What is the right age for a Spotlight Session?

I get asked this question all the time: “At what age can we sign up for a Spotlight Session?” The truth is, you can jump in at pretty much any stage—but each phase of childhood (and beyond!) offers something special. From the snuggly newborn months to the excitement of college life, every age is worth celebrating. My goal is to capture where your child is right now—tiny toes, silly dance phases, or even the beginnings of a career path—so you’ll always have a snapshot of who they truly are at each milestone.

The “Sweet Spot”

Why 3–14 Is Ideal

Around age three, children start showing their individual preferences—whether it’s a favorite color, a beloved toy, or their go-to dance move. Their little personalities are blossoming, and by the time they’re in the double digits, they’ve developed deeper interests and quirky habits. This stage feels extra sweet because it’s an in-between time: they’re independent enough to share their thoughts, yet they’re still overflowing with a playful spirit.

Interview + Magazine

What truly sets a Spotlight Session apart is the interview. Kids in this age range have plenty to say about their favorite foods, best friends, and the dreams they’re chasing. I take those quotes—from silly to serious—and sprinkle them into a custom-designed magazine alongside their photos. Imagine seeing your child’s bright grin next to a fun fact about how much they love dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets! It’s priceless to have these memories locked into a keepsake you can flip through for years to come.

What about Under 3?

Newborn to 1^st Birthday

While newborns don’t exactly sit and chat, they still have the sweetest story to tell. In these parent-led sessions, I focus on capturing those teeny-tiny details—little toes, sleepy yawns, the way their fingers curl around yours. Afterward, I arrange the images into a baby book–style magazine, complete with birth details, quotes from proud parents, and a record of those precious firsts. Because let’s be honest: once they outgrow that newborn phase, it’s gone in a blink.

One- and Two-Year-Olds

Toddlers are endlessly entertaining and curious about the world. They may not sit still for an interview, but trust me, I wouldn’t want them to! Parents fill in the details—favorite words, emerging personalities, funny little moments—while I snap photos that capture that boundless energy. If you already have a baby book started, this magazine can easily complement or extend it, creating a cohesive record of your child’s early journey.

What about those Older Teens?

Ages 15-18

For older kids and teens, a Spotlight Session has a similar vibe to a senior session, but I add my signature interviewing twist. Instead of short lists of favorite things, the write-ups in the magazine become more like little articles: maybe a piece on their biggest goals, or a snippet about a community service project or sport they’re passionate about. It’s a fantastic way to capture who they’re becoming during these exciting years when they’re stepping into more mature interests.

College-Age

Believe it or not, children don’t stop evolving once they hit college! There’s a massive life shift here—some leave home for the first time, jump into new hobbies, or choose a career path they’re just starting to explore. A Spotlight Session during college can highlight personal style, achievements, and future plans. The final product: a magazine that’s part celebration, part time capsule of this big leap into adulthood.

No matter how big (or little) they are, every child is brimming with personality worth celebrating. From their first pair of itty-bitty shoes to their triumphant final semester of school—and everything in between—a Spotlight Session is about preserving these slices of life before they slip away.

Have questions or want to schedule a session? Reach out anytime. I’m here to guide you, share ideas, and ensure the process is a relaxed, memorable experience for both you and your child. Let’s capture who they are—right this moment—so you’ll always have a window back into these amazing years. Talk soon!

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