Capturing Every Baby Stage: Our Milestone Sessions

At GVP Studios, we understand this journey. We're not just about taking pictures; we're about preserving the authentic, heartwarming story of your family's growth. We believe that every giggle, every curious gaze, and every tiny milestone in that incredible first year is a treasure, a fleeting moment that deserves to be captured with the warmth and artistry it truly embodies. Think of us as your gentle guides, helping you bottle up the pure joy and wonder of this fleeting time, so you can revisit it, years from now, with the same tenderness you feel today.

We offer a range of thoughtfully designed sessions to ensure every significant moment of your baby's first year, and even before, is beautifully documented. Each session is crafted to be a comfortable and joyful experience for your family.

Maternity

Studio Maternity

The journey begins even before your little one arrives! Our maternity sessions are typically scheduled between 12-37 weeks, offering flexibility to capture your beautiful bump at its best. Whether you prefer the serene ambiance of our studio, the natural beauty of an outdoor setting, or a hybrid of both, we tailor the experience to you. We encourage comfortable attire like jeans and a tank top, belly-baring clothing, or flowing gowns, and we even have a client closet for your convenience. These sessions, lasting 1-2 hours, can include spouses and children, resulting in 50-100 cherished images.

Studio courtyard

Maternity (Announcement ~ 12-24 weeks, Mid-way 24-32 weeks, Full Belly ~32-37 weeks)

  • Where: In-studio or outdoors, or a hybrid session starting at the studio and ending in our courtyard or a nearby nature location.

  • What to wear: jeans and tank top, belly baring clothing, flowing gown, or choose something from our client closet (bring nude underwear)

  • Who should be in the photos: Spouse, children, or solo

  • What to expect: 1-2 hours, 50-100 images

Outdoor maternity

Studio Maternity Closet

Fresh 48

Within 48 hours of delivery, we can capture those incredibly raw and tender first moments in the hospital room. These intimate 30-45 minute sessions, ideally with natural window light, focus on the immediate family, though grandparents are welcome too (please check room capacity!). You can wear anything from upscale pajamas to a hospital gown – whatever makes you feel comfortable as you embrace your new arrival. Expect 35-75 digital images that beautifully tell the story of your baby's very first days.

Hospital Fresh 48 Sessions:

  • Where: In the hospital room, preferably with a window

  • What to wear: Upscale pajamas, a robe, hospital gown, your choice

  • Who should be in the photos: Immediate family, Grandparents, whoever you want (check room capacity limits)

  • What to expect: 30-45 minute session, 35-75 digital images

In-hospital Fresh 48

Newborn

The first month with your newborn is a whirlwind of love and discovery. Our newborn sessions, lasting 1-3 hours, are held in the comfort of your home, utilizing rooms with beautiful window light. We aim to document your baby sleeping peacefully, curled up in sweet poses, either on a soft blanket, in a charming container, or held lovingly in your arms. We provide simple earth-toned clothing, wraps, and bonnets for the baby, and encourage parents and siblings to wear simple earth tones for a cohesive look. These sessions yield 15-75 digital images, focusing on the delicate beauty of your brand new baby.

Newborn Sessions (First Month, ideally first 14 days)

  • Where: In-home (primary bedroom and/or nursery, rooms with window light)

  • What to wear: Simple earth tones for family, anything you want the baby photographed in/with (we can bring plain onesies, wraps, knitted baby pants and bonnets)

  • Who should be in the photos: Up to the client - Parents, siblings, grandparents

  • What to expect: 1-3 hour session, 15-75 digital images

  • Focus: This milestone is to document the baby sleeping and curled up, either on a blanket, in a container, or held by the parents.

In-home Newborn (best for homes with large windows, strong natural light)

Smiling Sessions

Remember that moment? The one where your little one, perhaps after a particularly satisfying feeding or a cozy nap, looked up at you and offered that first, genuine, heart-melting smile? It’s a moment that imprints itself on your soul, a tiny beacon of pure happiness that assures you, despite the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, that you’re doing something truly wonderful. That first smile isn't just a facial expression; it's a profound connection, a silent conversation that speaks volumes about the blossoming personality within. Our "Smiling" milestone sessions, often recommended in our studio for optimal lighting and comfort, are designed to gently capture these very expressions. We love to see those crinkly eyes and wide grins, preserving the innocent joy that radiates from your baby as they discover the world, and you, with such delightful wonder. It’s about bottling up that pure, unadulterated happiness, so you can always look back and feel the warmth of that first, unforgettable smile. These 45-60 minute sessions provide 35-75 digital images, focusing on your baby's personality and smiles while they are laying on their back or being held.

Smiling session

Smiling Sessions (1-5 months):

  • Where: In-home, in-studio, outdoors (we recommend the studio for this milestone)

  • What to wear: Clothing that goes with the setting (we can provide simple baby clothes/hats/props)

  • Who should be in the photos: Up to the client - Parents, siblings, grandparents

  • What to expect: 45 minutes - 1 hour session, 35-75 digital images

  • Focus: This milestone is to document the smiles and personality of the baby, so the baby will be laying on their back or be held for much of this session.

Sitting Sessions

Then there are those delicious, fleeting details that make up so much of their early days: the rolls on their thighs, the dimples on their knuckles, and those perfect, tiny toes. Before you know it, those baby chubs will stretch out, and those little feet will be running around. Our "Sitting" milestone sessions, ideally held in our studio, are all about celebrating this adorable stage. We focus on capturing the authentic, organic beauty of your baby as they discover their newfound independence, sitting up and exploring the world around them. It’s about those sweet, unposed moments – a curious glance, a playful grab for a toy, the sheer delight of discovering their own feet. We aim to highlight every precious detail, from their chubby cheeks to their expressive eyes, ensuring that these images truly reflect the unique charm and personality of your little one at this wonderfully plump and playful stage. These are the memories that will make you smile years from now, remembering just how perfectly squishy and utterly lovable they were. These 45-60 minute sessions provide 35-75 digital images, capturing your baby at their chubbiest, with their big eyes and big laughs.

Sitting Sessions (5-9 months)

  • Where: In-home, in-studio, outdoors (we recommend the studio for this milestone)

  • What to wear: For the parents- clothing without distracting patterns. For the baby- Tight-fitting outfits, diaper covers, hats, bows, etc. (we can provide simple baby clothes/hats/props). Bring any of the baby’s favorite stuffed animals, books, toys.

  • Who should be in the photos: Up to the client - Parents, siblings, grandparents

  • What to expect: 45 minutes - 1 hour session, 35-75 digital images

  • Focus: This milestone is to document the baby sitting, at their chubbiest. We want to capture the rolls, big eyes, and big laughs.

Crawling Sessions

(9-12 months): As your baby becomes more mobile, their curiosity truly blossoms. Our crawling sessions, which can be held in-home, in-studio, or outdoors, capture this exciting stage of exploration. We focus on documenting their newfound ability to move and discover their surroundings. Parents are encouraged to wear clothing without distracting patterns, and we can provide simple baby clothes and props. Bring your baby's favorite stuffed animals or toys to make them feel comfortable and engaged. These 45-60 minute sessions result in 35-75 digital images, preserving the dynamic energy of your little crawler.

Crawling

Crawling (9-12 months)

Where: In-home, in-studio, outdoors

  • What to wear: For the parents- clothing without distracting patterns. For the baby- Outfits that they can easily move in (we can provide simple baby clothes/hats/props). Bring any of the baby’s favorite stuffed animals, books, toys.

  • Who should be in the photos: Up to the client - Parents, siblings, grandparents

  • What to expect: 45 minutes - 1 hour session, 35-75 digital images

  • Focus: This milestone is to document the baby crawling

Walking Sessions | First Birthday | Cake Smash

Walking Sessions (First Birthday, 12-18 months): And oh, the anticipation! The wobbly stands, the tentative steps, the triumphant fall, and then, the glorious moment they take those first independent steps. It’s a milestone that fills every parent with a unique blend of pride, excitement, and perhaps a touch of bittersweet realization that their little one is truly growing up. This is the grand finale of their first year, a celebration of their incredible journey from a tiny newborn to a curious, mobile explorer. Our "Walking" milestone sessions, often coinciding with their first birthday and ideally held in our studio, are designed to capture this exhilarating achievement. We celebrate their newfound freedom, their infectious joy as they toddle about, and the sheer wonder of their first birthday. These sessions are filled with laughter, playful exploration, and a celebratory spirit, ensuring that the joy and excitement of this significant milestone are beautifully preserved. It’s not just about documenting their steps; it’s about capturing the boundless energy and blossoming personality of your little one as they confidently stride into their second year. We can also accommodate cake smash celebrations and provide props like birthday cake stands and bunting signs. These 1-2 hour sessions provide 50-100 digital images, documenting their first steps and birthday celebration.

Walking (first birthday, 12-18 months)

  • Where: In-home, in-studio, outdoors (we recommend the studio for this milestone)

  • What to wear: For the parents- clothing without distracting patterns. For the baby- A birthday outfit, or your favorite outfit of theirs (we can provide simple baby clothes/hats/props/birthday cake stand, birthday bunting sign). Bring a smash cake, balloons, name signs, “1”, or ask us to provide these and add it to your session fee)

  • Who should be in the photos: Up to the client - Parents, siblings, grandparents

  • What to expect: 1-2 hour session, 50-100 digital images

  • Focus: This milestone is to document the baby walking, and the first birthday. If the baby isn’t walking by the first birthday, we can still do the cake smash and document the baby sitting and crawling, or we can wait until the baby is walking. It’s your preference.

The first year of your baby's life is a symphony of fleeting moments, each one a precious note in the beautiful melody of your family's story. From that first heart-melting smile to those triumphant first steps, these are the memories that will shape your narrative for years to come. At GVP Studios, we are honored to be a part of preserving these authentic, organic moments, transforming them into timeless treasures you can revisit again and again. These moments are your story. We're just here to help you tell it, beautifully and genuinely.


What to print from your First Year Milestone Sessions?

First Year Album

Nursery Artwork (Maternity prints, Newborn prints)

Best 9 Frame

Gifts for Grandparents (Framed photos, accordion purse albums)

First Year Album

Best 9 Frame

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Sacramento Maternity Photographer