Baby Photography in Chicago
Milestones come in many forms, each one deserving to be preserved with intention and care. Whether you’re celebrating a sitter session, milk bath, cake smash, tummy time, or another meaningful stage, every milestone session is fully customized to reflect your vision.
Celebrating each step of the journey
Each milestone is a story worth remembering.
Milestone & Cake Smash Sessions
The Milestone Session Experience
Included with every cake smash session
Matters
Detail
Every
Personalized Styling & Set Design
Custom Cake Provided
Family Portraits Included
Wardrobe Changes Welcome
Explore the Milestone Gallery
Little. Big. moments.
Hello there! I’m Rena
I'm a baby, milestone, and cake smash photographer based in Chicago, where my family and I have called home for the past nine years. I’m also a wife and mom of four, and being a mother has given me a deep appreciation for how quickly these little moments pass. My oldest is now 16, and it still amazes me that the tiny baby I once held is now a teenager. Every milestone along the way reminds me how important it is to pause and preserve these seasons of life. Cake smash sessions are especially meaningful because they capture the incredible personality your baby has developed during their first year—the curiosity, the laughter, the expressions, and all the little things you never want to forget.
As a mom, I know how busy and unpredictable life with little ones can be, so I focus on making your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. My goal is to create a relaxed environment where your baby can explore, have fun, and simply be themselves while I capture this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.
I love meeting new families and celebrating these special moments with them. Creating portraits that bring parents back to this joyful season for years to come is truly one of the greatest parts of what I do.
Client testimonials
We worked with Rena for our daughter’s first birthday photos and absolutely loved both the experience and the final images. She captured our daughter’s personality so beautifully, creating portraits we will treasure for years to come. From our first conversation through final gallery delivery, Rena was warm, professional, and incredibly easy to work with, making the entire process feel seamless. She even graciously expedited our editing and delivery to accommodate a tight timeline, which we truly appreciated.
An Effortless and Joyful Experience
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Questions
Frequently
asked
Milestone sessions are a celebration of childhood at every stage—documenting the fleeting moments that define your child’s earliest years. From baby milestones to toddler birthdays, each session is crafted with intention, artistry, and timeless simplicity.
A:
What is a milestone session?
q:
Sessions are offered either in-studio or outdoors, depending on the look and feel you envision. Each setting is carefully chosen to complement your style and create a clean, beautiful, and timeless gallery.
A:
Where do baby, milestone, or cake smash sessions take place?
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Milestone sessions may include sitter sessions, milk baths, cake smashes, tummy time, beautifully styled toddler milestones, or truly any milestone you wish to capture. Every session is thoughtfully designed and fully customized to reflect your vision and your child’s individuality.
A:
What types of milestone sessions do you offer?
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Absolutely. Every detail is intentionally curated for you, from styling and set design to the overall session experience. For cake smash sessions, we provide the cake and design a custom backdrop to complement your aesthetic. The process is completely hands-off for you, allowing you to simply arrive and enjoy the moment while everything is taken care of.
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Do you help with planning and styling the session?
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That’s completely normal and always expected. Sessions are approached with patience and flexibility, allowing plenty of time for your child to warm up naturally and feel comfortable in the space. Breaks for feeding, cuddling, or play are always welcomed, and the experience is intentionally relaxed and unhurried so we can create a beautiful gallery at your child’s pace.
A:
What happens if my child is shy, fussy, or needs breaks during the session?
q:
Yes! Parents and siblings are always welcome to be part of the session, creating meaningful images that celebrate this special milestone together. These portraits are designed to feel natural, connected, and timeless — preserving not only your child’s growth, but the love surrounding them during this season of life.
Can family members be included in the session?
A:
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Contact the studio
Limited sessions available each month to ensure a fully personalized experience.
Let's create something beautiful together
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@Renameystelphotography
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