You blinked, and suddenly your tiny newborn is sitting up, giggling, and showing off that brand-new personality that melts your heart every single time. This stage—full of chubby cheeks, gummy smiles, and wobbly pride—is what we photographers call the sitter stage.
It’s one of my absolute favorite milestones to capture because your baby is still little enough to stay in one spot, but old enough to light up the room with expression.
But one of the most common questions I get from parents is: “When’s the best time to book a sitter photo session?”
Let’s talk about that so you can plan your session perfectly.
What Exactly Is a Sitter Session?
A sitter session is a milestone photo session designed for babies who can sit confidently on their own—no props or pillows needed—but aren’t quite crawling yet.
It’s that magical window where your little one is discovering independence but still has that irresistible baby squish we all want to bottle up forever.
These sessions are short, fun, and full of laughter. Think of them as the “halfway to one” celebration—somewhere between those dreamy newborn portraits and your baby’s first birthday cake smash.
The Sweet Spot: 6–8 Months Old
Every baby develops at their own pace, but most are ready for their sitter session around 6 to 8 months old.
Here’s what you’re looking for:
- Baby can sit up steadily for several seconds without toppling over.
- They’re curious, smiley, and love to make eye contact.
- They aren’t crawling or walking yet (which makes for a much calmer session).
Before six months, most babies still need support to sit, and after eight or nine months, they’re usually on the move. So that in-between window—when they’re so proud to be sitting—is pure gold.
If you’re wondering when to book a sitter photo session, this 6–8 month stage is the perfect sweet spot.
Why This Stage Is So Special
The sitter milestone is full of personality. Your baby’s expressions are endless—smirks, belly laughs, wide-eyed curiosity, and everything in between.
At this age, your little one is usually:
- Giggly and full of joy
- Easily entertained with silly noises or peek-a-boo
- Happy to stay in one spot for a few photos
- Starting to show off all those tiny details—dimples, leg rolls, and bright eyes
This is the perfect stage to capture your baby’s growing confidence and playful spirit before they officially become a fast-moving toddler!
What to Expect During Your Sitter Session
Sitter sessions with me last about 40–50 minutes—just the right amount of time to keep your little one engaged and smiling without overwhelming them.
Each session includes three complete setups, designed to highlight your baby’s unique personality and milestone moments.
You’ll also have full access to my client closet, so there’s no need to bring your own outfits. I have a curated collection of beautiful, timeless baby clothing in neutral tones and soft textures that photograph beautifully. (And yes, they’re as adorable as they sound!)
We’ll keep the experience light, playful, and stress-free. Expect silly songs, gentle games, and lots of snuggly in-between moments that often end up being the sweetest photos of all.
When to Book Your Session
Here’s my best advice: book early—ideally when your baby is around 5 or 6 months old. That gives us time to plan and ensures your date lands right when your little one is sitting strong.
If you’re still wondering when to book a sitter photo session, the answer is: as soon as baby starts showing signs of balance and core strength!
And if your little one isn’t quite ready by the time your session rolls around, no stress. We can easily adjust your date so we photograph your baby at their happiest and most comfortable. Babies call the shots—and I’m totally okay with that.
There is No “Perfect” Window
As a professional children’s photographer I have worked with many babies and I can say with confidence they are all so different. But what does not change is the beauty of each stage of their development and how quickly they change. Whether your baby is starting to crawl or is still a little wobbly while sitting I am able to work with your baby to capture those beautiful stage.
Why You’ll Treasure These Photos
If you’ve already done newborn photos, sitter sessions are the perfect “next chapter” in your baby’s story. They beautifully bridge the gap between those curled-up newborn snuggles and the “I can do it myself!” first birthday energy.
When you look back, these images become time capsules of that fleeting season—your baby’s pride in sitting tall, their soft baby rolls, their wide, curious eyes. You’ll never regret capturing that stage before it slips away.
Ready to Book Your Baby’s Sitter Session?
If your little one is approaching that 6–8 month milestone, now’s the perfect time to get on my calendar. Let’s capture those chubby cheeks, sparkly eyes, and the way they proudly sit tall like they’ve conquered the world.
If you’ve been wondering when to book a sitter photo session, this is your sign—let’s make it happen!
📞 Call/Text: 602-759-0083
📅 Click here to schedule your sitter session