First Day of School Photos:

First day of school photos are a classic tradition—and for good reason. Seeing these moments shared across social media each year always reminds me how quickly time moves. I’ve taken these photos of my kids since their very first preschool days, and one of my favorite ways to make them extra special is by creating a side-by-side comparison from the first and last day of each school year. The transformation in just a few months is incredible!

Birthday and Holiday Milestone Photos

Birthdays naturally lend themselves to photos, making them an easy tradition to keep up with. A few years ago, I started a simple but meaningful project: taking a birthday cake photo every year. Like many parents, I get emotional around birthdays—another year older, a little more independent, and a moment to reflect on how much has changed. Looking back at these images, I see not just their physical growth but also their evolving personalities, friendships, and interests. And of course, the promise of cake makes participation pretty easy!

Documenting Play

As a former early childhood special educator, I’ve always believed in the power of play to foster learning and connection. That’s why play is such a big part of my family photography sessions—and one of my favorite ways to document my own kids over time. Some of my most cherished images are of my kids simply being themselves in their rooms—playing, creating, getting lost in their own little worlds. Their rooms happen to have beautiful natural light, but what matters most isn’t perfect lighting or a spotless space—it’s capturing them as they are, right now. Their favorite toy, that well-loved t-shirt, the way they sit while they build LEGO creations.

A great way to start your own series is to pick a well-lit spot in your home and snap a few photos every six months or so. These images make a beautiful framed series, and most importantly, they help preserve those everyday moments that might otherwise be forgotten.

The first few years of life bring some of the most dramatic changes. Even within the first week home, newborns already start looking different. That’s why I love recreating newborn session photos later on. It’s incredible to see those side-by-side comparisons as babies transition into toddlers. I love helping families create these meaningful comparisons during our sessions together.

And when a younger sibling arrives? There’s something so special about placing them in the same spot where big brother or sister once was, continuing the visual story of your growing family.

Keeping It Simple and Consistent

Replicating photos doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The key is consistency. Find a favorite window for quick portraits, capture your child in their room or playroom, or recreate a special family photo in the same spot year after year. While professional photography can create beautifully polished milestone images, your phone camera is a powerful tool too. What matters most is simply taking the time to document these fleeting moments—you’ll never regret having these memories to look back on.