How to Make the Most of Your First Year Collective

The first year passes in a blink, but the transformation is profound. From the sleepy newborn days to first smiles, to standing and smashing cake, there’s nothing quite like watching your baby grow. The First Year Collective is designed to document that evolution with intention and beauty.

Aoife’s family chose the Collective after years of trying to conceive. She was their long-hoped-for miracle, and every session was a celebration of the love that brought her here.

Start with Stillness

For her newborn session, we chose soft lilac tones and cozy textures that echoed her quiet strength. Wrapped snug and sleeping peacefully, Aoife was photographed against gentle lavender backdrops and delicate floral prints. The portraits feel still, serene, and deeply rooted in the gratitude her parents carried into every moment with her.

Capture the Curiosity

At her sitter session, everything changed. Aoife was crawling, giggling, and bursting with expression. A soft purple dress with ruffled sleeves brought just the right amount of movement to her portraits. She was beginning to explore the world, and every image captured the joy and wonder of that stage.

Best part of all? That heirloom blanket we had captured her with at her newborn stage, I asked mom to bring it. Aoife playfully putting it in her mouth was just one of my favorite moments of her session!

End with Celebration

Aoife’s cake smash took a playful turn. Her parents chose a Grinch-inspired theme, full of bold colors, peppermint swirls, and mischievous joy. While the styling was seasonal, the emotion was timeless. Aoife lit up the room with every bite, every giggle, every frosting-covered smile. It was the perfect high-energy contrast to the quiet tenderness of her newborn photos and such a fitting way to close out her first year.

Consistency Creates Magic

Because each of her sessions was styled and guided by the same photographer (me!), her family now has a cohesive visual story. The colors shift, the textures evolve, but the feeling—timeless, joyful, and emotionally rich—remains the same. That’s the power of the First Year Collective. It’s not just about documenting milestones. It’s about creating heirloom-quality images that reflect who your baby is becoming and the love that surrounds them along the way.

How It Works

When you book a Signature Newborn Session, you have the option to join the First Year Collective. This includes a complimentary sitter session and the ability to add on a custom one-year session or cake smash. Styling is included, along with wardrobe access, custom set design, and expert guidance through every stage. From sleepy newborn snuggles to frosting-covered fingers, everything is curated with care.

Your Story, Thoughtfully Told

Aoife’s portraits are a testament to more than just her growth—they’re a visual love letter from her parents, honoring the journey that led to her. The First Year Collective isn’t just a package. It’s a way to make sure you never miss a moment.

If you're expecting or already holding your baby in your arms, it’s never too early to begin planning your baby’s first year. Reach out here to learn more about the First Year Collective and reserve your session.

FAQ: First Year Collective

What’s included in the First Year Collective?

Signature Newborn Session + Complimentary Sitter Session. Many families also add on a cake smash or one-year session for a complete first-year story.

When should I book?

Most clients reserve their newborn session in the first or second trimester. Sitter and birthday sessions are scheduled during your baby’s developmental windows.

Can I join the Collective after the newborn stage?

Yes. While many families begin with newborn portraits, you can still join with a sitter session and build a two-part story.

What’s the benefit of using the same photographer for the full year?

Consistency in styling, lighting, posing, and artistic vision. Your images feel like they belong together - because they do.