My first year milestone package is perfect for expecting parents because it documents the first year together as a family. It's perfect if you're expecting your first child or if you're expecting your third! The first year is often a blur of milestones, adjustments, changes, and growing for everyone. It sounds like such a blur! This first year milestone package is perfect to document 3 specific snapshots in time that are so meaningful to look back on. We'll document the first few days with the new baby during our Lifestyle Newborn session, the changes that come when your infant becomes a toddler during your 6 month session, and we'll end with a session celebrating 1 year together. It's incredible to see how much changes in a quick 12 months, and it's even better to have that time documented.


Another great addition to this package is that it comes with an album that will include your favorite images from our year long journey together. It's important to me to include this in your package because so much of our world has move away from tactical physical items. I cherish the albums my mom has of myself and my siblings. There's nothing quite like flipping through them and looking at the physical printed images. I want that same experience for you and your kids. How special is it to sit down and show them how tiny they used to be, the crinkle in their nose or the expressions that they made? It's such an great gift to give especially when there's so much emphasis on digital.


First year package is simple and easy to book with Helen Merz Photography. All you need to do is fill out the inquiry form (linked below) and I'll get the ball rolling. You'll let me know your tentative due date, which I make a note of on your file and in my calendar. Then when baby arrives you'll let me know, and we can schedule the Lifestyle Newborn session within the first 14 days! The Lifestyle Newborn Session will take place at your home and will be about 90 minutes. This allows for plenty of time to photograph in 2 locations in your home and gives you the opportunity for plenty of breaks (to change, feed, or soothe baby). From there I'll be in touch closer to the 6 month and 1 year mark to schedule your additional sessions. A lot of my families choose to have the first birthday session in a studio. This is perfect for 30 minutes of updated family photographs and 30 minutes for a cake smash / second outfit / birthday themed photographs.


You'll receive an email when you images are available after each session. They will be in one organized gallery where you can mark your favorites for your album and download all of the images! Super great, right?


Our last step together will be designing your album. This is an easy process. You select your favorite images and I'll arranged them. I'll send an album design link for you to review, make notes, and approve. Then I send it off to be professionally printed. Once it arrives to my house, I check the quality and ship it off to you!


Take a look below at the images I captured for the Santarsiero Family's First Year Milestone package. Maternity images were taken at Haddon Lake Park in Haddon Heights, NJ. Newborn photographs were taken in Barrington, NJ. First Year images were taken at Hoff's Playground in Haddon Heights, NJ.

A couple stands together outdoors in a natural setting with green foliage in the background.
A couple sitting on a bench holds up a black and white ultrasound photo in their hands.
A pregnant woman in a pink ruffle dress smiles by a lake at sunset while someone in blue stands nearby.
A couple stands lovingly by a lake with flowers blooming on the water's surface during golden hour.
A sleeping newborn baby wearing orange and white clothing rests in the arms of someone wearing a red knit sweater.
Parents in red and gray tops share a tender moment with their newborn baby on a couch.
A sleeping newborn baby in white clothing rests peacefully in someone's gentle arms.
A couple shares a tender moment while holding their newborn baby in a nursery with chevron wall decor.
A peaceful newborn baby sleeping on a gray couch wearing a white knit sweater and orange clothing.
A couple sits with their newborn baby in a nursery with gray chevron walls while their chocolate lab stands nearby.
A family sits together in a nursery room with gray chevron walls and their chocolate Lab dog.
Small baby wearing white sweater and denim sits with parents under pink cherry blossoms in spring.
Spring family portrait with blooming cherry blossoms in the background.
Family enjoying a spring day together under blooming pink cherry blossoms in a garden setting.
A joyful moment shared between two people among blooming spring trees in an orchard setting.
Baby laughs joyfully while being held up outdoors among flowering spring trees and greenery.
A woman in a floral top sits on a yellow chair holding a baby under blooming spring trees in an outdoor setting.
Happy baby wearing white sweater and jeans sits in yellow chair outdoors in wooded setting.
A family shares loving kisses with their smiling baby in a red shirt while standing in a wooded outdoor setting.
A mother and baby pose together in a lush green forest setting outdoors.
A playful moment captured in a wooded area with someone in a white t-shirt holding a giggling child upside down.
A sweet outdoor family portrait captured in a lush green forest setting on a sunny day.
Black and white photo of a family in matching t-shirts sharing a joyful moment together in a forest setting.
A parent and toddler enjoying time together on a wooded trail surrounded by lush green foliage.
Three people wearing matching patriotic shirts pose together outdoors in a lush green forest setting.
Small child sits on blanket holding baseball at field with baseball equipment and batting cage fence in background.
A small child wearing a baseball jersey sits on a white blanket at a baseball field with equipment nearby.
A small child sits on a baseball base in a dirt infield next to baseball equipment and advertising banners.
Young child in baseball-themed shirt sits on base path at baseball field eating cake during first birthday celebration.
Small child wearing baseball themed shirt gets messy while eating smash cake during first birthday photo shoot.
Small child in a baseball themed shirt sits on a blanket on a baseball diamond examining something in their hand.
Family relaxing on baseball field with baseball equipment and blanket while wearing matching pink shirts.