100 Days Baby Photography: The Tradition Calgary Families Are Embracing
In Korean tradition, it's called baek-il (백일). In Chinese culture, bǎi rì (百日). In Japanese, okuizome is a related celebration. In Vietnamese tradition, the thôi nôi ceremony happens around the same time.
The specifics vary across cultures, but the underlying meaning is remarkably consistent: surviving and thriving through the first 100 days of life is a milestone worth celebrating.
The Historical Context
Historically, infant mortality in the first weeks and months of life was tragically common across many cultures. Surviving to 100 days was a significant achievement — a milestone that warranted celebration, offerings, and gratitude.
In modern times, with dramatically improved infant health outcomes, the 100-day celebration has evolved into a joyful family gathering that welcomes the baby fully into the family and community. The significance has shifted from relief to pure celebration.
Why 100 Days Is Also a Wonderful Photography Milestone
Even outside its cultural context, 100 days (approximately three months) is a photographic sweet spot.
At three months, babies are significantly more alert and interactive than they were as newborns. The reflexes have settled. Babies are smiling socially, tracking faces, producing those first delighted coos. They can hold their head up during tummy time. They look like themselves — not yet the mobile, grabbing six-month-old they're about to become, but distinctly more "awake" than the newborn stage.
It's also far enough from the newborn session that the change is visible — the same baby, demonstrably different. For families who documented the newborn stage, the 100-day session creates a beautiful visual chapter in the first year.
What a 100-Day Session Looks Like
Sessions typically incorporate:
- Traditional elements if the family wishes — specific colours, fabrics, cultural outfits, ceremonial props
- Contemporary portrait elements — baby in studio setups, with parents, with siblings
- A combination of both — my approach is always to incorporate what's meaningful to the family
I work with families of every cultural background, and I love sessions where the cultural heritage is part of the visual story. Let me know in advance if you'd like to incorporate specific elements, and we'll plan it into the session structure.
FAQ
Is the 100-day session the same as a newborn session?
No — it happens at approximately 3 months (100 days), which is significantly later. Baby is more alert and awake. The posing style is different — more interactive, less sleeping-baby-in-a-bowl.
Do I have to be from an East Asian background to celebrate 100 days?
Not at all. Many families from all backgrounds are adopting the 100-day milestone as a meaningful marker in their child's first year.
Fernanda Bautzer Photography · Calgary · Inclusive & Culturally Aware Photography.