Your Baby is growing fast, too fast. right before your eyes.Indianapolis Child Milestone Photographer
Most moms don’t realize how quickly it all changes—until it already has.
Best Time for Milestone Photography
3–4 Months (Rolling/Tummy Time): Pushing up on elbows and starting to roll.
6 Months (Sitter Session): Sitting unassisted—big smiles and personality.
9 Months (Pulling Up/Cruising): Pulling to stand or cruising along furniture.
1 Year (First Birthday/Cake Smash): First birthday photos, often with a cake smash.
Peek Inside Recent Child Milestone Photoshoots Across Indianapolis
See featured child milestone portraits I’ve photographed for Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, and Noblesville families. From first smiles to first birthdays, each gallery captures natural expressions with the relaxed, classic style I’m known for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Milestone Photography
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The best time to take milestone photos is 3 ½ months, 6 ½ months, 9 months & 1 year.
Why?
We are focusing on milestone moments not just photos. We want to capture our little one pushing up from their bellies, smiling & possibly giggling.
We want to see them sitting (even just for a few moments) & show us how they crawl even if just to be proud of themselves. Or standing assisted & so happy.
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You can choose to have your session all in my home studio (recommended for sitter or younger) or in a location close to the studio (weather permitting).
Cake smashes will be held in the studio.
My cozy studio is a dedicated space, so you can come and go with ease. No navigating big buildings or searching for parking. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable space with everything we need for a perfect milestone session. Every inch of the studio is set up with you and your baby in mind. Whether it's your first baby or your fifth, I want every family who walks through my door to feel cared for and at home.
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I do have a client closet that I keep in studio for those little ones wearing up to 18 months.
They range from simple rompers to sweet little dresses.
BUT.. if you have special outfits you would like to bring, I welcome those as well!
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I get asked this all the time- we just go with the flow! I actually had a recent session with a fussy baby, and it turned out beautiful! When we work together (and add in a bit of patience), we can usually turn that session around.
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Absolutely!
I have a family add on package that lets siblings &/or parents to jump in as well!
You Show Up. I’ll Take Care of Everything.
No outfit stress.
No pressure for perfect smiles.
No long to-do list before you arrive.
From the moment you walk through my door, we plan for your session. You can pick from the many sweet, simple outfits from my client closet that fit your style for your baby or you can bring your own.
My cozy home studio is calm, warm, and designed around your baby’s comfort—so you can just relax and enjoy the experience.
You’ll leave with the photos you hoped for—plus the ones you didn’t even know you’d treasure most.
You’ll Never Regret Having These Photos. But You Might Miss the Chance to Get Them.
Milestone sessions are more than a photoshoot.
They’re a way to keep this part of your baby’s story.
To pause time—just for a moment—and say: this mattered.
My Process for Your Indianapolis Milestone Photoshoot
Step 1: Reach out!
I would love to welcome you into the Dellarose Photography family.
Have questions? Let’s talk.
The best way to communicate is by email so I can answer every question you have, and you have it in writing. You have a lot going on, and I want to answer your questions so you can look them over and make sure we’re the best fit. If you need to talk this through because this is an investment and you want to make sure we’re a good fit, give me a call. I’d love to answer any questions you have.
Step 2: Booking & Planning
After we have communicated on timing of your milestone & retainer is paid, you will be officially booked. We will talk timing as the session gets closer because I like these babies to be HAPPY babies. Nap times are important & we will work around those!
Step 3: Our Session Day
In my cozy home studio, we will work together to get those adorable expressions!
You will have access to my client closet for sizes up to 18 months.
Sometimes I will need you to be my master puppet because YOU are the expert & know exactly how to get the best smiles & giggles from your little one. So…….be prepared to jump around a bit and bring your child’s favorite toy! LOL
Step 4: Proofs + Final Gallery
Within one week of your photoshoot, you’ll receive a proofing gallery to review.
You’ll pick your favorite images and once you send your selections, I’ll finalize the edits and deliver your finished images in a downloadable online gallery within 7 business days.
The Milestone Portrait Session Experience
Your Baby’s Session Includes:
Your baby changes so much in their first year — from those early giggles to the proud little sits and curious stares. Milestone sessions are all about pausing to capture these fleeting in-between moments that tell the story of their first year.
Session Details
Each session lasts about 30–45 minutes in my warm, cozy home studio, designed to keep your little one comfortable and happy.
These are perfect for ages 3.5 months, 6.5 months (sitter), 9 months, and 1 year, when their growing personalities truly begin to shine.
You’ll have full access to my client wardrobe, props, and accessories — thoughtfully chosen to create timeless, natural images that let your baby’s sweetness take center stage.
What’s Included
Each session includes 15 hand-edited digital images, delivered in a private online gallery for you to download and treasure.
I’ll gently guide your baby through poses and play, keeping things lighthearted and natural to capture genuine smiles and curiosity.
Optional Add-Ons
Family or sibling mini add-on — includes 5 extra images featuring the people they love most
Simple cake smash — with a naked frosted cake and outfit provided (15+ additional photos)
Fresh flowers are always welcome for that perfect touch of softness and charm
Looking for more information on my one year cake smash photoshoots?
The Most Common Thing I Hear?
“I almost didn’t schedule this session… and I’m so glad I did.”
Because this age?
It goes fast.
And once they’re walking, the baby stage is truly over.
Because You Deserve to Remember Every Milestone
Your baby is changing right in front of you, and every stage brings something new:
The first real giggles.
The sitting-up wobble. That open-mouth smile that melts you.
Milestone sessions give you a way to hold onto those moments before they pass.
At Dellarose Photography, I make that easy and beautiful—for both of you.
Dear Future You,
Right now, your baby is growing fast. Too fast.
You’re watching them discover the world, one expression at a time.
They’re still soft. Still giggly. Still reaching for you like you’re their whole universe.
This stage doesn’t come back.
But with one session, you can hold onto it—exactly as it was.
Kind Words from Happy Clients
From local Indianapolis families to mamas of toddlers, here are their own words.
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![Indianapolis Newborn Photographer]()
I highly recommend Shannon!
“We were so impressed with her for the newborn photoshoot and have now done 3 sessions with her and the pictures always turn out amazing!”
Anne H., mom of toddler in Fishers, IN
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![Indianapolis Newborn Photographer]()
Shannon does amazing work!
“She is very professional and personable and made my newborn son and 1.5 year old daughter look wonderful! Will definitely use her again!! (11/2021)
Update (5/2021): Our sitter session with my now 6 month old son and 2 year old daughter was the sweetest! She captured their personalities perfectly!!
Update again (5/2025): We’ve been going to Shannon for over three years now! She does amazing work and even got all three kids (5 y, 3.5 y, and 7 months) to look and smile at the camera at the same time - magic!! We look forward to using her to document our family as we grow for years to come!”
Lindy B., new mom in the Indianapolis area
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![Indianapolis Newborn Photographer]()
You really don’t have to bring anything!
“Getting our son’s one year pictures done by Shannon was very easy and painless. Finding a date/time that worked was super easy. She has a great studio set up in her basement with so many outfit options, props, backgrounds all included. You really don’t have to bring anything. Shannon worked quickly to get pictures before my son became tired and over it. She was prompt with getting the photos to us and editing them quickly. We loved how the pictures turned out and that she was able to capture his personality. We would definitely use her again!”
Emily B., toddler mom in Carmel, IN
Child Milestone Photography in the Indianapolis Area
You’ve Documented the Beginning. Now Don’t Miss the Becoming.
Let’s celebrate every little roll, giggle, stretch, and smile—before this baby of yours isn’t such a baby anymore.