Saturday, April 19, 2025 | By: mQn Photography
Some sessions just make you smile from start to finish—and this one definitely falls into that category. There’s something so tender about photographing a one-year-old and their mama, especially when the milestone lands right at that magical moment between babyhood and toddlerhood. It’s a time full of little changes, big feelings, and sweet surprises. This August studio session may have landed on one of the hottest days of the year, but you’d never know it from the calm, effortless vibe we captured.
Whether you’re here because you're dreaming of your own photos or you just love peeking behind the scenes, this story of motherhood and milestones is one I’m so excited to share. Welcome to the beautiful world of baby milestone photography in Minneapolis—where real life and timeless portraits go hand in hand.
This session took place in my studio in Northeast Minneapolis, where the natural light pours in just right and the setup is always calm and fuss-free—especially important when babies are involved. The mom wanted a feel that was simple and classic, so we leaned into the soft tones of my studio wardrobe to bring that vision to life.
She wore a romantic lace dress from the client closet—something that feels elevated and easy all at once. Her daughter wore the sweetest heirloom outfit from Feltman Brothers, which added just the right touch of vintage charm. The creamy whites, delicate details, and timeless textures worked so beautifully against the clean, light-filled backdrop of the studio.
Despite the blazing heat outside, we kept things quick and comfortable. The mom had come fully prepared: baby had a nap in the morning and a full belly before arriving. You really can’t ask for a better setup when photographing littles—happy baby, calm mama, and a cool, clean space to capture them in.
At just over a year old, this little one was in such a fun stage. She had transitioned to one nap a day, was sleeping a solid 12 hours at night (mom deserves a trophy), and was full of joyful energy. A music lover, a little dancer, a page-turner, and a fearless explorer at the park—stairs, slides, swings—she was all in.
Sessions like this are such a joy because they give space for a baby’s personality to shine—without needing over-the-top props or complicated poses. Just a baby doing her thing, with mom by her side. That’s the beauty of baby milestone photography in Minneapolis: it celebrates the real moments, the in-between gestures, and the little looks you never want to forget.
These kinds of updates—the tiny triumphs and shifts that happen month to month—are exactly why I love photographing baby milestones. You blink and suddenly they’re walking, talking, climbing everything in sight. Capturing this stage is such a gift, and I’m always honored when families invite me to document it.
One of the reasons this session worked so well (even with the weather doing its best to throw us off) was that mom had put thought into all the right things. She kept the schedule simple—nap, lunch, session—and trusted me to handle the rest. That combination made for a relaxed experience and photos that don’t feel forced or stiff.
The clothing choice played a big part too. My studio wardrobe includes options for moms and littles under five, so clients don’t have to stress about shopping or coordinating. The neutral tones and thoughtful textures are designed to photograph beautifully and age well—which is especially important when you're printing these for your walls or an heirloom album.
Let’s be real: babies don’t care about timelines or outfit planning, but the right setup makes all the difference in how smooth and enjoyable a session feels. Whether it’s a quick motherhood session or a full baby milestone session, I want every family to feel like they’re in good hands from start to finish.
I’ve photographed hundreds of families over the years, and I can tell you that the most meaningful sessions often come from the ones that look simple on the surface. A mom and her baby. A quiet morning. A wardrobe that feels like you. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful.
This August session was one of those. The mom even joked that she was sweating buckets and wasn't sure how anything would turn out. But when she saw her images? All she saw was love. (And not a single bead of sweat in sight, thanks to some clever angles and a cool studio breeze.)
That’s always the goal. Not to make things perfect—but to make them feel like you. To show the beauty in the everyday, in the messy middle of motherhood, in the growth and the milestones that deserve to be remembered. That’s what baby milestone photography in Minneapolis is all about.
If you’ve been on the fence about booking a session around your baby’s first year—or if you’re wondering if these simple, intimate moments are “enough”—I’m here to tell you they absolutely are. You don’t need a birthday cake or a balloon arch to make it meaningful. Sometimes, the most powerful photos are the ones that just show you being together.
Whether you're local to the Twin Cities or just browsing ideas, I hope this little look behind the scenes helps you imagine what’s possible. Baby milestone photography in Minneapolis doesn’t have to be a big production. It can be calm, intentional, and beautifully reflective of who your baby is right now—and how much you’ve grown, too.
Thanks for reading and being part of this story! If you’ve had a baby milestone session before—or if you’re thinking about one—I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. What moments do you want to remember most from this stage?
And if you’re ready to book your own milestone or motherhood session, you can always click here to reach out. Let’s plan something timeless, simple, and totally you.
Michele is a Minneapolis-based photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing the beauty of motherhood, baby milestones, and family connections. Known for her simple, timeless style and calm, child-led approach, Michele creates sessions that feel relaxed and effortless—whether in her natural light studio or on location. Her studio wardrobe takes the stress out of planning, and her ability to capture both personality and connection in every frame is what keeps families coming back year after year. When she’s not photographing tiny toes and joyful mamas, Michele’s probably dodging laundry or sneaking in a quiet moment with her own (not-so-little) kids.
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