Baby milestones aren’t about mess or props — they’re about who your child is becoming.
The expressions, the confidence, the curiosity, the softness that only exists in these early months.
My milestone sessions are designed as fine art portrait experiences, created with simplicity and intention — so the focus stays where it belongs: on your child.
These sessions are calm, unhurried, and beautifully minimal, with a gentle vintage feel. Think soft light, natural textures, wooden toys, and timeless styling that will still feel right on your walls years from now.
This is the stage parents fall in love with all over again.
Your baby is sitting confidently, discovering their world, and reacting to everything with pure joy. We keep the setup simple: soft fabrics, handcrafted wooden toys, and a neutral palette that highlights your baby’s eyes, expressions, and little personality quirks.
These sessions are perfect for creating artwork that feels calm, classic, and personal — portraits that quietly belong in your home.
A fine art alternative to cake smashes.
Instead of traditional cake smashes, I offer first birthday portraits — a calm, timeless way to celebrate this milestone without the mess or overwhelm. These sessions are centred around gentle play, natural interaction, and simple, beautiful setups that allow your child’s personality to shine. I use wooden toys, soft textures, and a neutral, vintage-inspired palette to create images that feel both elegant and honest.
If you’d like, we can include a small boho-style cake for gentle exploration, but it’s completely optional and always kept simple. I also include a short family portrait during the session, so you have a beautiful image of you together at this special stage.
The result is a collection of portraits that feel more like artwork than an event — images that quietly celebrate your baby’s first year and belong on the walls of your home for years to come.
At two, personalities really start to shine.
These sessions are playful but still grounded in my fine art style — movement, laughter, little gestures, and that spark of independence that defines this age. We let your child lead while keeping the environment calm and uncluttered, so the images feel honest and full of life.
As your child grows, their world expands — stories, interests, favourite things.
These portraits become a celebration of who they are right now, captured simply and beautifully, with a focus on expression rather than theme. Whether it’s a book, a wooden toy, or something meaningful to them, we create portraits that feel personal and timeless.
My milestone sessions are fine art, minimal, and gently vintage in style — calm, child-led, and designed with intention. I work with soft natural light, neutral tones, and simple textures, using wooden toys and handmade, sustainable elements to keep the focus on your child.
The studio is a quiet, relaxed space with music, patience, and room for children to be themselves. I’m fully insured and trained in pediatric first aid, so you can feel completely at ease throughout your session.
Each milestone session includes a blend of classic portraits and gentle, candid moments — of your child and your family together — along with guidance on designing beautiful artwork for your home.
Milestone sessions are best booked a few weeks before your child reaches the milestone, so you have plenty of time to plan artwork, gifts, or albums for family.
These portraits aren’t just for now — they’re for the walls you walk past every day.
Baby Milestones Photography FAQ & Prep Guide
Book as early as possible! Our spots fill up fast, and we want to ensure we have the perfect time reserved just for you. This also gives us plenty of time to customize the session to fit your baby’s unique personality and milestones.
Milestone sessions in my studio are calm, child-led, and beautifully simple — designed as fine art portrait experiences rather than themed photoshoots.
We keep the setup minimal with soft textures, gentle light, and vintage-inspired styling so the focus stays on your baby’s expression, personality, and connection with you. Wooden toys, neutral tones, and simple backdrops create images that feel timeless and natural.
Each session includes a blend of classic portraits and gentle, candid moments, along with a short family portrait so you have a beautiful image of you together at this stage.
If you’re booking a First Birthday Portrait session, we can include a small, simple cake for gentle exploration if you wish — but it’s completely optional. These sessions are not about mess or overwhelm, but about celebrating your baby turning one in a calm, elegant way.
The entire experience is unhurried, relaxed, and guided by your child’s pace, so everyone can enjoy the session and the portraits feel truly authentic.
Our sessions take place in my Glanmire studio. It’s a homely space designed to make you and your baby feel comfortable. With carefully curated backdrops, outfits, and minimal props, you can rest assured your session will be nothing short of magical. Take a glimpse of Bella Daly photography studio here.
Sessions can take up to 2 hours, allowing time for cuddles, snacks, and nappy changes. We follow your baby’s lead, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
For First Birthday Portraits, a cake is completely optional.
If you’d like to include one, I source a small, simple, boho-style cake from a local baker so it fits seamlessly with my fine art, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The cake is used for gentle exploration rather than a messy smash — just enough to capture curiosity and sweet expressions without overwhelming your baby or the session.
If you prefer no cake at all, that’s perfectly fine too. Many parents choose to focus entirely on portraits and family images, which often become the most timeless pieces on their walls.
If your child has any allergies, just let me know in advance and I’ll adjust accordingly.
What to bring
A change of clothes for baby (for portraits and family images)
Snacks or milk for little ones who are weaned
A dummy/pacifier if your baby uses one — even if they don’t usually need it, it can be helpful in a new environment
A special toy or small family heirloom if there’s something meaningful you’d love included
I provide headbands, simple props, rompers, and timeless pieces that suit my style, so there’s no pressure to bring lots with you.
If possible, let me know your baby’s usual nap time ahead of the session — a rested baby makes such a difference, and I’ll always do my best to plan around it so the session feels relaxed and happy for everyone.
What to wear
To achieve timeless, fine art portraits, choose simple outfits in natural, neutral tones. Soft creams, warm browns, muted greens, gentle blues, and earthy shades photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your child and connection as a family.
Please avoid patterns, logos, neon colours, bright whites, and greys, as these can distract from the emotion and softness of the images.
I recommend bringing two outfit options if possible:
one more casual
one slightly more classic or dressed-up
This gives us flexibility on the day and helps ensure everything works beautifully with the light and setup.
For mums, plain dresses or tops in soft, neutral tones work wonderfully. For dads, simple non-patterned T-shirts or shirts in shades like beige, soft blue, or muted green are ideal. (And yes — please no white wedding shirts, as they tend to pull attention away from baby.)
If you’re unsure or would like help choosing, you’re very welcome to message me your outfit options in advance or bring photos to the studio — I’m always happy to guide you.
For inspiration, you can also browse our Pinterest board here:
No — you don’t choose anything in advance.
Your newborn session includes a full 2–3 hour studio experience, styling, wraps, props, and family portraits.
After the session, I carefully edit your full gallery (usually 20+ images).
Around 2–3 weeks later, you return to the studio for your Viewing & Ordering Appointment, where you’ll see your images and choose what you love:
• 5 digital images — €399
• 10 digital images — €449
• All digital images (usually 20+) — €549
You only choose after you see the photos, so there’s no pressure to decide upfront.
Many families also choose a collection that includes wall art or albums, and payment plans are available if that’s helpful.
Is the session Fee separate?
No.
The session itself is included — you’re paying for images, not time.
Do I have to spend more than €399?
No.
€399 is the minimum spend, and many families choose to stay there.
Why do you do it this way?
Because it allows you to:
Your baby’s safety is our top priority. All sessions are baby-led, guided by your child’s needs and cues. We ensure a relaxed, non-rushed experience, using natural and locally sourced items. Everything is washed with non-scented detergent after each session. Rest easy knowing we’re trained, insured, and ready to create a safe, joyful environment for your family.
Let’s make some beautiful memories together! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. We can’t wait to capture these sweet milestones that you’ll cherish forever!
