plan and capture each beautiful stage as your little one grows.

If you've only just discovered milestone photography or have decided at the last minute that you'd love to celebrate this chapter, please don't hesitate to get in touch. If I have availability, I'll always do my very best to fit you in.

I recommend booking your child's birthday session at least a few months in advance to give you the best chance of securing a date close to their birthday.

Booking ahead also gives us plenty of time to plan a personalised session, especially if you have any special ideas or would like to include meaningful details that reflect your child's personality.

If you've left it until the last minute, don't worry—please still get in touch. If I have availability, I'll always do my very best to fit you in.

Absolutely!

While cake smash sessions are very popular and can be great fun for some babies, they're certainly not the only way to celebrate a first birthday—and they're not for every child.

A first birthday doesn't need elaborate balloon displays or themed setups to feel special. A few thoughtful details that give a plenty of room for your child's personality to shine are often all that's needed.

Whether your little one would rather explore, play with their favourite toy or simply enjoy a few bubbles and giggles, we'll create a session that feels natural and celebrates this exciting first birthday in a way that suits them.

Yes.

All sessions can take place in my cosy studio in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, in the comfort of your own home, or at a chosen outdoor location—whichever feels right for your family.

For in-home sessions, I'll bring everything we need to create beautiful, studio-quality portraits.

You'll have the flexibility to schedule your session around your family's routine, rather than chasing the changing natural light or worrying about the weather.

I'd much rather chase the beautiful moments and your little ones' smiles!

Absolutely! This is one of the biggest misconceptions about studio photography.

The truth is, children can play, explore and enjoy themselves wherever they are, as long as they feel curious, relaxed and comfortable.

While many families imagine that natural photographs can only happen outdoors or at home, that's simply not the case.

A studio session also has many benefits. It allows us to work around your child's routine without worrying about the weather or chasing the changing light, while still creating beautifully consistent, studio-quality photographs. That means we can simply relax and enjoy the session, letting the moments unfold naturally.

Yes. While the main focus of these sessions is your child, I always encourage parents to step in for a few family portraits too.

One day, your child won't just look at these photographs to see themselves—they'll look for you too. Years from now, you'll be so glad you stepped into the frame.

Great news is that children don't need to "behave" or "cooperate" for great photographs. In fact, that's never the focus of my sessions.

The best photographs capture your child's true personality—whether they're outgoing and full of energy, or a little shy and thoughtful.

Throughout the session, I focus on playing, interacting with your child and following their lead. Children want what we all do—to feel heard, seen and taken seriously. When they feel relaxed and are genuinely having fun, I can capture them naturally.

And yes, that includes those beautiful portraits where they're looking straight at the camera with a big smile too.

Every child is different. Some sessions are full of belly laughs, while others are quieter—filled with curiosity, gentle smiles and little moments of exploration.

In fact, not every child enjoys a high-energy session with lots of jokes, singing and excitement. For some, that can feel overwhelming rather than fun.

What usually helps most is time and patience—something I have plenty of!

My sessions focus on building a genuine connection with your child, gently helping them feel comfortable and bringing them out of their shell. More often than not, we're still able to create beautiful portraits together.

And the truth is, a beautiful portrait doesn't always need a big smile or direct eye contact with the camera (me!). Some of the most heartfelt photographs happen naturally between your child and you, or while they're completely absorbed in playing, exploring or simply being themselves.

As lovely as smiles are, I don't believe we need to chase them throughout the entire session.

Honestly? This happens more often than not —and that's completely okay.

Children have big feelings, and milestone sessions usually happen at an age when they're learning to express them. A tantrum, tears or a moment of frustration don't mean the session has failed.

We'll simply pause, have a cuddle, a snack, a little play or a break if it's needed. There is never any pressure to keep going before your child is ready.

With plenty of patience, flexibility and a calm approach, we almost always find our way back to happy moments. And sometimes, after the biggest tears come the biggest smiles.

The most important thing is that your child feels safe, understood and never rushed. Everything else can wait.

Every child is welcome, so please don't let this be something that holds you back.

With many years of experience working with families and children with additional needs before opening my photography studio, I understand that every child experiences the world differently. Some children may need more time, space or a slightly different approach to feel comfortable.

Before your session, I would simply love to spend some time understanding your child's individual needs, what helps them feel safe and relaxed, and how we can adapt the session to make it a positive experience for everyone.

Most milestone and birthday sessions last around 45–60 minutes.

In my experience, this is just the right amount of time for little ones. We have plenty of time to play, explore and take breaks when needed, while keeping the session relaxed, engaging and, most importantly, enjoyable for your child.

Individual milestone sessions allow much more creative freedom, giving us the opportunity to reflect your child's interests, favourite toys and the little details that make this stage of childhood unique.

Whether your little one arrives in their favourite outfit, a special birthday dress or something simple and comfortable, the most beautiful photographs will always come from a child who feels happy and confident.

If you would like to include a few family photographs too, you are welcome to bring a second outfit so everyone feels coordinated while still feeling like yourselves.

I also have a selection of beautiful items available from my complimentary client wardrobe, if you would prefer to choose something from there.

If your child is unwell, we'll simply reschedule.

Their wellbeing will always be the priority.

No. Raw, unedited photographs are not available for purchase or release, as each final image reflects the care, attention and quality behind my work—and that's what you've hired me for as a professional photographer.

You can trust me to carefully select the very best photographs from your session, so you never have to. Each image is thoughtfully refined where needed, ensuring your final gallery is beautifully finished in my signature style.