As a mom, I know firsthand how quickly the baby phase flies by. One day you’re rocking a newborn to sleep, and the next, you’re chasing a wobbly toddler around the house. It’s wild, beautiful, and honestly—kind of a blur.

That’s why I’m such a believer in photographing your baby’s first year in a meaningful, intentional way. As a newborn and family photographer in the Fayetteville area of North Carolina, I want to help local families capture those once-in-a-lifetime milestones before they’re gone.

Here’s a look at how I help families plan and document their baby’s first year photos in the Fort Bragg area, and how you can start thinking ahead—even before your baby is born.

1. NEWBORN SESSION (7-21 DAYS OLD)

The newborn stage is so fleeting. In just two weeks, babies start to stretch out, gain weight, and lose that sleepy, curly look. The ideal time for a newborn session is between 7–14 days old, when they’re still snuggly and sleepy.

I offer a relaxed, baby-led experience that focuses on connection, softness, and the love between you and your little one—whether in your home or my natural light studio (Located in the Sanford, NC area!).

When to book: I recommend reserving your newborn session during your second trimester to ensure availability.

2. SITTER SESSION (6-8 MONTHS OLD)

This is the sweet spot! Around 6 to 8 months, your baby is sitting up unassisted, full of personality, and not quite mobile yet—perfect for capturing big gummy smiles and curious expressions.

These sessions are playful, simple, and full of joy. I keep things minimal so the focus is always on your baby and their sweet stage of growth.

When to book: You can book a sitter session once baby is confidently sitting on their own. I usually recommend reaching out around 5 months to plan ahead.

3. ONE YEAR OLD / CAKE SMASH SESSION

That first birthday is a huge milestone—not just for your baby, but for you too. Whether you want a classic portrait session, a cake smash, or both, one-year photos are a celebration of everything that’s happened in the past 12 months.

We can keep things clean and timeless or add a little playful flair with simple styling, balloons, or a tiny cake. I am happy to do sessions in my Sanford, NC studio space or outdoors in nature! If you want to add on a family session to show how much your little one has grown, that is always an option.

When to book: Reach out 2-3 months before baby’s first birthday to allow time for planning, outfit coordination, or ordering a cake if desired.

WANT ALL THREE?

For families who want to document all three sessions, I offer a First Year Collection with priority booking, session discounts, and bonus goodies. It’s the best way to make sure nothing slips through the cracks during that beautiful, busy first year.

Whether you’re expecting your first or you just welcomed a little one, I’d love to help you tell your story—one season at a time.

I’ll be available for sessions in Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, and Sanford, NC starting in August 2025 and would love to connect with you. Follow me on Instagram [@savannahleighphoto] to be the first to know about mini session opportunities!