Somehow, the sweet baby girl we were just waiting to meet is already six months old. 🥹 And getting to photograph Harper’s six-month milestone with the Welch family at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama was one of those afternoons that reminded me exactly why I love documenting these chapters.

I’ve had the joy of photographing Courtney and her family since she was pregnant with Harper. Watching a family go from counting down to a baby’s arrival to celebrating who that baby is becoming? That will never get old for me. And now there’s big brother Liam, a whole lot of personality, and one very loved little girl right in the middle of it all.

A Six-Month Milestone Session at Samford University in Birmingham

For this family session, we photographed the Welches around the grounds and outdoor steps of Samford University in Birmingham. Between the open lawns, mature trees, and classic architecture, we had a lovely mix of settings for both family portraits and those little unposed moments that always end up meaning so much.

What I especially loved was how the session could move between different kinds of photographs without losing the feeling of one connected story: everyone together, Liam being Liam, quiet moments with Courtney and Harper, and a few photographs dedicated to just our six-month-old girl.

The styling worked so beautifully in this setting, too. Courtney’s blue dress, the boys’ coordinating blues and soft neutrals, and Harper’s delicate floral outfit gave everything a timeless, cohesive feel without looking overly matched. That’s always my goal when helping families put together their session wardrobe: outfits that feel like them and photograph beautifully together.

All the Little Moments with Harper and Liam

Yes, we made time for the traditional everyone-looking-at-the-camera family photographs. But some of my favorites are the in-between moments: Liam perched on Dad’s shoulders, the family gathered close together, little glances between brother and sister, and Harper looking up at her people with those beautiful blue eyes.

We also brought out a woven basket and a soft blanket for a few portraits of Harper and Liam. I love including simple details like these when they fit a family’s vision. They add a little variety while keeping the focus on what really matters—the children and the season of life we’re preserving.

And Harper! The sweet expressions, the curious looks, that little bow, and the biggest smiles. Six months is such a fun age because babies are beginning to show us so much of their personalities. You don’t need a perfectly posed baby or a perfectly behaved toddler to make meaningful photographs. You need space for everyone to be themselves.

Why I Love Six-Month Milestone Photography

Those first six months can feel like a blur. One day, you’re waiting to meet your baby. Then somehow they’re studying your face, reaching for everything, interacting with their siblings, and giving you expressions you swear you’ll remember forever.

That’s what Birmingham six-month milestone photography is really about for me. It’s not simply documenting what your baby looks like at a certain age. It’s preserving who they are right now—and the way your family loves them through it.

I always encourage parents to be in the photographs, too. Years from now, Harper will get to see how Courtney held her, how Dad smiled at both of his children, and what life looked like when Liam was her big brother at this age. Those are the pictures that tell a family’s story.

Planning Your Own Birmingham Baby Milestone Session

If you’re thinking about a six-month session for your baby, here are a few things I love to keep in mind:

• Let your baby set the pace. Breaks for cuddles, feeding, or a reset are part of photographing little ones, not interruptions.
• Bring the whole family. The milestone belongs to your baby, but your relationships are part of the story, too.
• Choose comfortable, coordinating outfits. Soft neutrals, gentle color, and pieces that allow everyone to move naturally are always beautiful on camera.
• Keep props meaningful and simple. A favorite blanket or a thoughtfully chosen basket can be sweet, but your baby’s expressions are the real star.

Samford University was the setting for the Welch family’s session, but I help families consider location options throughout the Birmingham area based on the look they love and the permissions or access available for each location.

From Pregnancy to Harper’s First Year

Courtney, getting to watch your family grow from the days before Harper arrived to these six-month photographs has been such a gift. Thank you for continuing to invite me into these little chapters. And Liam and Harper? Y’all are making it very hard to believe how quickly these babies grow up. 🤍

If you’re looking for a Birmingham family and milestone photographer to document your baby’s first year, I would love to help you preserve these moments, too. Whether you’re planning one milestone session or want to document the journey from pregnancy through that first birthday, explore 5U Photography and get in touch here. I can’t wait to hear about your family.

xoxo

Alex