You know, this was a really hard one for me. How do you narrow down the top moments in a young child’s life to enlist the help of a professional newborn and family photographer? Especially when there are so many fantastic ones to choose from? In fact, it was so hard I had to narrow the topic from your child’s whole life, down to your young child’s life. Otherwise, we’d have to include the obvious ones of prom and graduation into the mix.

For young kids, there are some really glorious moments, even magical ones you won’t want to miss capturing for your child and nostalgia’s sake. Sometimes we miss them in our busy lives and going-through-the-motions mindset. Luckily for you, as a family and newborn photographer, I have years of expertise working with young children and their families. I’m here to make sure you don’t miss these special moments.

  1. Before Baby Arrives Have a Family and Newborn Photographer Capture Your Pregnancy

    As a mom, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the impending arrival of a little one, all the while forgetting they’re growing inside you. Having photos of the way your body changes and the period preceding baby’s arrival, can be absolutely stunning when done right.

    I know a lot of moms can be self-conscious during this time. This is one of those situations in life when you will want to have a professional newborn and family photographer by your side who also has experience working with pregnant moms. This is a time to cherish with images of you bringing life into this world.

    During an on-location Washington DC photo session with a family and newborn photographer, a pregnant mother stands on the sidewalk while holding her toddler son. She is being embraced from behind by her husband while he and toddler son touch the her belly.

  2. First Week at Home After Baby’s Birth

    Memories you won’t want to miss happen in the hazy moments of the very first week home from the hospital—a very sleepy, very tiny new being with curled up hands and little toes experiencing the world outside the womb. Newborn babies change so dramatically in the first couple of weeks. With the sleep deprivation that comes with new parenthood it’s very easy to prioritize everything BUT taking photos. By the time you get around to it, your newborn son or daughter will be almost a totally different baby. . With exhaustion and no established routine yet, you will be grateful to place the responsibility in the hands of family and newborn photographer. You’ll look back in the years to follow and be so thankful with your decision to trust the professional!

    Newborn baby girl in a swaddle lies on her mother's outstretched legs while the manicured hands of the mother touches the baby's tiny pursed lips. Photo taken during an in-home photo shoot with family and newborn photographer Julie Kubal in Upper Marlboro, MD.

  3. Older Sibling Meeting New Baby Is a Priceless Moment to Photograph

    There is something magical in watching your older children meet their new sibling for the very first time. You witness a sense of wonder and astonishment as they get a sense –perhaps for the first time- just how miraculous life can be. Your family and newborn photographer can capture not only the older kids, but they can also capture YOU looking on with your own wonder as they ask you if “they were ever this little” or when they take their new sibling’s tiny hands in their own. This moment between siblings is priceless.

    During a Washington, DC newborn photo session, a mother sits in her living room bay window while holding her new baby son. Two older siblings sit beside mother and baby. They are checking out their baby brother and touch his tiny toes.

  4. Learning to Walk Is Another Milestone to Photograph in Child’s Life 

    Is there anything more adorable than the swagger of a newbie walker? It’s so much fun to witness the look of determination, excitement, and even a little hint of mischief in your child’s face as they go mobile for the first time. This is a momentous occasion as your baby transitions from an infant to a full-blown toddler. While you are helping them take their first steps, a professional newborn and family photographer can make sure you don’t miss capturing this milestone.

    Mother sitting on stone steps in Bishop's Garden at Washington National Cathedral holds her baby daughter's hands to help the baby stand up during a baby photo shoot with a family and newborn photographer.

  5. Mark Their First Birthday in a Photo Session with a Family and Newborn Photographer

    Here it is! The first big birthday of many to come! There are many fantastic ways to capture this milestone on film, so it’s great time to plan a first-birthday photo shoot. There is no need for the photo session to take place on the actual date. Work with a professional family and newborn photographer to capture you and your little one together in display-worthy photos, like the ones both above and below in Bishop’s Garden on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral.

    A mother watches her baby girl walk down stone path in Bishop's Garden during her first birthday photo session in Washington, DC.

Now you have my top picks you don’t want to miss, but there are so many more! If you’re even more ambitious, check out my favorite milestones to photograph within your baby’s first year of life. What photo memories do you make sure to capture of your young child’s life? Are there any you’d add to my list?

Julie Kubal family portraits Washington D.C.About the Photographer and Author:

Julie Kubal is a child and family portrait artist and photographer serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. She is passionate about creating warm and meaningful artwork through modern portraits and lifestyle photography at a location of your choice!