One of my favorite parts of being a family photographer is getting to watch the little ones grow year after year. While I adore photographing full family sessions, there’s something extra special about birthday milestone photos. They’re playful, personal, and such a fun way to celebrate who your child is right now—at this age, in this season, with all the personality they’re developing.


Some families come to me specifically for these yearly milestone sessions and it’s honestly such a joy to see how the photos evolve as the kids grow. One of the first families to book me solely for a milestone session has now returned for four years in a row and each session has its own story.

It all began during a surprise April snowstorm (thank you, Wisconsin weather) when we captured belated birthday photos. The snowy background was perfect to pay homage to her January birthday even though we were taking photos in the so-called spring. It was chilly but the snow gave the photos a whimsical feel that made the day totally worth it. We threw a special teddy in for a few photos to give that personal touch to the end product.

A child in a green velvet dress lies on a plush cream-colored blanket in the snow, smiling warmly.
Toddler in green coat plays with teddy bear while sitting in snow during winter photoshoot.
A child wearing a white winter cape and emerald green velvet dress stands in the snow.
Young toddler wearing a dark green sweater plays outdoors in a snowy winter landscape.
Small child wearing green velvet dress holds cream-colored teddy bear while standing in snow outdoors.

The following year, we planned ahead and booked a cozy studio session ensuring her birthday photos would be on time. Simple, sweet, and full of laughter… plus a couple of cute outfit choices is exactly what you’d hope for in milestone photos.

A small child lies on white bedding while cuddling a plush teddy bear toy.
Monstera plant provides tropical backdrop for child in pink coat sitting near decorative textural elements and laptop display.
Small child in white shirt and plaid skirt jumps playfully on a white bed near potted palm and exposed brick wall.
A young child in pink clothing sits next to a chalkboard against a backdrop of large tropical monstera leaves.
A small child in a plaid skirt and white sweater laughs joyfully while looking at their reflection in a mirror.

Leading up to her fourth birthday, this girl was ALL about horses! Donning an adorable horse inspired outfit, we traveled to a horse farm for her annual birthday photos. It was a blast to capture her in her element, confidently interacting with the animals she adores. She even showed off her riding skills on a miniature horse for that added touch.

A young child reaches out to gently touch the nose of a small brown pony in a sandy enclosure.
A young rider sits atop a small brown Shetland pony in an indoor arena against a pale wall.
A young rider wearing a turquoise helmet rides a small brown pony with bright green tack in an indoor arena.
Child wearing a green corduroy overall dress with ruffled details and white patterned long sleeve shirt sits on brown fur surface.
A small child in a green dress stands next to a miniature brown pony with a turquoise lead rope in an indoor arena.

Which bring us to this year when we went royal! We channeled some serious princess energy for Her Royal Fiveness with a photo session at the Downtown Milwaukee Public Library. Their rotunda area is full of classic elegance which framed her princess dress and crown perfectly. With its elegant columns and soft natural light, this ended up being the perfect backdrop for this awesome fifth birthday theme.


This location is not only breathtaking but also free to use! Simply book your time with the library in advance and check in when you arrive for your allotted time. If you’re looking for a timeless indoor setting (especially in the unpredictable Wisconsin weather), this is the hidden gem you’re looking for.

A child in a royal blue tulle party dress relaxes on a plush blue velvet chair in an elegant foyer setting.
Someone in a blue dress poses playfully on an ornate marble staircase with decorative stone balusters in a grand building.
A joyful young child in a royal blue dress leans against a stone wall while smiling brightly at the camera.
A small figure in a flowing blue dress climbs marble stairs in an elegant interior setting.
A young pageant participant in a flowing royal blue gown poses joyfully on an elegant staircase with a celebratory sash.

These birthday session are such a perfect reminder of how fast our little ones grow and how important it is to press pause and celebrate who they are each year. If you’re ready to capture your little one’s next milestone, I’d love to help you do just that! Whether you’re planning a one-time celebration or want to start a yearly tradition, birthday photo sessions are all about joy, personality and preserving memories.


I even created a Birthday Mini Session event to make these yearly photos more accessible! The next round of Birthday Minis is on Sunday, July 20th. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate your kiddo in style. Click here to book your session or get in touch to book a full session for these special portraits!