The Investment of a Generation
As parents, we know the days are long, but the years are short. One moment, you’re cradling a newborn in your arms, and the next, you’re watching them walk into their first day of kindergarten. It all moves too fast—but the right portraits can freeze time, capturing the details that make each stage of childhood special. Put down your phone, watch them grow, and leave the photography to us.
When it comes to heirloom photography, the question isn’t just when to take portraits, but also why each stage holds meaning. Below, we break down the best ages for heirloom portraits and the ideal products to pair with them—so you can create a collection that tells your child’s story from infancy to young adulthood.
Newborn (0-3 months)
Why?: That brand-new baby softness, the way they curl into your arms, tiny fingers and toes, delicate eyelashes, and the purest expressions.
Best Portrait Style: Lifestyle newborn sessions at home, capturing baby in their nursery or cradled by parents in a documentary-style format.
Suggested Product: Fine Art Prints with Keepsake Box – A classic way to preserve these first precious weeks that serves as coffee table decor and tangible memories for your baby to look at as they grow.
Heirloom Milestone Panel
(6 months, 12 months, 18 months, or 2 years)
Why? Chubby hands and dimpled cheeks, sitting up, wobbly standing, the coming out of their little personality.
Best Portrait Style: Traditional heirloom portraits with and without the vignette to capture all the details.
Suggested Product: 3 Image Composite Framed – A timeless way to showcase multiple milestones in one frame, capturing baby’s transformation across their first year.
Baptism
Why? The gown that has been or will be passed down for generations. Just picture your grandchildren in their heirloom portraits with the same gown.
Best Portrait Style: Heirloom Portrait of your baby sitting with gown on full display. Vignette is starts at the base of the gown for the full effect.
Suggested Product: 5×7 Table Top Frame. A delicate, classic way to preserve this meaningful milestone. This also makes for a special Christmas gift for grandparents.
12 Months
Why? The first year is the most important milestone for many families. You prep for the party, you have an outfit made, you do ALL the things. Don’t forget the single most important thing that will last when the day is over, the toys are put away, and the balloon arch is tossed.
Best Portrait Style: Heirloom Portrait (if you don’t do the milestone package this is a great alternative!)
Suggested Product: 3 Image Composite Framed or 8×10 Single Image Framed. A delicate, classic way to preserve this meaningful milestone. This also makes for a special Christmas gift for grandparents.
Toddler Years (2 or 3 Years Old)
Why? The independence surge—little grins, toddler “conversation,” and their favorite stuffed animal clutched tight. Also that hair should be nice and full by now.
Best Portrait Style: A simple heirloom portrait, ideally if you missed earlier milestones.
Suggested Product: Heirloom Matted Print Box if you already have a previous age framed – A flexible way to collect a growing set of prints over the years. If this is your first session go for an 8×10 or 11×14 Custom Frame
Kindergarten (Age 5)
Why? The first big transition—losing baby teeth, learning to write their name, stepping into a structured world.
Best Portrait Style: Heirloom session with a confident but sweet expression, with a focus on capturing the last traces of babyhood before they disappear.
Suggested Product: 5×7 Classic Heirloom Frame – Small enough for a shelf, but timeless enough to pass down. If this is your first heirloom session I would suggest a an 11×14 Custom Frame.
Also a PERFECT age for a pastel by Jeni Kelleher
*if you are a super organized momma, you may consider doing an 11×14 of each of your children at age 3-5 for the wall and have a print box or small tabletop frames to preserve the other milestones.
Also love this idea for Kindergarten graduation, so sweet!
📸 Hannah, 30A Heirloom Photographer
Third Grade (Age 8)
Why? A mix of childhood wonder and newfound independence. They’re still little, but they carry themselves differently.
📸 Best Portrait Style: I always love a soft smile but also those toothless grins and buck teeth (in my kid’s case 😅) just make me smile every time I see them.
🖼 Suggested Product: 5×7 Framed Print – Ideal for side-by-side comparisons with earlier portraits or add to you Heirloom Matted Print box!
Middle School (12 Years, 6th Grade)
Why? A shift toward maturity—features sharpening, personality shining through. This is a great age for a final childhood portrait before the teen years.
📸 Best Portrait Style: Classic Heirloom, straight on, and a side profile to finish it off. If you have the opportunity to have a moody canvas portrait, this is a great age.
🖼 Suggested Product: Small Multi-Opening Frame – Style a bookshelf or add to gallery wall.
Freshman Year of High School (Age 15, 9th Grade)
Why: A moment of transition—no longer a child, not quite an adult.
Best Portrait Style: A polished but natural pose, reflecting their growing confidence. Clothing can be a challenge with this age, just go with something simple, pastel, and fitting.
Suggested Product: Add it to your Matted Print Box – A perfect addition to the collection before their senior portrait.
Senior Year (Age 18, 12th Grade)
Why? The most obvious…. Their Senior Portrait. Don’t go for the weird blue background cheesy smile. These are the most iconic and you are going to do them anyway, make it something you want on your walls.
📸 Best Portrait Style: A formal senior portrait in the heirloom style, plus a casual, soft laughter pose for grad announcements.
🖼 Suggested Products:
- 2×3 Prints for Grad Cards – Perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- 11×14 Custom Framed Print – A statement piece for home.
- 5×7 Framed Print for Grandparents – A thoughtful gift to mark this milestone.
The Heirloom Portrait Legacy
One portrait is beautiful, but a collection tells a story. Whether you choose just a few key ages or build an annual tradition, these portraits will be the most treasured pieces in your home.
Want help deciding on a custom portrait plan for your child?
XO- Anna Claire
