Your baby’s first year is a whirlwind of change, growth, and milestones that you’ll want to remember forever. From those sleepy newborn cuddles to their first wobbly steps, each stage is unique — and professional photography ensures those fleeting moments are beautifully preserved.
If you’re in Perth, Fremantle, or the surrounding suburbs, here are the 10 key photo moments I recommend capturing before your little one’s first birthday.
1. The Newborn Snuggle
The earliest days with your baby are pure magic. They’re tiny, sleepy, and happiest when held close. A newborn snuggle photo — whether at your home in Perth or in a cosy natural-light setting — captures the intimacy and connection of those first days. I often encourage parents to relax on the couch or bed, holding their baby in a way that feels natural. These images are not just photographs, they’re emotional time capsules that will take you back to those slow, love-filled early days.
2. Tiny Details
Your baby’s first year will bring so much change, but those tiny details — the soft curls, button nose, delicate eyelashes, and curled-up toes — are only this small for such a short time. I use close-up photography to highlight these features, creating timeless images that showcase the beauty of newborn perfection. Many Perth parents tell me these are the photos they cherish most, because they freeze a stage that disappears before you know it.
3. Mum & Baby Connection
There’s something profoundly beautiful about the quiet connection between a mother and her baby. Whether it’s skin-to-skin moments, gentle rocking, or simply looking into each other’s eyes, I focus on capturing this bond in a way that feels authentic to you. Outdoor sessions in Perth’s stunning parks, such as Kings Park or Hyde Park, offer a natural backdrop that complements the warmth and tenderness of these portraits.
4. Dad’s Special Moments
From protective embraces to playful lifts in the air, fathers bring a different but equally important energy to their baby’s first year photos. I love photographing dads during candid moments, whether it’s in the family home or along Perth’s coastline. These images celebrate fatherhood and show your child one day just how loved and protected they’ve always been.
5. The Family Portrait
Your first family portrait marks a huge milestone. Whether you prefer a relaxed in-home session in areas like Cockburn or a more styled outdoor shoot at Cottesloe Beach, I ensure these photos reflect your personalities. A good family portrait feels warm, genuine, and joyful — something you’ll proudly display on your walls for years to come.
6. Tummy Time Giggles
Around three to four months old, babies start enjoying tummy time and interacting with the world in a whole new way. This stage is full of smiles, curious expressions, and adorable mini push-ups. Capturing this milestone in a bright, airy Perth studio or in a soft natural-light corner of your home adds a playful chapter to your baby’s first-year story.
7. Sitting Up for the First Time
By around six months, your baby will be sitting up without support — a moment worth celebrating. This is the stage when personalities really shine, and babies often give the most joyful expressions. An outdoor session in a Perth garden or at the beach works beautifully for this milestone, as it allows for a variety of natural backdrops and playful interactions.
8. First Solids
Introducing solids is both fun and messy, and it’s a joy to capture. Whether it’s avocado-covered fingers or big curious eyes as they try new flavours, these photos are full of character. Many Perth families choose to incorporate this milestone into an at-home lifestyle session, where we can photograph not only the food but also the laughter and little messes that come with it.
9. Crawling Adventures
Once your baby starts crawling, their curiosity knows no bounds. Photographing this stage means capturing movement, determination, and discovery. I often suggest outdoor locations in Perth with safe, grassy areas where your baby can explore freely, creating images that show their growing independence.
10. The First Birthday Celebration
The first birthday is a huge milestone — for both baby and parents. Whether you opt for a cake smash, a picnic in a Perth park, or a cosy family gathering, this session celebrates a year of love and growth. Many families combine portraits, candid moments, and party details to create a complete visual story of the day.
Why Capture These Moments Professionally?
While your phone will be full of everyday snaps, professional photography adds artistry, technical skill, and a calm guiding presence so you can simply enjoy the moment. Based here in Perth, I know the best local locations, lighting conditions, and timing to create photos that feel timeless.
