One Year Milestone Session at Pratt Park

A relaxed, playful session for Sebastian’s first birthday in Fredericksburg, VA

Milestone sessions always have a special place in my heart, but this one was extra sweet.

Sebastian just turned one, and I had the joy of photographing him again, this time at John Lee Pratt Park in Fredericksburg, VA. It was a hot June morning, but thankfully we had plenty of shade and a quiet spot to let Sebastian explore. This was our second time working together. I photographed Sebastian’s newborn session a year ago, and seeing how much he’s grown was a full-circle moment.

This one year milestone session at Pratt Park was all about capturing Sebastian just as he is right now: curious, expressive, and full of energy.

A Year of Growth

I still remember how small he was during his newborn session. He gave me a run for my money as he was not into newborn portraits (which you would never know!). Now he’s loving being in front of the camera, giggling, and discovering the world in his own way.

Milestone sessions like this are a beautiful reminder of how fast it all goes. During our time at Pratt Park, Sebastian wandered the trail, sat in the grass with his toy trucks, and gave me the sweetest little glances in between moments of play. He didn’t need direction; he just needed space to be himself.

That’s what this session was really about. No smash cake. No big props. Just a boy with his favorite toys, in a setting that gave him room to play.

A Family You Can Feel the Love In

One of the best parts of this one year milestone session at Pratt Park was reconnecting with Sebastian’s mom, Sandra. She’s one of those people who makes conversation feel easy, like you’re picking up right where you left off. We chatted about life, parenting, and how much our boys have grown in what feels like a blink.

This time, I also had the chance to meet Sandra’s mom, who was visiting from New Mexico. I enjoyed getting to see three generations together. You can tell the strength of a family by the way they support and show up for each other, and this one radiates just that.

Personality over Props

When Sandra and I talked about this session, she mentioned wanting to skip the smash cake and keep things simple. Instead, she wanted to focus on Sebastian’s personality—his energy, his curiosity, his love of trucks.

So Sandra brought a few of his favorites along and let him lead the way. He lit up when we brought his trucks out, and those candid moments of him pushing them through the grass or lining them up in the dirt are some of my favorites from the session.

Why These Sessions Matter

A first birthday is a big deal, but it doesn’t always need a huge production. Sometimes, all you need is a simple location, a few favorite toys, and the space to be yourselves.

This one year milestone session reminded me of why I love what I do. Getting to watch a family grow, getting to witness those in-between moments that often go unnoticed.

Milestone sessions give you the chance to press pause. To look at your child, just as they are today, and capture all the things you’ll one day try to remember. The scrunchy nose smile. The way their hair curls at the back of their neck. The joy they find in something as simple as a toy truck.

To Sandra, and to Every Family in This Season

Sandra, thank you for choosing me again to document another chapter in your story. Watching Sebastian grow and getting to meet your mom was such a joy. Your family is so full of warmth and love, and it truly comes through in every photo.

To any parent thinking about a milestone session: you don’t need to wait for a big event or have everything perfectly styled. A one year milestone session at Pratt Park, or anywhere that feels meaningful to your family, is a beautiful way to remember where you are right now.

Let’s Capture Your Family’s Next Chapter

If your little one is approaching their first birthday, or if you’re simply ready to capture the joy of this season, I’d love to talk with you about creating a session that feels like you. Fill out my contact form here to get your child’s milestone session booked.

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Shelby McKimmie Photography is a Virginia Family Photographer that specializes in fun, natural portrait experiences. She photographs maternity, newborn, and family photos. She serves areas in Southern Maryland and Richmond Virginia. Some of these areas include Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s County, Richmond, Bowling Green, Westmoreland, Culpeper, King George, Stafford, and Fredericksburg Virginia.