Right before Christmas, Cooper came into the studio to celebrate turning three, and I still smile thinking about this session.

If you’re looking for a milestone photographer in Montevideo, Minnesota or anywhere in Southwestern Minnesota, this is exactly why I love what I do.

Cooper is only three years old, but I am telling you right now, this child can dribble a basketball better than some grown men. I don’t know how he does it. The control. The focus. The confidence. It was honestly impressive to watch. He would just stand there in my studio, bouncing that ball like he’s been doing it for twenty years.

We built part of his milestone session around his love for basketball, which is one of my favorite things about doing birthday sessions. At three years old, they already have their little personalities and interests. Capturing that right now — not five years from now — that’s the magic.

Mom and Dad came in for photos too, and we had the best time. We did airplane pictures, some snuggly ones, some playful ones. The kind of images that don’t feel stiff or forced. Just real moments.

Grandma and Grandpa joined us as well, which made this session even more special. We captured sweet portraits of Cooper with Grandma, some adorable ones with Grandpa. I always say this — get in the picture. Bring the grandparents. These are the photos that matter more as the years go on.

Since it was right before Christmas, we also mixed in some Christmas studio portraits. So this session wasn’t just a third birthday milestone session, it also doubled as holiday memories. I love when families do that. Two reasons to celebrate in one visit.

Cooper was such a good boy the entire time. Playful, happy, full of energy, but still listened and gave us the cutest smiles. I truly hope he had the happiest third birthday and the best Christmas with his family.

As the owner of Novel Images here in Montevideo, Minnesota, milestone mini sessions like this are some of my absolute favorites. I specialize in milestone photography, senior portraits, and family sessions throughout Western and Southwestern Minnesota, and these little birthday sessions are always such a fun time for me.

They grow so fast. Three turns into four, four turns into kindergarten, and before you know it we’re doing senior pictures. Capturing these in-between ages matters.

Cooper, thank you for bringing your basketball skills and your big personality into my studio. I loved every minute of it.


A small child sits on a wooden bench wearing brown pants and a white shirt against a gray background.
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Black and white studio portraits showing joyful expressions against a simple backdrop.
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Heartwarming studio portraits featuring plaid shirt and casual attire against gray background.
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Black and white portrait series showing joyful expressions and natural poses.
A series of black and white portraits showing playful expressions and movements in a studio setting.
Series of loving embraces between parent and child against grey studio backdrop.
Black and white studio portraits showing embraces and joyful interactions.
Heartwarming portraits showing tender moments in a rust-colored sweater against a grey background.
Child sitting and playing in a vintage wooden box during professional photo session.
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Studio portrait session with child in white sweater against dark grey background.
Black and white studio portraits capturing dynamic poses and joyful moments.
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Black and white family holiday portraits taken in front of decorated Christmas tree.
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Winter portrait series with plaid clothing and Christmas decorations in background.
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Close-up holiday portraits showing genuine expressions with Christmas lights in background.
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Christmas themed portrait session with decorated trees and red holiday accents.
Professional portrait sequence with Christmas trees and holiday decor in background.
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Seasonal portrait session featuring plaid shirt among decorated Christmas trees and wreaths.
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A young child in a white t-shirt and jeans holds a basketball while posing against a gray studio backdrop.
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Toddler in white shirt and dark pants playing with basketball in studio setting.
Child in white t-shirt and jeans playing with orange basketball against grey studio background.
Black and white photo series showing a young child in casual wear striking different playful poses with a basketball.
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Dynamic black and white photos of young child striking playful poses with basketball.
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A child sits on the floor with a basketball in a minimalist studio setting.
Playful poses with basketball showing movement and energy in studio setting.
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