The First Year Collective – A Gift to Your Baby’s Legacy

Your baby’s first year is a beautiful whirlwind of precious moments and a First Year Collective ensures you can cherish and relive every milestone through timeless photography. I still remember holding my baby girl in my arms, feeling the incredible mix of awe, love, and exhaustion. Time felt like it stood still, yet it passed quicker than I could process. Within what felt like moments, those tiny fingers grew a little longer, those sleepy newborn eyes grew livelier, and the milestones kept coming—first smiles, first giggles, first steps. It’s fleeting, truly. And that’s exactly why I created the First Year Collective.

Hi, I’m Stephanie, and capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments—the ones that make up the story of your child’s first year—is my passion. I created the First Year Collective to give moms like you a seamless way to preserve your baby’s first year in meaningful, tangible heirlooms while also relieving the stress that often comes with photography planning.

If you’re pregnant or have just had your baby, you might already feel overwhelmed by the thought of coordinating multiple sessions during their first year. That’s where I step in to help and why this package has become such a favorite with my clients. It’s more than just photography—it’s about simplifying your life, taking something off your plate, and giving you the freedom to focus on what matters most—your family.

What Is the First Year Collective?

The First Year Collective is a specially designed package made up of three to four signature photography sessions over the course of your baby’s first year. These sessions highlight essential milestones, documenting your baby’s growth and personality from those earliest newborn moments to their triumphant first birthday celebration.

Here’s what’s included in the package and what makes it truly special:

1. The Newborn Session

This is the session that starts it all, and it’s one of my absolute favorites. Done within the first two weeks of your baby’s life, the newborn session beautifully captures the delicate, sleepy wonder of your little one. From their tiny toes to their soft curls, their innocence and purity take center stage in these images.

For this session, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Professional hair and makeup are included to help Mama look and feel your best. I’ve also curated a high-end client wardrobe for my moms and babies (who doesn’t love those adorable newborn outfits) for up to 18 months, so you don’t have to run out and purchase something new for the session. Plus, I offer styling advice for dads and older kids once mom’s outfit is picked out. My goal is to make this process as easy and stress-free as possible for you.

2. The Milestone Session(s)

Babies grow in the blink of an eye, and before you know it, they’re six months old and sitting up on their own. This stage is full of gummy grins, curious eyes, and the pure joy of discovery—it’s an absolutely magical time to document. Whether you choose one milestone session, such as at the six-month mark, or opt for multiple sessions in the first year, these photos will capture unique moments when your baby’s personality begins to shine through.

The service perks don’t end at the newborn session! My focus is on taking all of the guesswork out of preparation. Everything from location selection to props is carefully planned, so all you have to do is show up with your little one.

3. The First Birthday Session + Smash Cake

Before you even realize it, your baby will be turning one. It’s a moment worth every bit of celebration, and the first birthday session is the perfect way to commemorate this huge milestone. Many families choose a cake smash, which is always a delight! (Imagine their little hands smashing into frosting for the first time—those expressions are priceless.)

The First Year Collective includes a complimentary custom smash cake, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating that small yet meaningful detail. Whether the theme for this session is sweet and simple or vibrant and fun, we’ll make sure this final session in the Collective feels like a true celebration.

**The Maternity Session (As an add-on)

Some mama’s choose to add this to their First Year Collective Package. This session is a wonderful way to capture the beauty and anticipation of pregnancy. The maternity session usually takes place around 30-36 weeks, allowing for that perfect baby bump while still feeling comfortable.

The Benefits of Booking the First-Year Collective

Why do so many families choose the First Year Collective over booking individual sessions? It all comes down to saving time, energy, and even money—without sacrificing the quality of their family’s legacy.

• Artwork Credit: With each signature session, you’ll receive valuable artwork credit towards your first year baby book. Here’s the thing—unlike digital images that so often end up forgotten on a hard drive, these heirlooms are meticulously designed to be enjoyed and passed down for generations. Together we’ll create stunning wall art heirloom albums that tell your baby’s story in a way nothing else can.
• Stress-Free Perks: Professional hair and makeup, wardrobe access for moms and babies up to 18 months, and detailed session planning aren’t just extras—they’re essentials when you’re navigating life with a new baby. I’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to.
• A Cohesive Story: One of the most magical aspects of the First Year Collective is that it creates a cohesive artistic narrative of your baby’s first year. Each session is thoughtfully planned to flow together, ensuring the imagery tells a beautiful, harmonious story.

Why Heirlooms Matter

I want to talk about something close to my heart—the value of heirlooms versus digital images. Digital files are convenient for sharing, but they’re fleeting. They can be lost, forgotten, or stuck on a hard drive you rarely check.  

Heirlooms are different. They’re permanent, tangible, and meaningful. Imagine your child years from now, flipping through their heirloom album and seeing themselves as a newborn, a curious baby, a giggling toddler. They’re holding their story in their hands, feeling the love we put into these photos.  

For nearly every family I photograph, we create a beautiful custom album capturing the essence of the First Year Collective. We also design wall art—whether it’s framed prints of milestones or a gallery wall showcasing your family’s connection. These aren’t just decor; they’re your legacy.

Wrapping It Up

The First Year Collective isn’t just a photography package; it’s a gift you’re giving your child and future generations of your family. It’s a way of saying, “I see you. I cherish these moments.”

Whether you’re a first-time mom or adding to your growing family, I want you to know that I’m here to make this first year as seamless and special as I can for you. If you’re ready to start this incredible journey, reach out to me today. Together, we’ll create something truly timeless and precious for your baby’s legacy.

Want even more resources? Check out some of my other posts below

• How Much Does Newborn Photography Cost?
• Snowy Pregnancy Announcement In Leesburg
• 5 Reasons to Consider a Full-Service DMV Newborn Photographer
• Minneapolis Photo Sessions (guest feature by MQN Photography)