Why I’m Obsessed with Chatbooks Monthly Minibooks for Iconic Photo Monthly Subscribers

As the creator of the Iconic Photo Monthly program for 1-2 year old toddlers, I'm constantly thinking about how parents of littles can simplify their photo-taking process — not just for better photos, but for better memories.

I’ve been searching everywhere for a product that complements what we’re doing inside Iconic Photo Monthly, and I finally found the perfect match: Chatbooks Monthly Minis. They’re durable, adorable, and absolutely perfect for tiny toddler hands.

And yes — Chatbooks gifted me this subscription as part of their ambassador program, but as always, all opinions here are my own. (If you want 20% off at Chatbooks, use my code PHONEPHOTOS, k?)

One Iconic Photo Each Month: The Core of Iconic Photo Monthly

If you’re new here, let me give you the 30-second version: Iconic Photo Monthly is my $9/month subscription where I send parents of 1–2 year olds one specific photo prompt every month, based on their child’s age and the season. You get:

• A PDF with age- and season-specific photo examples

• Weekly text tips to help you get the shot

• A single goal: Take one amazing, frame-worthy photo of your toddler each month — and then put your phone down.

It’s structured, it’s thoughtful, it's built by me, with my 20+ years as an award-winning toddler photographer expertise. It’s built around a repeating rhythm of three types of photos: a full body photo, a close up/face photo, and an art photo. This system helps parents avoid overwhelm and gives them clarity about what photo to focus on each month — no more “just take 500 and hope one’s good.”

Putting My Own Program to the Test (with Help from a Friend’s Toddler)

Here’s the thing — my own kids are well past the toddler stage. And I thought it'd be fun this year to truly test out my Iconic Photo Monthly subscription, so I called up my friend Meg and asked if I could “borrow” her 1-year-old once a month this year.

She said yes, with a big smile (because it means we get to hang out and chat while we do photos once a month - yay!).

This summer, we’ve been putting Iconic Photo Monthly into action, and let me tell you — I’m learning so much. We’ve done the June, July, August, and just last week, the September photo. I bring only my phone and follow the same guidance I give subscribers.

Her toddler is the perfect age, and his big sister (age 3) joins in for the fun. What I’ve realized (and I always knew) is that toddlers don’t always follow the plan — and that’s OK. The key is being nimble and playful and knowing when to pivot. I’m walking my own talk here, and it’s been both humbling and affirming.

Why Chatbooks Monthly Minis Are the Perfect Companion to Iconic Photo Monthly

After each visit to Meg’s house, I use that month’s Iconic Photo as the cover photo for that month's Chatbooks Monthly Mini. Then I drag and drop 29 other cute behind-the-scenes images from our visit into the book.

It’s so easy. And the best part? I hand-delivered the first three books last weekend and…

They were a massive hit.

Meg texted me earlier today:

“I have looked at the chatbooks no fewer than 64929153 times in the last 24 hours. Obsessed. I keep them at my desk and flip through during meetings. Love seeing their little faces 🥹.”

Her toddler is into them. Her 3-year-old thinks they're amazing. Meg loves them. Everyone wins.

She even said they seem durable so far — she’s giving them a bit more time in the hands of her kids before giving a final durability report, but early signs are good.

The Magic of Pairing Photo Simplicity with Physical Keepsakes

If you’re doing Iconic Photo Monthly — or even just trying to be more intentional with your toddler photos — Chatbooks Monthly Minis are a perfect way to print your story in real time.

They’re not fancy or expensive ($8/month), but they’re tactile, tangible, and totally loved by the little ones. That’s kind of the whole goal of everything I teach: to capture the story, print it simply, and move on to making more memories.

Want to Try It Too?

• Got a 1-2 year old and you're ready to start the Iconic Photo Monthly? Here’s how to join

• Already subscribed? Try pairing your photos with Chatbooks Monthly Minis — they’re easy, adorable, and surprisingly magical. If you use code PHONEPHOTOS you'll get 20% off your Chatbooks order.

Because at the end of the day, it's not about getting more photos. It’s about getting the right ones — the ones you’ll look back on and say: That was who they were right then.

If you go for it with any of this, tag me on Instagram @phonephotoswithjess — I’d love to see what you create.

xx
Jess