All About Sitter Sessions

Learn more about sitter and 1st birthday studio sessions!

By Jena Michaud

As parents, we cherish every milestone of our child’s journey. From those first tiny kicks to their first steps, each moment feels like a treasure worth capturing. Two significant baby milestones that deserve celebration are sitter sessions and first birthday sessions. These special photography sessions are about more than just adorable photos—they're a way to preserve fleeting moments before they become cherished memories.

What is a Sitter Session?

A sitter session is a photography session designed for babies who have reached the exciting milestone of sitting up independently, typically around 6 to 9 months of age. This is such a sweet phase in your baby’s development—they’re curious, expressive, and often full of gummy grins (or perhaps the first peek of tiny teeth!). We also invite parents for a photo with their little one at this time!

Why Book a Sitter Session?

  1. Celebrate a Big Milestone: The ability to sit up on their own is a huge developmental achievement. A sitter session marks this moment and highlights your baby’s growth.
  2. Showcase Their Personality: At this stage, babies are full of character. Whether they’re shy, giggly, or adventurous, a sitter session captures their budding personality.
  3. Timeless Memories: They’re still in that squishy, baby-like phase, but growing fast. These portraits allow you to hold onto this stage forever.
  4. Perfect Timing: Your baby is mobile enough to sit and play, but not yet walking, which makes it easier to photograph them without the chase!

What is a First Birthday Session?

A first birthday session celebrates your baby’s very first trip around the sun! It’s a chance to capture all the joy, wonder, and pride that comes with reaching this milestone. Many parents incorporate a birthday cupcake into this session—a fun and messy way to let your little one dig into their cake while we snap away.

Why Book a First Birthday Session?

  1. Mark a Major Milestone: Your baby’s first birthday is a huge celebration. It’s an opportunity to reflect on a year filled with firsts—first smiles, first steps, and first words.
  2. Family Tradition: These sessions often become part of a cherished family tradition, with each child having their own special first birthday photos.
  3. Capture the Joy: Whether it’s through giggles, frosting-covered cheeks, or the delight of exploring new textures, these sessions highlight your little one’s unique reactions.
  4. Creative Keepsakes: A first birthday session is the perfect opportunity to create unique keepsakes, from framed photos to custom albums.

What to Expect During These Sessions

Whether it’s a sitter session or a first birthday session, my goal is to create a fun, stress-free experience that captures your little one’s personality. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Customized Themes and Outfits: From simple, classic backdrops to whimsical themes, we’ll design a session that fits your vision. I also offer a wardrobe collection to make the process even easier.
  • Patience and Play: I understand that little ones need time to warm up, so I’ll take a playful approach to help them feel comfortable and bring out their natural expressions.
  • Beautiful Memories: The result? A gallery of timeless, heartfelt images you’ll cherish for years to come.

Here are some sample images of set up that you can chose from or customize for your session!


Why Now is the Perfect Time

The sitter and first birthday phases are so brief yet so full of wonder. By investing in these sessions, you’re ensuring that these special milestones are documented forever. Years from now, when your little one is no longer so little, these images will bring back the sweetness of this precious time.

If your baby is nearing one of these milestones, don’t wait! Reach out to schedule a sitter session or first birthday session today, and let’s celebrate your baby’s incredible journey together.

Visit our Sitter Session page to see more images and to book your session today or email info@jenamichaud.com to find out more about our Newborn and Sitter Session Packages!