Central Minnesota Milestone Sessions
Your story, unfolding in the smallest, most meaningful ways
Let’s create heartfelt moments together.
Based in Foreston MN - serving Central Minnesota & Beyond since 2013
There are seasons in your child’s life that pass quietly—without announcement, without pause—yet somehow change everything. The way they learn to hold themselves up, the way their personality begins to shine, the way they reach for you without hesitation.
Milestone sessions are designed to preserve these fleeting in-between moments. Not just how your baby looks, but who they are becoming in each stage.
What is a Milestone Session?
Milestone sessions focus on the beautiful transitions throughout your baby’s first year and beyond. These are the chapters that often go undocumented—the ones that, later, you wish you could step back into just for a moment.
From tiny, curious expressions to confident little steps, each session captures a new layer of your child’s story with intention and care.
Common Milestones We Capture
Each stage brings something entirely new—and each one is worth remembering.
Tummy Time (3–4 months)
Soft expressions, growing strength, and those first glimpses of personality beginning to emerge.
Sitting (6–8 months)
Joyful, expressive, and full of interaction—this stage is often filled with laughter, connection, and curiosity.
Standing (9–11 months)
Wobbly legs, determination, and the anticipation of first steps just around the corner.
First Birthday
A celebration of everything your baby has become in one short year—whether simple and classic or playful and styled.
What to expect
Every milestone session is designed to feel calm, natural, and connected. With gentle direction and space for real interaction, your baby is free to move, explore, and simply be.
Sessions can take place in the studio for a clean, timeless look, outdoors for a light-filled and organic feel, or in your home for a more personal, lifestyle-driven story.
You do not need to worry about knowing how to pose your children or what to do in front of the camera. I will guide you through everything in a calm, natural way so you can focus on being together.
We’ll mix a combination of gentle direction and candid interaction to create images that feel alive and honest.
You can expect:
A relaxed, guided experience (no awkward posing)
Movement-based prompts for natural expressions
A mix of connection, candid, and gently posed images
A session that feels more like time together than a photoshoot
A calm, patient approach that works with children—not against them
"We had an amazing experience with our newborn photos! Nicole was kind, patient, and clearly experienced with newborns. It was easy to schedule, the studio was cute, and everything went super smoothly. We got the photos back quickly afterward and Nicole even accommodated a small request I made. Definitely recommend!"
Jenny
Why These Moments Matter
these are the moments that change the fastest.
It’s easy to think you’ll remember all of it. The way they looked at you. The way they fit perfectly in your arms. The little things that felt so ordinary at the time.
But these are the moments that change the fastest.
Milestone sessions create a visual timeline of your child’s first year—one that allows you to hold onto not just memories, but the feeling of this season as it truly was.
What's Included
Every family session includes a fully guided experience from start to finish.
A relaxed, professionally guided session
Studio or outdoor location options
Styling guidance for coordinated outfits
Gentle direction for natural posing and interaction
Professional editing of your final images
Private online gallery filled with a variety of beautiful images for selection and ordering purposes.
Print release for your chosen images
Collections begin at $300, with options to upgrade to your full gallery for $1200.
Child Milestone Session
A simple, focused way to capture your child exactly as they are in this fleeting stage. These sessions are centered entirely on your little one—their expressions, their personality, the small details that change far too quickly. With a soft, guided approach, we create timeless, artful images that preserve who they are becoming in this moment.
10 Digital Images
$ 300
Child + Family Milestone Session
A blend of milestone and connection, this session captures both your child’s growth and the love that surrounds them. Alongside individual portraits, we document the natural interaction between you—snuggles, laughter, and the quiet ways you belong to each other. The result is a gallery that tells a fuller story of this season, both individually and together.
15 Digital Images
$400
Cake Smash & Splash
A Joyful Celebration of one incredible year - honoring all the growth, love, and memories along the way. Filled with laughter, movement, and a touch of magic this session captures who your baby has become.
10 Digital Images
$400
"Nicole was amazing. My little one was tired not feeling 100% and Nicole was super patient while trying to be quick since it was so cold outside. Absolutely worth it and I have some more beautiful photos of my little girl."
Amy Rynerson
FAQ
Where do sessions take place?
Milestone sessions can be held in my studio or outdoors at our exclusive location or you can book an in home session depending on the season and your preference.
When is the best time to schedule a milestone session?
Milestone sessions are typically scheduled around key stages like 3–4 months (tummy time), 6–8 months (sitting), and 9–12 months (standing/first birthday). If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to guide you based on your baby’s development so we capture each stage at just the right time.
How far in advance should we book?
It’s best to book early, especially if you’re planning multiple sessions throughout the year. This ensures availability and allows us to thoughtfully plan around each milestone as it approaches.
How long are milestone sessions?
Sessions are intentionally relaxed and child-led, typically lasting between 30–45 minutes depending on the type of session. This allows plenty of time for connection without overwhelming little ones.
Can parents and siblings be included?
Absolutely. You can choose between a child-only milestone session or a child + family session. Including family allows us to document not just growth, but connection—the way this season feels together.
What should we wear?
You’ll receive styling guidance to help coordinate outfits in a way that feels natural, timeless, and cohesive without being overly matching.
Our online catalog of many of our client wardrobe items can be seen here.
What if my baby isn’t cooperating?
That’s completely okay—and expected at times. These sessions are designed with flexibility and patience, allowing space for breaks, movement, and natural interaction. Some of the most meaningful images come from these in-between moments.
How long does it take to get our photos?
Your images will be ready within 2–3 weeks. This time allows me to gently and intentionally edit each photograph, preserving the softness and beauty of these fleeting early days.
Your initial gallery will have 2 collections. 1 of some of my favorites that are fully edited and 1 of some extras that I thought you would like to order from that have been lightly edited.
All images that are selected or ordered will be fully edited and finished to ensure that each image shines.
Do you travel for photoshoots?
Sessions are priced to be held in the studio for a clean, timeless look, outdoors near the studio for a natural and light-filled feel, or in your home for a more personal, lifestyle-driven experience. We’ll choose the setting that best fits your vision. Lon location and in home sessions are subject to a travel fee.
Do you offer albums or prints?
Yes. Your gallery includes convenient, easy-to-use features for ordering prints or designing a beautiful custom album directly from your images. It’s a simple way to turn your memories into something tangible you can hold and revisit for years to come.
Do you offer packages for multiple sessions?
Yes. If you’re hoping to document your baby’s full first year, the Baby’s First Year Experience featured here on this page or our 1-Year Membership that is designed to capture each milestone as well as maternity and newborn in a cohesive and meaningful way while offering the best overall value.
“Nicole did such a fantastic job with our maternity photos! They turned out absolutely gorgeous and the experience was delightful. Would highly recommend her for any kind of photos!”
Katherine Townsend
Limited sessions available
Let’s Preserve This Season
These days are fleeting, but they don’t have to be forgotten.
Your story is already unfolding—let’s preserve it, just as it is.