MILESTONE PHOTOGRAPHY IN LAKE ZURICH, IL

Baby sitting on blanket outdoors holding a number one balloon during first birthday photo session.
Adorable baby girl in pink velvet dress with white floral headband smiling while leaning on white box.
Smiling baby girl in pink floral romper clapping hands while sitting on white blanket in green grass.
Alert newborn baby in cream knit romper lies on pink blanket over rustic wood floor backdrop.
Happy toddler girl in pink romper sitting cross-legged on path with golden sunset bokeh background.
Happy young boy holding number four sign sitting in studio portrait wearing navy shirt and khakis.
Adorable one year old baby sitting on wooden crate with ONE sign on a scenic outdoor path.
Baby girl in strawberry outfit watching bubbles float in sunny garden.
Smiling baby girl in strawberry dress and crown on white blanket.
Baby girl in strawberry dress and crown sitting on white blanket.
Smiling baby boy in cream romper sitting in wooden bowl with blue knit blanket.
Toddler boy in striped sweater leaning on wooden stool outdoors near rustic barn.
One year old baby sitting on white blanket holding colorful balloons outdoors near rustic barn.
Smiling young boy in navy blue shirt and khaki pants sitting for a studio portrait photo.
Baby girl in pink dress holding stuffed bunny toy with number one block on light wood floor.
Happy toddler boy in striped sweater sitting on white blanket on green grass outdoors.
Baby girl in strawberry dress with number one balloon outdoors.
Baby girl sitting in wicker basket with pink balloons spelling ONE.
Baby girl in pink metallic dress and white tights sitting on floor with number one block nearby.
Smiling baby boy in tan jacket sitting on white blanket on wooden bridge with fall foliage.
Energetic young boy posing with hands on hips mouth open in fun studio birthday portrait photo.

Milestone Photography

Capturing the moments that matter most—because they grow too fast.


Your baby’s first year is filled with incredible changes, from their first gummy smiles to their first wobbly steps. Milestone photography is all about preserving these fleeting moments so you can relive them for years to come. Whether it’s a 3-month tummy time session, a 6-month sitter session, or a joyful first birthday celebration, each milestone tells a unique story of your little one’s growth and personality.


I offer milestone sessions that are relaxed, fun, and designed to capture the pure joy and wonder of childhood. From playful studio setups to simple, natural portraits, I create timeless images that showcase your baby’s personality at every stage.

Let's plan your session!

Based in Lake Zurich, Kristen Zell Photography serves growing families throughout Barrington, Arlington Heights, Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, Libertyville, Kildeer, Palatine, and surrounding northwest Chicago suburbs.