If you’ve been curious about heirloom portraits or wondering when the best age is to capture these timeless treasures of your child, you’re at the right spot.

As a mama of two and a children’s photographer serving Columbia, Lexington, Chapin, and surrounding areas, I know how quickly childhood passes us by. One moment they’re toddling around in footie pajamas, and the next, they’re off to school. Heirloom portraits are my absolute favorite way to freeze time and create an image that will hang on your walls and in your heart for generations.

What Is the Best Age for Heirloom Portraits?

In my experience, the sweet spot for traditional heirloom portraits is between 18 months and 4 years old.

Here’s why:

• At 18 months and up, your child’s features have started to settle. Their expressions are animated, their personalities are starting to really shine, and they’re usually able to sit still (just long enough!) for that perfect, soulful portrait.
• Between ages 2 and 4, we see a beautiful combination of innocence and awareness. Children this age are still delightfully young, but they’re also aware enough to respond to gentle direction and give those soft, genuine expressions we all love in heirloom work.

That said, every child is different, and it’s never too late or too early to preserve this chapter in a classic, meaningful way.

What Sets Heirloom Portraits Apart?

These aren’t your everyday snapshots. Heirloom portraits are timeless. They are styled with intention, from the classic wardrobe (think Feltman Brothers, smocked bishop dresses, or Southern rompers) to the studio lighting and creamy backdrop that focuses completely on your child’s sweet expression.

These sessions are short, relaxed, and always child-led. We’ll work quickly and gently to capture the magic of this season, and then you’ll choose your favorite image(s) to be printed and framed with the utmost care.

There is nothing like seeing your child’s heirloom portrait professionally framed and proudly displayed in your home. These portraits become instant keepsakes, the kind of artwork your grandchildren will one day admire.

Why I Love These Sessions (and You Will Too!)

As a mama, I understand how fleeting these years are. One of my favorite parts of photographing heirloom portraits is knowing that I’m creating something that doesn’t just live in a digital folder. It lives on your walls. It becomes a piece of your family’s history.

Heirloom portraits are:

• Short and sweet (about 15–20 minutes)
• Styled and prepared in advance (I’ll guide you on what to wear!)
• Professionally lit and edited to showcase every tiny detail
• Delivered as fine art prints – no high-res digitals, just exquisite prints that will last a lifetime

And if you’re not sure what to dress your child in, don’t worry! I’m happy to guide you with links to some of my favorite heirloom clothing sources, or we can pull from my growing client wardrobe to create the perfect look.

Ready to Create a Piece of Family History?

If your little one is between 18 months and 4 years, or even a bit younger or older, and you just know you want to preserve this season, I’d be so honored to create something lovely for your family.

My Columbia, SC, heirloom portrait sittings take place in my home studio and are available year-round by appointment. These are perfect for anyone looking for meaningful, Southern-inspired children’s portraiture with a touch of nostalgia.

If you’re ready to book your child’s heirloom portrait, click here to inquire, and we’ll start planning something timeless together.