When most parents think about professional photography for their baby, they usually think of two milestones: newborn photos and first birthday photos.
But there's one stage right in the middle that often gets overlooked and honestly, it's one of my favourites.
The sitter stage
This is that magical period when your baby can sit confidently on their own but hasn't quite discovered the joy of running away from the camera yet. Usually this happens somewhere between 6 and 10 months old, although every baby develops at their own pace.
It's a short stage, but it's one of the biggest changes you'll see during your baby's first year.
Their Personality Is Finally Shining Through
During a newborn session, your baby is tiny, sleepy and curled up.
By the time they reach their first birthday, they're often walking, climbing and constantly on the move.
The sitter stage sits perfectly in the middle.
This is when those big smiles appear. The cheeky grins. The curious expressions. The belly laughs.
For many parents, this is the first time they truly start to see their baby's personality developing.
They're interacting with the world around them, responding to familiar faces and showing all those little expressions that make them uniquely them.
As a photographer, it's one of the most rewarding ages to photograph because every gallery feels completely different.
It's a Stage That Doesn't Last Long
One minute they're wobbling as they learn to sit.
The next they're crawling across the room and trying to pull themselves up on everything.
Unlike newborn sessions, which have a wider booking window, the sitter stage can come and go surprisingly quickly.
Many parents tell me afterwards that they're so glad they captured this milestone because they hadn't realised how much their baby would change in just a few months.
Simple Sessions, Timeless Memories
My sitter sessions are intentionally simple.
You'll notice there aren't lots of elaborate props or distracting themes.
Instead, I focus on your baby.
Their smile.
Their tiny fingers.
Their chubby little toes.
Their curious expressions.
The things you'll miss most when they're no longer little.
Keeping the setup simple means your photographs remain timeless and the attention stays exactly where it belongs.
On your baby.
Family Photos Are Always Welcome
Although the main focus is your little one, I always encourage parents and siblings to jump in for a few photographs too.
I know all the reasons people hesitate.
You're tired.
You haven't had your hair done.
You don't feel particularly photogenic.
Trust me, every parent tells me the same thing.
But years from now your children won't care whether you felt camera ready, they'll simply love seeing themselves in your arms.
And if you decide afterwards that you'd rather not choose those images, that's completely fine too. At least you'll have the option.
A Little Gift for My Newborn Families
Because I believe this milestone is so important, I offer a complimentary sitter session to every family who books a newborn session with me.
The session itself is completely free of charge and includes three digital images.
It's my way of helping families document more of their baby's first year and ensuring this beautiful stage isn't missed.
Additional images are always available if you'd like them, but there's absolutely no obligation.
I simply want more families to have photographs of this wonderful age before it disappears.
Thinking About Booking a Sitter Session?
The best time to book is when your baby can sit confidently on their own without support, but before they become fully mobile.
If you're not sure whether your little one is ready, just send me a message and I'd be happy to help.
Because one thing I've learned after photographing so many babies is this:
The days may feel long, but the milestones pass incredibly quickly.
And this one is definitely worth remembering.
