Milestone

From tummy time to cake smashes, these quick sessions freeze the fleeting magic of babyhood and toddler chaos. Simple, sweet, and full of personality—just like your little one.

Because every stage is worth remembering — not just the newborn days.


Milestone sessions are a beautiful way to capture the in-between magic — from tummy time smiles and chubby sitter stages to wobbly first steps and big, personality-filled birthdays. I offer milestone photography in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and throughout the Metro East Illinois area, designed to celebrate your child exactly as they are in this season.


Milestones aren’t just for babies. Whether it’s a 3, 5, 10, 13, or 16-year birthday (or honestly… any birthday at all), these sessions are a fun, meaningful way to pause time and document who your child is right now. Every year brings change, growth, and new layers worth remembering.


From 3-month snuggles to 6-month sitters, curious 9-month-olds, and cake smashes at one year — or any age, milestone sessions are lighthearted, relaxed, and guided so you can simply enjoy the moment while I capture the joy.


Every image you see here is proof that childhood isn’t just a blur — it’s a collection of tiny triumphs, big personalities, and moments you’ll be grateful you didn’t let slip by.

Young boy posing confidently with crossed arms against a dark studio backdrop in Edwardsville
Young baseball player posing with batting gloves and sunglasses during a dramatic sports photography session in Edwardsville
Youth baseball player standing confidently with crossed arms during a creative studio sports portrait session
Black-and-white personality portrait of a young boy smirking with his arms crossed at the TLP studio
Smiling young boy photographed against a dark backdrop during an Edwardsville milestone portrait session
Young baseball player swinging a bat against a dramatic smoke backdrop during an Edwardsville milestone session
Young boy making a playful expression during a personality-filled studio photography session at TLP
Black-and-white portrait of a young boy looking upward during a dramatic milestone photography session in Edwardsville
Smiling youth baseball player holding an orange bat during a personality-filled studio sports photography session
One-year-old baby posed with balloons and wooden ONE blocks during an Edwardsville cake smash session
Baby looking up at the camera during a first-birthday milestone photography session at Tara Lee Photography
One-year-old boy smiling on a blue studio cube during an Edwardsville milestone photography session
Baby reaching for his first-birthday cake in a blue and neutral balloon setup at the TLP studio
Smiling baby photographed against a sage green backdrop during a first-birthday milestone session at TLP
Baby sitting against a soft green backdrop during a simple first-birthday portrait session in Edwardsville
Close-up of a baby beside a colorful first-birthday smash cake during a studio milestone session
One-year-old boy wearing a party hat and touching his cake during an Edwardsville cake smash photography session
First birthday setup with white cake and pink decorations against kraft paper backdrop with hearts and bows.
Baby in beige outfit reaching for white birthday cake with pink decorations and backdrop.
Pink and gold first birthday party decorations with cake and party accessories in a collage layout.
Close-up shots of tiny feet reaching for a white birthday cake on a cake stand against a decorated backdrop.
Birthday photo setup featuring beige romper outfit and pink bow decorations.
Pink and kraft paper birthday backdrop with white cake and festive party decorations.
First birthday party setup with pink and white bows, wooden blocks, and glowing number one on rustic wooden floor.
First birthday party setup with pink and white decor, balloons, bow decorations and neon number one sign on wooden floor.
First birthday party scene with pink balloons, decorative bows, and wooden blocks on hardwood floor.
Baby in gray sweater poses with football against blue backdrop in professional studio photo series.
A baby wearing a brown gingham romper sits on a neutral backdrop in a series of playful poses.
A baby in a brown sweater sits in a wooden box against a dark background in a series of artistic portraits.
A black and white collage of close-up portraits showing various expressions and angles of a young child.
Baby in gray sweatshirt sitting on blue cube against navy background in professional studio portrait series.
A baby in a brown gingham romper sits on a wooden bench prop during a professional photo session.
A baby in a checkered outfit poses with a football on a wooden bench during a studio photoshoot.
Child in gray sweater sitting on blue cube against navy backdrop in studio portraits.
A small baby sits inside a rustic wooden box against a dark background in a series of artistic portraits.
Baby in brown sweater poses against dark background in artistic portrait series.
Toddler in brown overalls smiles at party with green balloons and festive banner decorations in background.
A sequence of photos showing someone eating spaghetti with tomato sauce at a rustic wooden table with greenery decor.
First birthday party setup with green and white balloons, rustic wooden blocks, and red checkered decor on wooden floor.
Small child in brown overalls sits at table with spaghetti and meatballs during Italian-themed first birthday party.
First birthday photo setup with rustic wooden floor, evergreen garland, and red and white banner decorations.
Plates of spaghetti and meatballs on a red checkered tablecloth with fresh herbs hanging above.
Spaghetti themed first birthday cake smash photo session with rustic decor and red checkered tablecloth.
Wooden alphabet blocks spell out ONE next to tiny bare feet in a rustic setting.
A messy plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce sits on a checkered cloth while small hands hold noodles at a wooden table.
A baby sits in a pile of spaghetti noodles wearing brown overalls while making a playful mess during mealtime.
Small child in brown overalls explores plate of spaghetti and meatballs on red checkered tablecloth.
A child in brown overalls sits at a table with chocolate cake and frosting smeared on their face.
A first birthday cake smash photo session sequence showing decorative banners, a green chair, and chocolate cake on a plate.
A child in a blue dress stands near a mirror with coral roses on a woven jute rug in a bright white room.
A child in a light blue dress and white bow looks at their reflection in a mirror with colorful decorations nearby.
Child wearing a light blue ruffled dress smiles in a bright white studio setting.
A series of black and white portraits showing joyful expressions and movement in a white dress.
A small child in a light blue dress looks at their reflection in a mirror while playing dress-up.
A young child in a light blue princess dress twirls and dances in front of a mirror with floral decorations.
A young child in a beige dress sits against a neutral background with a bright smile.
A child wearing a brown dress poses against a neutral background in a natural portrait style.
A decorative birthday party setup with pink number balloons and colorful dresses hanging on the wall.
A series of photos showing a child in a blue dress opening a birthday gift box with a large red number 3 balloon.
A young child in a light blue dress twirls and spins on a round jute rug with colorful decorations hanging on the wall.
A baby in denim overalls sits on a beige backdrop with fresh baked cinnamon rolls arranged around them.
Baby in denim overalls sits on rattan chair next to plate of fresh donuts and letterboard sign.
Baby in denim overalls sits on beige backdrop with donuts and wooden signs in a series of playful poses.
A happy baby wearing denim overalls sits in a wicker chair against a beige wall.
Baby in red gingham outfit sits among cherry-themed party decorations with balloons and festive decor.
A festive holiday photoshoot setup with red and green balloons, checkered gingham outfits, and Christmas decorations.
Cherry-themed birthday setup with red and green balloons, blocks, and gingham outfit details.
Cherry-themed first birthday cake smash photo session with red and green balloon decorations against white backdrop.
Red and green party decor with cherries and gingham patterns create a festive first birthday scene.
A small child in a purple dress and white lace top sits in a woven wicker chair against a neutral background.
Baby wearing a beige knit sweater and bow headband lies on soft white bedding while looking upward.
Baby in gingham dress and bow sits on white backdrop looking upward during studio photoshoot.
Professional baby portrait against dark green backdrop wearing matching green ruffled outfit and bow.
Joyful baby portrait on pink backdrop wearing peach colored ruffled dress and bow accessory.
Adorable baby wearing forest green outfit with bow sits in white box against dark green backdrop.
A sequence of four photos showing a baby in a green outfit sitting in a white box against a dark green background.
Sweet baby in emerald green dress and matching bow sits on dark green background showing tiny feet.
Sweet baby portrait on pink background wearing coral ruffled dress and hair bow.
Baby wearing a peach-colored ruffled top and plaid pants poses on pink backdrop during professional photo session.
Baby in dark green velvet dress poses against emerald background in holiday portrait series.
Joyful baby in pink ruffled dress poses inside pink box against rosy background.
Baby wearing blue denim dress and floral headband sits on pink stool against burgundy background.
Baby in orange dress with pumpkin print sits on rustic bamboo bench in fall-themed photography session.
Baby in blue dress poses inside pink photography prop box against mauve backdrop in professional studio setting.
Black and white close-up profile shots of a baby wearing a hat in different angles.
Baby wearing mustard yellow bow and floral outfit sitting in wooden chair against neutral background.
A birthday celebration setup showing a silver number 2 balloon against a white backdrop with festive bunting decorations.
A birthday party setup with pink and black polka dot balloons, twinkling lights, and fun decorated banners in black and blush.
A playful and joyful moment is captured in black and white as a child laughs with pure delight near floral arrangements.
Birthday celebration setup with black and pink polka dot balloons, silver letter banner, and wooden number blocks showing 'TWO'.
A small child in a black ruffled dress and silver shoes poses against a backdrop with pink and black balloons.
A series of studio photos with floral decor and rustic wood flooring shows a toddler in a denim dress.
Small figure in black dress poses on light backdrop with glowing string lights and festive decor.
A colorful cake smash photo session setup with black and white balloons and props against a light blue backdrop.
First birthday cake smash photo with black and blue balloons, wooden blocks spelling ONE, and a neon light sign decoration.
First birthday celebration scene with pink tutu outfit against pastel balloon backdrop and illuminated 'One' sign.
First birthday party decor with number one candle, pink and blue balloons, and cake smashing setup.
Baby feet with pink tutu in soft pastel nursery setting with blue and pink balloons and string lights in background.
First birthday celebration setup with illuminated number one, pink and blue balloons, and baby sitting on floor.
Two babies in matching black and white floral outfits sit against pastel balloon backdrop with illuminated number one.
Romantic pastel blue and pink balloon arch with sparkling fairy lights creates a dreamy party atmosphere.
Two babies sit beside lit number one candles and balloons during a first birthday celebration photo shoot.
Pink and gold themed first birthday party decorations with balloons, lights, and cake set up for a special celebration.
Baby in white first birthday onesie sits amongst blue and white balloons with rustic wooden blocks for cake smash photos.
First birthday celebration with twins sitting on white cushions surrounded by pink and blue balloons.
A baby shower party scene decorated in pale blue and white with a cake table and party decorations showing.
Baby sits with white birthday cake surrounded by white and blue balloons with a 'ONE' block display and banner.
A first birthday celebration setup with glowing number one candle, wooden blocks spelling 'ONE' and pastel balloon decorations.
Military themed photo of a baby sitting on wooden floor next to combat boots with American flag backdrop.
Small child wearing red shorts and checkered shirt stands against American flag backdrop on wooden floor.
Minimalist baby boy first birthday setup with blue balloons, wooden blocks spelling 'ONE', and a small cake stand.
Blue and white balloon decorations create a festive first birthday celebration scene with glowing number candles.
Illuminated number one candle with blue and white balloons and party decorations for first birthday celebration setup.
First birthday celebration setup with wooden blocks spelling ONE, white cake on gold stand, and blue and white balloon decorations.
First birthday setup with balloons, wooden 'ONE' blocks, and a cake, featuring a grey t-shirt against light blue decor.
First birthday cake smash photo session setup with white and gold letters, white cake, and blue backdrop.
Happy baby wearing blue jeans sits on white background smiling brightly.
Laughing baby in denim overalls and floral shirt wearing white bow against white backdrop.
Baby wearing white bow headband and floral print outfit against white background.
Smiling baby wearing purple sweater sitting in vintage coral-colored wooden barrel.
Happy baby in floral dress sitting on pink blanket surrounded by green grass and flowers.
Smiling baby in floral dress standing among yellow wildflowers in sunny field.
Excited toddler wearing pink lace dress and floral headband standing on hardwood floor.
Joyful toddler in pink lace dress standing next to wooden stool against white backdrop.
First birthday celebration setup with blue and white balloons, cake smash scene, and neon 'One' sign on beige backdrop.
Smiling baby reaches for white birthday cake surrounded by pink and gold decorations.
Baby in pink outfit sits by birthday cake with pink balloon backdrop.
First birthday setup with pink balloons, white cake, and gold decorations.

 

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