Indianapolis Baby Milestone Photographer

Joyful, timeless milestone photography to capture every beautiful stage of your baby’s growth.

Your baby changes more in the first year than at any other time in their life - new expressions, new skills, and new little pieces of their personality shining through each month. Milestone photography is the perfect way to preserve these fleeting moments with soft, joyful, beautifully styled portraits.

Whether you’re celebrating tummy time, the sitter stage, or a first birthday, your session is designed to feel easy, fun, and deeply meaningful.

Serving families in Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville, Fishers, Westfield, Brownsburg, and surrounding areas.

Book a Milestone Session

What Are Milestone Sessions?

Baby milestone portrait displayed as framed wall art in a nursery, showcasing fine art milestone photography in Indianapolis.

Milestone sessions document your baby’s development throughout their first year - focusing on expression, personality, and the incredible changes that happen in just a few short months.

The most popular ages are:

  • 3-4 months: tummy time, big smiles, simple expressions

  • 6-7 months: the classic sitter stage

  • 9-10 months: crawlers, standers, and movers

  • 12 months: first birthday portraits + cake smash

These sessions are designed to be simple, clean, and baby-led, allowing your little one’s spirit to shine.

The Sitter Session (6-7 months)

One of the most adored milestone moments.

The sitter stage is often a favorite because babies are full of personality and easily amused - and parents get a gallery overflowing with joyful, expressive images.

Why sitter sessions are perfect:

  • Baby can sit independently

  • So many adorable expressions

  • Rolls, toes, chunky cheeks, personality

  • Simple props for support (mini chairs, baskets, stools)

  • Baby'-led posing to keep them comfortable and happy

Whether you want minimalist portraits, themed looks, or a combination of both, the sitter stage is absolutely magical to document.

Six month baby milestone portrait featuring a baby wearing a purple headband and pearls, photographed in Indianapolis
One year milestone cake smash session with Up movie theme and balloons, photographed in Indianapolis

Cake Smash & First Birthday Sessions

Celebrating the big ONE with joyful portraits and a cake smash.

Your baby’s first birthday deserves to be celebrated with photos that capture their personality, curiosity, and joy.

First Birthday Portraits

Before the cake, we capture classic milestone portraits featuring:

  • Simple, timeless setups

  • Clean backgrounds

  • Thoughtfully chosen outfits

  • Big smiles and sweet expressions

One year baby milestone cake smash session featuring Winnie the Pooh theme, photographed in Indianapolis

Cake Smash Session

The cake smash is all about fun - letting your baby explore textures, colors, and play.

What’s included:

  • Personalized theme or neutral minimalist setup

  • Baby-safe frosting

  • Clean, soft, camera-ready backdrop

  • Props and styling included

Book Your Cake Smash Session
Twin one year cake smash session with colorful monster theme and balloons, photographed in Indianapolis

Timeless styling that keeps the focus on your baby.

Milestone Styling, Outfits & Props

Your milestone session includes wardrobe guidance and access simple props, thoughtfully selected props.

What Babies Can Wear

  • Simple rompers

  • Knits & textures

  • Neutral solids

  • Soft pastels

  • Barefoot or soft booties

These options photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby’s expression and personality. Everything is chosen with safety, simplicity, and aesthetics in mind.

Milestone Session Ideas & Poses

Close-up milestone portrait of a smiling one-year-old baby girl wearing a white dress and floral headband in Indianapolis.
One-year-old baby in a white dress with delicate wings, photographed in a soft, ethereal studio setup for a milestone session in Indianapolis
One-year-old baby girl in a white dress and headband, smiling during a milestone photography session in Indianapolis.

You don’t have to worry about poses or ideas - everything is guided gently and designed around your baby’s comfort.

3-4 Months

  • Tummy time

  • On back with hands + toes

  • Held by parents

6-7 Months (Sitter)

  • Sitting independently

  • Leaning on props

  • Big-expression close-ups

9-10 Months

  • Crawling

  • Standing with support

  • Exploring props

12 Months - One Year

  • Walking

  • Celebrating with cake or splash bath

Milestone sessions are fun, expressive, and full of personality.

Book Your Baby Milestone Session

When Should You Schedule Milestone Photos?

Most families schedule milestone sessions at 3-4 months, 6-7 months, 9-10 months, and again at 12 months for the first birthday.

Why these ages?

  • Each age brings new developmental moments

  • Babies are expressive and interactive

  • These stages create natural variety in your gallery

  • Booking early ensures you get your preferred date

One-year-old baby celebrating a milestone birthday with a blue and green cake smash setup and balloons in a photography studio

For newborn clients, milestone sessions natural complete the story of your baby’s first year.

Parents & Sibling Photos

Including parents and siblings adds emotional depth and creates beautiful keepsakes.

Family images are:

  • Quick, natural, and joyful

  • Designed to highlight connection

  • Optional but highly recommended

Two-year-old twins celebrating a milestone birthday with a colorful fiesta-themed setup during a studio photography session

Many families choose at least one family portrait during milestone sessions.

Proudly photographing families across:

Indianapolis • Carmel • Zionsville • Fishers • Noblesville • Westfield • Greenwood • Brownsburg • Avon • Plainfield

If you’re nearby, you’re in the right place.

Serving Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas

One-year-old baby girl smiling during a milestone portrait session with a tea party setup and soft neutral studio backdrop
Baby smiling during a milestone portrait session with pastel balloons and floral accents in a photography studio

Milestone Photography FAQs

What age is best for milestone photos?

Most families choose 6-7 months, 9-10 months, and 12 months / One Year photos.

1

Do you provide outfits for milestone sessions?

I have a few tutus available. We communicate at length about ideas for your baby’s outfits.

2

How long does a milestone session last?

I usually plan for about an hour of time. This allows for time at the beginning of the session to  make sure baby has time to warm up to me and feel comfortable.

3

Can we choose a theme for cake smash photos?

Absolutely! This is all about YOUR baby and we will be sure to bring your vision to life. You can choose a theme or keep it clean and simple.

4

Do you provide the cake?

Yes, if desired, I provide the cake and have a couple of fabulous bakers.

5

Can parents and siblings be included?

Absolutely - I always encourage involving the family with any session.

6

Toddler sitting near a Christmas tree during a holiday milestone portrait session, wearing red pajamas and holding cookies in a studio setting

What Families Are Saying

  • "I had booked both a maternity and newborn session with Memory Lane Photography in Indianapolis. We have had our fair share of photographers for an engagement session and family sessions prior and our experience with Shauna had far exceeded our hopes for how our sessions would go. With a 2 year old and photos-anyone who has/had a 2 year old knows cooperation could be hit or miss. Shauna did amazing with our toddler getting him to interact and cooperate for both sessions. She is so patient and accommodating. Shauna truly puts her whole heart and soul into what she does and you can tell not only by how she is during your session but also in her photos that you’ll forever cherish. I have recommended her to every pregnant momma I know and will forever continue to do so."

    Crysten, MATERNITY & NEWBORN

Ready to Plan Your Baby’s Milestone Session?

These moments go by faster than you expect - let’s preserve them beautifully.

Book Your Milestone Session