I love sitter sessions!! Love, Love, Love!
As a newborn and baby photographer, one of my favorite milestones to capture is the sitter session. This fun experience focuses on babies who can sit up unaided, typically around six to eight months old. It’s a wonderful time to document their personalities and the adorable ever changing personalities. Your baby is the main subject, I want them to be top of the bill, as this is going to be the only time they are this age, right!
What is a Sitter Session?
A sitter session is a photography shoot specifically designed for babies who can sit up on their own but are not yet mobile (sometimes they do come together though!) This stage is often characterized by bright smiles, playful expressions, and a sense of curiosity about the world around them. During this session, they play with toys and I can capture those delightful moments as your little one explores their surroundings, showcasing their developing personality.
Why is This Age So Special?
At around six to eight months, babies are developing so quickly. They are more aware of their environment and starting to engage with it and you in new ways. Their smiles come easily, and they often love to interact with toys, parents, and the camera! This is also a time when their features become more defined, making for stunning portraits that truly capture their essence, whether smiling, giggling or just focusing in wonder!
What to Expect During a Sitter Session
1. The Setup
During a sitter session, I’ll create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby. I’ll often use soft blankets, textured props, and classic toys to engage your little one. The goal is to create a relaxed atmosphere where they can express themselves freely. The style is often non fussy and classic, but you are free to bring you favourite outfits.
If you have had a newborn session, I usually try and style the session with colours and props from the newborn session so that you can see the difference in how they have grown and so that the colours match together to look good on your wall or album.
2. Capturing Natural Expressions
Babies don’t posed at this stage, so it is the natural Candid shots I am after. The best images often come when babies are laughing, playing, or simply being themselves. I’ll encourage you to interact with your baby during the session to elicit those genuine smiles and expressions. This can be a workout in its own right for you as you will need to keep them engaged and frequently need to put them back to the right spot for the images if they are on the move!
3. Variety of Shots
I’ll capture a variety of angles and poses. From close-ups of those tiny toes to full-body shots showcasing their adorable outfits, each image tells a part of their story. You can also bring along favourite toys or blankets to personalise the shoot even further, some of the most treasured images are seeing them with their favourite toys in years to come as a reminder. Babies often don’t like to be changed, but we aim for 2-3 outfit changes for variety.
4. Safety First
Your baby’s safety is my top priority. I ensure that all props and setups are safe and secure, so you can relax and enjoy the experience without worry
Tips for a Successful Sitter Session
- Timing is Key: I always advise that they have had their nap time and something to eat before the session, grumpy tired babies don’t perform for the camera well!
- Bring Favorite Toys: Incorporate items your baby loves. Familiar toys can help them feel at ease and prompt natural reactions. The same is true for their favourite music, they often like to move to music at this time, so load your phone with their favourite songs.
- Dress Comfortably: Choose outfits that reflect your baby’s personality. Soft, comfortable clothing is ideal, and don’t shy away from fun accessories like hats or bows! I also have some lovely classic outfits and accessories at the studio that you might want to choose from.
- Stay Relaxed: Babies can pick up on the energy around them. Keeping a calm helps them feel secure and comfortable. I always start slow so they get to look around and get familiar with the new surroundings and the photographer!
Final Thoughts
As a photographer, I feel privileged to witness and document these precious moments. Each sitter session is unique, filled with laughter and discovery, and I can’t wait to help you capture your baby’s milestones. If you’re considering booking a sitter session, please message me and create lasting memories together!\
