The first year goes fast...

Like… “wait, what just happened?” fast.

cake smash photos fort collins

Let’s talk about option number three…

Milestone photos that feel like your baby—just as they are, right now.

No thanks.

Because these middle months?
They’re sneaky.

They don’t get the same hype as newborn or senior photos…
but they might just be the most fun, personality-filled stage of all.

And the milestone photos you usually see out there are either:

Over-the-top themed setups that feel more about the props than your baby, or

Quick, forgettable snapshots that don’t capture who they’re becoming.

One minute they’re a sleepy little newborn…
and the next they’re sitting up, grabbing their toes, and giving you full-blown personality.

And you’re over here like, wait… when did that happen??

But seriously

That’s why I help you turn your images into custom albums and heirloom artwork—so this chapter doesn’t just live in your memory, but in your hands.

They’re meant to be held.
Passed down.
Lingered over.

your photos aren't meant to DISSAPEAR into a folder labeled “Important – Don’t Delete.”

sound familiar?

✔️ capture those squishy rolls, gummy smiles, and brand-new skills

✔️ feel simple, timeless, and focused on your baby (not the set)

✔️ let their personality shine through—whether they’re shy, silly, or full chaos

✔️ make you stop mid-scroll (or mid-hallway) every single time

✔️ turn this “in-between” stage into something you’ll never forget

YOU WANT THE KIND OF milestone PHOTOS THAT:

PSSST! HERE’S THE SECRET:

She is genuinely a baby whisperer — she handled our fussy little one with so much patience and ease...

As a first-time mom (and total germaphobe), I was especially nervous because our daughter had been in the NICU, but Shelley was incredibly respectful and cautious about all of our concerns. She took cleanliness and safety seriously, which meant the world to us and helped me relax and actually enjoy the session.




-Meagan

Not rushed. Not overly themed. And definitely not one-size-fits-all.

Milestone sessions are designed to celebrate your baby’s first year—especially those magic middle moments like sitting independently (hello, 6-month sitter sessions 👋) and that big, beautiful first birthday.

Imagine having artwork that captures not just how they looked…
but who they were becoming.

Milestone photography for when you don’t just want cute—you want to remember their personality.

Milestone Sessions 

shelley schaffer photography

Not rushed. Not overly themed. And definitely not one-size-fits-all.

Milestone sessions are designed to celebrate your baby’s first year—especially those magic middle moments like sitting independently (hello, 6-month sitter sessions 👋) and that big, beautiful first birthday.



Imagine having artwork that captures not just how they looked…
but who they were becoming.

Milestone photography for when you don’t just want cute—you want to remember their personality.


A clean, timeless setup that keeps the focus on your baby

Gentle guidance to capture natural expressions (no forced smiles here)

Sessions designed around your baby’s stage—especially sitter + one-year milestones

Optional simple, elevated cake smash setup (the good kind 😉)

Access to curated wardrobe pieces

Styling guidance for baby (and parents, if you’re hopping in too)

A relaxed, baby-led session experience

Hand-edited, fine-art imagery

Your gallery ready in 3–4 weeks

Custom artwork and albums designed to live in your home

(don’t worry, I’ve thought of everything):

Milestone photos for when you don’t just want pictures—you want to hold onto a feeling.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR milestone  SESSION 

Because these aren’t just “cute photos”—they’re chapters.


The Version of Them You’ll Wish You Could Freeze

Because this isn’t just a milestone—it’s a moment that slips by.

The way they sit, the way they smile, the way they look at you like you’re their whole world… it evolves almost overnight. These portraits turn this fleeting chapter into something you can come back to again and again.

Beautiful photos. Simple process.

*Print products and digital images are sold separately*

About 7–10 days after your session, we’ll meet for your ordering appointment. You’ll see your portraits for the first time, choose your favorites, and decide which images you’d love as digitals and which ones deserve a spot on your walls as heirloom artwork. The best part?
You only invest in what you truly love.

Choose Your Images & Artwork

Step Two

You can book your session instantly online, or we can start with a quick consultation call so I can learn about you and hear what you’re envisioning. Either way, we’ll connect to chat through the details and start planning your session. A session fee secures your date on my calendar and makes it official.

Secure your session

Step One

400

Signature Milestone Session

This first year doesn’t ease you into it—it flies.

One minute they’re brand new…
and the next they’re sitting up, grabbing their toes, giving you full eye contact, and showing you exactly who they’re becoming.

These in-between stages?
They’re the ones you don’t realize you’ll miss until they’re gone.

My milestone sessions are designed to preserve this personality-filled season with portraits that feel timeless, joyful, and completely true to your baby—not over-styled, not rushed, and never about the props.

From the moment you book, I guide you through the entire process so everything feels easy, thoughtful, and fully taken care of.

During your session, we follow your baby’s lead—whether it’s wobbly sitting, curious exploring, or full-on cake smash chaos. No pressure. No expectations. Just space for their personality to show up exactly as it is.

After your session, I’ll help you select your favorite images and design custom artwork for your home—albums and framed pieces that don’t just live on your phone, but become part of your everyday life.

Because this isn’t just a milestone.
It’s a version of your baby that’s already on its way out.

Fine Art Prints start at 300
& Custom Framed Artwork begins at 700
all artwork includes digital images
packages that include all the digitals are available

From the moment we arrived, she was so warm, welcoming, and made the entire experience truly memorable. 

“We absolutely loved working with Shelley for our newborn photos! 

- Joe 

The pictures turned out absolutely beautiful, and we had such a fun time taking them. We are so grateful we chose Shelley and would recommend her a thousand times over to anyone looking for a newborn photographer! We can’t wait to return and have Shelley capture more special moments as our family continues to grow.”

my CLIENTS HAVE THE SWEETEST THINGS TO SAY

“the photo quality was AMAZING. 

Because one day, this squishy, smiley, frosting-covered version of your baby will feel like a blur.

And these?
These bring you back.

This season—this exact version of your baby—
won’t last forever.

The rolls. The giggles.
The way they look at you
like you’re their whole world.

Digital files are easy to forget.
But printed artwork stops time.

I specialize in custom albums and fine-art prints
so these moments don’t just live on your phone—
they live in your home.

Albums you flip through on birthdays.
Frames that stop you in your tracks.
Artwork that quietly says, this mattered.

These Memories Deserve a Permanent Home

newborn photography fort collins

WHAT SSP MILESTONE SESSIONS ARE:

✔️ Joy-filled, personality-packed baby portraits

✔️ Focused on real expressions (not props stealing the show)

✔️ Designed around key stages like sitting + turning one

✔️ Relaxed, baby-led, and fully guided

✔️ Timeless, not trendy

✔️ Made to become heirloom artwork

WHAT SSP MILESTONE SESSIONS AREN’T:

✖️ Over-the-top themed chaos

✖️ Rushed “get what we can” sessions

✖️ Stiff or overly posed moments

✖️ Cookie-cutter setups

✖️ Forgettable digital-only images

✖️ Stressful (for you or your baby)

Still not sure if SSP Milestone Sessions are perfect for you?

If you’re craving a newborn photography experience that feels calm, intentional, and deeply meaningful—you’re in the right place.

Long story short? 
YOU + ME = PHOTOS THAT MEAN MORE AS TIME PASSES.

I know when to step in.

When to step back.

And exactly which fleeting details you’ll want back someday.

(Time won’t stop. I asked.)

I know how quickly this first year flies—one day you’re in it, and the next you’re wondering where it went.

Hey, I’m Shelley.
Fine art photographer,
baby-hype woman,
and professional
“did you see that face?!” noticer.

MEET YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER

Sitter sessions happen in a blink.

First birthdays come fast.

I only take a limited number of sessions each month, and these milestones are best booked in advance.

This season doesn’t repeat itself.
And neither do these moments.





P.S. BOOK EARLY!

These stages
don't wait

FREQUENTLY
asked
QUESTIONS

When should I schedule my baby’s milestone session?

The most popular times are around 3/4 months, 6/7 months (when baby can sit independently) and 1 year (hello, cake smash 🎂). I recommend booking a few weeks in advance to make sure we hit that sweet spot.

What if my baby can’t sit up yet?

No worries—we’ll adjust. If they’re close, we can still create beautiful images with support and positioning. But ideally, we wait until they’re sitting confidently for that classic milestone look.

Do you provide outfits?

Yes! I have a curated collection of simple, timeless pieces for babies, and I’ll guide you on what photographs best so everything feels cohesive and effortless.

What should I expect during the session?

A relaxed, baby-led experience. We follow your baby’s mood and pace—whether that means giggles, curiosity, or a little snack break in between.

Do you offer cake smash sessions?

I do—but with a more clean, elevated approach. Think simple, timeless, and focused on your baby (not distracting themes or over-the-top setups).

What if my baby is fussy that day?

Totally normal. I’ve got patience for days and plenty of tricks up my sleeve. We go at your baby’s pace, and I’ve yet to meet a baby I couldn’t win over.

Can parents or siblings be included?

Absolutely. While the focus is on your baby, we can absolutely include a few family images to round out your gallery.

How long does a milestone session take?

Typically around 30–60 minutes, depending on your baby. No rushing—we allow time for breaks and reset moments as needed.

When will I see my photos?

Your images will be ready in about 3–4 weeks, and we’ll schedule your reveal appointment where you’ll choose your favorites and design your artwork.

Do I have to purchase prints, or are digitals included?

Digital images and artwork are selected and purchased after our session. I offer both digital image bundles and custom artwork like albums and framed pieces. Most families choose a combination—because these moments deserve more than just living on your phone. 

Still have questions? I’ve got you.

Reach out anytime—I’m happy to walk you through it.

Timeless milestone photography for families who know
this season matters. 

BOOK YOUR milestone PHOTOGRAPHY FORT COLLINS 

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5 simple steps to a smooth, fun, stress-free photo session
(straight from the best Fort Collins photographer)

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