The Best Milestone Moments to Book a Family Photographer (That Aren’t Holidays)

When people think about family photos, their minds often go straight to the holidays—Christmas cards, Easter outfits, or fall leaves as a backdrop. And don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love holiday sessions! But there are so many other beautiful, meaningful milestones that deserve to be documented, and they often go overlooked.

As a Nashville family photographer and a mama myself, I know how quickly time passes. Sometimes it feels like I blink and my boys have grown another inch, learned a new skill, or said something that made me stop in my tracks. Those in-between moments? They matter just as much as the big ones, and they deserve to be remembered, too.

So today, I want to share a few of my favorite “non-holiday” reasons to book a family photographer. If you’ve been waiting for the “right” moment, this is your sign. You don’t have to wait for the calendar to tell you it’s time. In fact, your story is unfolding every single day!

Hey there, I’m Dolly! Are you ready to freeze those precious family moments in time? Let’s create beautiful memories you’ll cherish forever. Click here to explore my photography style and reserve your session here! I can’t wait to meet you and help tell your family’s unique story!

1. Birthdays Worth Remembering

From that first cake smash to turning double digits, birthdays are some of the most fun and joyful sessions I get to be a part of. There’s something so sweet about celebrating another trip around the sun with a session that reflects your child’s personality.

You don’t need to plan an elaborate party just to justify birthday photos. We can keep things simple and still create something timeless: balloons, a favorite toy, a cozy corner of your home, or a quick outdoor shoot at sunset. These sessions freeze your child in that exact stage of life—gap-toothed smiles, scruffy hair, or the way they hold your hand just a little tighter.

And yes, adult birthdays count too. You’re never too old to celebrate your life and the people you love.

2. Anniversaries and Love Stories

Marriage is a gift. I believe that with my whole heart. And whether you’re celebrating one year or fifty, an anniversary session is a beautiful way to honor that commitment.

So often, parents get caught up in documenting their kids that they forget to celebrate their own love story. But your relationship is the foundation of your family. It deserves to be remembered, too, so why not book a family photographer to capture some sweet moments?

Even if it’s just the two of you, a quiet walk through a local park or a cozy in-home session can capture your bond in a way that feels natural and meaningful. (And if you want to bring the kids along and make it a full family session, I’m all for it!)

3. First and Last Days of School

Backpacks that look too big in August. Missing front teeth by spring. The proud smile on your child’s face as they finish another grade. These are the transitions that happen quietly, but they represent big growth. And yes, you can book a family photographer to make sure none of it gets missed. 

You might snap a quick photo on your phone as your child runs out the door, but imagine having a professional session to truly document those moments. Maybe it’s their very first day of kindergarten. Maybe it’s their senior year. Maybe it’s a year of homeschooling you never thought you’d take on, but you did it.

Each school year tells a story, and I’d love to help you capture it.

4. Welcoming a New Dog (Or Cat!)

Pets are part of the family, too. Whether you’re adding a new puppy to the mix or saying goodbye to a beloved senior dog, these are the kinds of moments that stay with us.

I’ve photographed families cuddling brand-new rescue pups, wrangling energetic doodles, and snuggling with the gentle old dogs who’ve seen them through every season of life. Animals bring out something special in kids and grown-ups alike—genuine joy, laughter, and a sense of comfort that’s hard to describe.

Adding a pet is a big moment for your family. Let’s celebrate it through a photo session with your pets that you’ll treasure even after the paw prints fade.

5. Moving Into a New Home

Whether you’re buying your dream house, moving across town, or settling into a rental that finally feels like home, this is a milestone worth remembering. Home is more than four walls. It’s the backdrop to your family’s everyday life.

I love photographing sessions at home with newborns, but there’s also so much to capture in everyday life: Your kids playing in empty rooms, couples sipping coffee on the porch, and everyone piled on the couch for a snuggle. These are the memories you’ll want to look back on years from now when the kids are grown and the rooms look different.

Even if the boxes aren’t all unpacked yet, your home is already filled with love. That’s worth capturing.

6. “Just Because” Sessions: Everyday Magic

Some of my favorite sessions happen when there’s no special occasion at all. No big milestone. No party or holiday. Just a family wanting to press pause and soak it all in.

Because here’s the truth: everyday moments are special. The way your toddler tucks their hand into yours. The way your partner looks at you when they think no one’s watching. The way your family laughs together, makes a mess together, loves one another fiercely and fully.

These “just because” sessions are often the most authentic—and the ones families tell me they treasure the most. You don’t need a reason. Your life, exactly as it is right now, is reason enough.

Book a Family Photographer to Tell Your Story

One of the things I love most about this work is watching families grow over the years. I get to photograph brand-new babies, and then see those same babies come back as energetic toddlers, proud older siblings, or teens on the brink of graduation.

Photos aren’t just images. They’re chapters in your family’s story.

That’s why I believe in year-round photography. Not just for the holidays or major events, but for all the beautiful moments in between. And if you’re looking for a low-stress way to capture those milestones without committing to a full session each time, mini sessions are the perfect solution.

They’re short and sweet (just 15–20 minutes), ideal for little attention spans and busy schedules, and they still deliver gorgeous, frame-worthy images that you’ll love.

If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, but waiting for the “right” time, consider this your gentle nudge. Don’t wait until the kids are older. Don’t wait until the house is spotless or your schedule clears up. There will never be a perfect time, but there’s beauty in the now.

And if you need help figuring out outfits or planning ahead, I’ve got you covered. Grab my free Family Portrait Style and Planning Guide to make your session feel stress-free and fun (yes, fun!).

Let’s document the moments that matter—not just the big ones, but the quiet, meaningful ones too. Your family’s story is worth remembering every single day. Contact me to get started!

Meet Your Friendly Nashville Family Photographer