Charlotte Milestone Photographer
Milestone photography is about more than a birthday or a cake smash. It’s about documenting the in-between — the growth, the personality shifts, and the seasons that quietly pass while you’re busy living them.
From a baby’s first year to the meaningful stages of childhood and beyond, every milestone tells part of a larger story. As a Charlotte milestone photographer, I specialize in creating timeless, studio-based portraits that bring consistency and intention to each stage, allowing your images to flow beautifully over time.
Whether you’re preserving your baby’s earliest milestones or celebrating the personality and confidence of a growing child, milestone photography gives you a way to hold onto the moments that shape who they are becoming — because every stage matters.
Every Stage Tells a Story
Milestone Photography for Every Season of Childhood
Charlotte Milestone Photography Experience!
Charlotte
Milestone Photography Experience!
If you’re dreaming of milestone photos that feel natural, meaningful, and truly reflect your child’s personality — you’re in the right place.
I’m a Charlotte milestone photographer who has spent over seven years specializing in studio milestone photography, with many more years of experience photographing children of all ages. I truly believe milestone photography is never one-size-fits-all — and as a mama of two kids who are wildly different, I know firsthand that this applies even within the same family.
From babies discovering the world around them to confident kids and teens stepping into who they’re becoming, I love documenting every age and every stage. Each milestone brings something new, and every child deserves to be photographed in a way that feels true to who they are in that moment.
Planning a milestone session doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. I’m a natural planner and will guide you through every step — from choosing the right session for your child’s age to styling, timing, and creating a smooth, stress-free studio experience. You don’t have to figure anything out; I’ve got you.
Your milestone session will feel calm, intentional, and effortless — with timeless images that allow you to pause time and remember this season just as it was.
Your
Your
scroll down, and let’s begin preserving your child’s story.
Tobi was absolutely fantastic!! We....couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. Tobi took the time to make a backdrop that fit the theme of our daughter’s first birthday (girls just wanna be one). She HANDMADE a giant pink bow that fit perfectly for the theme we were going for .... the backdrop was perfect. During the photo shoot she was professional while also keeping the attention of our little one (which is hard to do because she just wants to be on the go)... I highly recommend Tobi for capturing those picture perfect milestones.
Lauren Bedford
Documenting Childhood from First Smiles to Teen Years
Milestones aren’t just about birthdays — they’re about growth, discovery, and personality. From a baby’s first smile, to sitting, crawling, or standing, to the first birthday and cake smash, the early months are full of fleeting moments that deserve to be remembered.
As children grow, the milestones change but the importance doesn’t. Early childhood (ages 2–5) brings curiosity, playfulness, and the development of big personalities. School-age children begin exploring independence, friendships, and hobbies, while tweens and teens are stepping into confidence, style, and self-expression.
No matter the age, milestone photography captures more than numbers — it preserves the personality, confidence, and growth that make each child unique.
from First Smiles to Teen Years
Charlotte Milestone Photography for Every Season
Below, choose the path that fits your child’s stage. Both experiences are studio-based, thoughtfully guided, and designed to create timeless portraits you’ll treasure.
Childhood Milestones (Ages 2–18)
Baby’s First Year Milestones
The years don’t slow down after babyhood — from that first “oh twoodles” moment, to one whole hand moment that all too quickly turns into two. Tweens become teens, and milestones like eighth grade graduation arrive before you’re ready. Childhood milestone sessions preserve personality, confidence, and the season your child is in right now.
Your baby’s first year flies by — from sweet tummy-time smiles to first claps, sitting up, and standing tall for the first time. Studio consistency ensures each session flows beautifully across the months, capturing those early milestones along the way. And yes — the first birthday and cake smash are part of the story too!
“Tobi was amazing while photographing my 8 month old son during his “sitter” session. She made him feel comfortable and safe, while also using her creativity and skills to make him smile for the camera. It’s clear she has a deep understanding of how to photograph children and families. I’m so glad we found her and I look forward to working with her again in the future!”
K. Williams
“My daughter had her one year old milestone photos with Tobi. Tobi helped us inside and immediately began explaining her tips and tricks to a successful session. She was very clear with what works to keep my baby feeling comfortable and giving directions for me which I found extremely helpful. Tobi was very fun and entertaining for my baby which kept my almost one year olds attention and spirits up and smiling for her pictures! My baby wasn’t a fan of the cake smash but Tobi didn’t sweat it and was patient as she captured those moments as well. I completely recommend using Tobi to capture your family’s big moments!
K. Palmer
cherished moments: parent reflections on milestone sessions
Why Milestone Photography Matters + What to Expect
Because time doesn’t slow down, every age deserves to be remembered. Milestone photography preserves personality, growth, and fleeting moments that matter — creating images that become part of your family story.
Your session is calm, guided, and effortless. I help with styling, manage timing, and create a space where kids of all ages feel comfortable and confident. You don’t have to worry about planning or posing — I handle every detail so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
As a Charlotte milestone photographer serving Waxhaw and the surrounding Union County area, I provide a studio-based, intentional experience designed for families across the region. Whether you’re local or nearby, your milestone session will feel personal, relaxed, and timeless.
Let’s get your Charlotte Milestone session booked today!
Click below for more details on the studio package that fits best!
questions and answers
Can I see your studio
How long do the sessions last?
What should we bring to the session?
Can family take part in the session?
What are the best ages/stages for taking Milestone photos?
Do you bundle your Milestone packages?
How far in advance should I book my session?
What is provided during the milestone session?
What are the best ages/stages for taking Milestone photos?
The simple answer is:
3 months - aka the best age and stage for tummy time and big smiles
7 months - the “sitter age” and age of sitting up, laughing, and clapping
The Big ONE Year - the final milestone of that first year.
Many parents book yearly to document all the fun ages and stages. Especially the biggest ones like- turning 5 (aka a whole hand), 10 (aka two whole hands and the beginning joys of tween life), 13 (those teen moments), and that big Milestone of graduating 8th grade and moving into those high school years!!
How far in advance should I book my session?
All sessions should be booked one-two months in advance to account for time to select your final gallery images and editing. For the more specialized cake smash sessions I remind parents that a minimum of 30+ days is required so we can plan the perfect sets. For other milestone sessions I would try to book at a minimum 3 weeks for best results.
Do you bundle your Milestone packages?
For families that want to book multiple milestone packages and document more of those amazing moments while their little one grows, I am happy to bundle a package together at a discounted rate to ensure you have memories of all the ages and stages!
I frequently recommend bundling the 7 month sitter session with a one year old session after your newborn session!
What is provided during the milestone session?
Each session is set up a little differently. Depending on the session you book, I customize the set to include props such as chairs, benches, baskets, etc and all the fun little letters and numbers you see in my portfolio. I love being able to take one more item off mamas plate so I also provide access to my growing client closet for littles sized 3 months-2 years
How long do the sessions last?
Kids - especially super littles - have a very short attention span which is great for sessions. We move really fast, keeping the session flowing and the smiles coming. Most kids sessions are completed within 30-45 minutes but the supreme smash might take a little longer if we are including a few family photos as part of the session.
Can family take part in the session?
Each milestone session is designed to focus on your child, capturing their personality, growth, and milestones.
If family images are important to your family, you can add a Mommy-and-Me or Family Mini Session to any milestone session for an additional charge.
This ensures the session remains child-focused while giving you the option to include loved ones if you’d like.
What should we bring to the session?
Your guide will cover everything you need to know to get ready for your specific milestone session — from outfits and props to timing and session flow. Each guide is tailored to your child’s age, personality, and the milestone we’re capturing, ensuring a calm, organized, and fun experience for everyone.
![newborn girl with dark hair is swaddled in a boho styled ]][[basket in a charlotte area studio](http://static.showit.co/200/ZMbcQtc_NjYFr6JRE3lF8A/268012/tobis-timeless-treasures-charlotte-newborn-photographer-120.jpg "Tobis-Timeless-Treasures-Charlotte-Newborn-Photographer-120")