A photographer's guide to documenting the many stages of childhood.

They say childhood goes by in a blur. It’s not the big birthdays or first steps that fade the fastest. It’s the tiny moments. The in-between seasons. The quirky obsessions and gap-toothed grins and “I do it myself” declarations.

These are the real milestones.

And one day, you’ll look back and wish you had pressed pause.

As a photographer who specializes in documenting children’s personalities, not just their smiles, I’ve seen firsthand how many memories live in these different phases. That’s exactly why I created Spotlight Sessions: to give parents a chance to capture the essence of who their child is right now, before that version quietly disappears.

Here are five milestones you’ll never regret capturing.

1. The Age of Obsession

One day it’s dinosaurs. The next, it’s rainbows or rescue vehicles or fairies who love to garden. Whatever it is, your child is in it. Their favorite thing becomes the center of their world and you can probably recite every character, theme song, or creature type in your sleep.

These fixations are fleeting, but they’re such a vibrant expression of personality. They show what sparks your child’s imagination and how they explore the world.

What to capture: Create a custom set inspired by their favorite thing. It can be costumes, books, toys, or pretend play. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top. Even a subtle nod to their current obsession can tell a beautiful, time-stamped story.