What is a Sitter Session?

As a mom, every new milestone with your baby feels like a cause for celebration.

Because it is! Look at your baby go! 

Each development is a testament to their growth, from their first smile to their first steps, and I’m happy to offer a baby session for all of them. However, amidst these many changes, one milestone stands out among the rest: the ability to sit up all on their own. It instantly transforms your infant into a baby.

Goodbye bald patch on the back of their head, because laying down is for the weak of heart, those little babies. Now your baby is a big kid! 

In the photography world, we love celebrating this milestone with you and your baby with a sitter session. I’m a newborn and baby photographer located in Salem, Oregon, and absolutely adore the sitter session with my clients.

So, what exactly is a sitter session, and why is it worth capturing? 

A sitter session is a photography session designed to capture your baby’s milestone of sitting up independently but hasn’t started crawling yet, typically around 6 to 10 months. It’s a magical time when your little one has mastered the art of sitting and is so curious about the world around them.

Oh, the happy sitter. I’ll admit it. This is my favorite session after the newborn. They are so independent while sitting on their own, yet not as mobile as that lightning-fast 1-year-old. This is also a great session to capture that first tooth and maybe even baby’s crawling skills.

Why Sitter Sessions Matter

1. Capturing Development: Sitter sessions freeze-frame this phase of your baby’s development. These sessions document their journey from tiny newborns to babies. Now, your little one can sit on their own in a shopping cart and sit next to you on the floor—it’s a whole new world, and it must be documented!
2. Shining Personality: Your baby’s personality begins to bloom at this age. Sitter sessions capture those heart-melting smiles, infectious giggles, shy eyes, and curious expressions that make your baby uniquely them.
3. Cherished Memories: As a new parent, you’re likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions while watching your baby leap through all of these milestones. Sitter sessions provide a tangible keepsake of this special time in your baby’s life, allowing you to treasure these memories forever.
4. Family Bonding: Sitter sessions aren’t just about capturing your baby’s milestones; they’re also an opportunity for documenting family bonding. Whether it’s snuggling together, playing peek-a-boo, or sharing a laugh, these sessions capture the love and connection within your family. Big siblings are always encouraged to participate in sitter sessions. In fact, older siblings may begin to have more interest in the baby now that they can sit up on their own. They see the beginnings of a real playmate!

Timing for a sitter session

Sitter sessions typically take place when your baby is around 6 to 10 months old and can sit up independently but hasn’t started crawling yet. I like to schedule the session for 6 months, but then we check in about 1-2 weeks ahead of time to make sure your baby is a confident sitter. If not, no problem! We’ll push the session out for a month or so. 

Sitter Session Props and Outfits

Keep the focus on your baby by choosing simple, timeless outfits that complement their natural skin tones. I already have many soft blankets, a wardrobe of baby knits and outfits for 6-10-month-olds, diaper covers, bonnets, neutral toys, child-size chairs, and dresses for moms that work wonderfully to make for a sweet and simple session. You really don’t need to go shopping for this session. You could show up with the clothes on your back, and I’d have everything we need. 

In the whirlwind of new parenthood, it’s easy to overlook the small but significant milestones like the sitter stage. However, these moments are just as precious and deserving of celebration as any other. Sitter sessions offer an opportunity to freeze-frame this adorable phase of your baby’s development and create memories you’ll treasure for always and always.

If you are interested in scheduling a sitter session for your baby, please fill out this quick contact form so I can send you complete pricing information. In the message area, be sure to let me know when your baby turns 6 months old.