…and What I’ve Learned from 17 Years Behind the Camera (and Two Kids of My Own)

Let me tell you something from the heart: the first year is a rollercoaster.

You’re figuring out feedings, surviving nap strikes, and somewhere in there… your baby goes from newborn to cake smasher. I’ve photographed hundreds of families, and I’ve lived it myself — twice. And if there’s one thing I know? Milestones matter. And you deserve to have someone capture them with care.

So how do you choose the right photographer for your baby’s milestone moments?
Here’s what I always tell my clients (and what I wish someone had told me when I was doing this as a new mom myself).

1. Find Someone Who Gets Babies (and Moms!)

Not every photographer is built for baby sessions. Toddlers get shy. Teething happens. And moms — let’s be honest — are often running on caffeine and dry shampoo.

That’s why experience matters. You want someone who knows when to shoot fast, when to back off, and how to read the room and the baby. At Cloud 9, we’ve learned the art of turning toddler chaos into wall-worthy portraits — and doing it without making moms cry (unless it’s happy tears!).

2. Pay Attention to Stories, Not Just Star Ratings

I love reading reviews, but what really gets me are the stories.

Like the mom who cried at her ordering appointment because we captured her son’s little smirk — the one he always makes, but she could never quite catch. Or the dad who said, “This is the first picture I’ve seen where my daughter is looking at me with such love.”

That’s what you want: a photographer who captures your story.

3. Ask About the Whole Experience

This isn’t just a photo shoot. It’s a moment in your family’s story.

So ask about the full process: How do they help you plan? Do they offer props or sets? Will they help you figure out what to do with the photos afterward, or leave you with a USB and a “good luck”?

I believe in taking the pressure off moms — and making this something you enjoy, not just something to check off the list.

4. Price is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

Look — I get it. Budget matters.

But here’s the truth: this isn’t like shopping for diapers. You’re investing in how you’ll remember this year. How your child will see themselves when they’re older. How you’ll hold onto these little moments when the baby is suddenly a teenager.

Choose someone whose work (and process) makes your heart say yes.

5. Trust Your Gut — It’s Usually Right

You know that feeling when someone “gets” you? Trust that.
When you find a photographer whose work makes you tear up, whose energy feels like a good fit for your family — that’s the one.
And if it happens to be me? I’d be honored.

💬 Bonus: Ask These Before You Book

• What milestones do you specialize in?
• Do you offer themed sets or custom styling?
• How long is the session and what happens afterward?
• What do clients usually order?
• What if my baby has a meltdown? (Hint: totally normal.)

💖 Let’s Create Something Magical — Together

Whether your baby is turning ONE (check out our First Birthday Portraits) or you’re just feeling like now is the moment to document who they are… I’m here.

At Cloud 9 Studios, we create milestone sessions that are joyful, relaxed, and filled with real moments. And we’ll walk with you through the whole process — from planning to artwork on your wall.

📞 Let’s Chat — even if it’s just to get your questions answered.
Because these days? They really do go fast.