I don’t share a ton of pictures from sitter sessions as often as I would like. Not because I don’t love them, but just because there aren’t enough hours in the day to share everything. So I thought I would do an informative post about sitter sessions and share a few sessions all in one. Here are a few tips to help your upcoming sitter milestone session go smoothly!
- Scheduling – Sitter sessions are best when baby is sitting solidly on his/her own. Client’s normally like to schedule their session at 6 months due to it being a nice round number and halfway between their other two sessions in the grow-with-me package. However, baby is typically sitter much more solidly at 7 months. If your little one isn’t sitting solidly (a good measurement of this is – are you comfortable leaving your little one sitting on a hard surface without a spotter?) on his or her own a week before your scheduled session date please reschedule. I can be flexible as long as you give me a little advance notice.
- Plan Outfits Ahead of Time – For full milestone sessions normally I recommend doing 2-3 outfits and one naked baby outfit (i.e. diaper cover or romper. Both of which I have in the studio). You are also welcome to do family/sibling pictures in one of those outfits as well, if you like. Make sure to pick a few outfits and try them on before your session. There is nothing worse when putting a beloved outfit on your little one for the first time during a session and realizing it doesn’t fit. It’s temping to buy clothes a size up for pictures so that they will last longer. However, snug outfits are better then loose ones for pictures. You don’t want your little one to be swimming in their new outfit.
- Less is More – For outfits, it’s best to keep things simple so that baby shines through. Avoid bright colors (especially neon anything) and busy patterns. My favorite outfits are neural colors and can be as simple as a little boy in jeans and suspenders.
- Utilize My Client Closet for Sitter Sessions – I’ve got lots of diaper covers, rompers, and simple dresses in the studio that your little one can use for their sitter session. You don’t need to plan these in advance as we can try on as many as you like until we find the perfect fit/color for your little one during the session. It’s pretty common for client’s to love the pictures of their little one in outfits from my client closet the most. This is because I purchase items that photograph well and aren’t your every day street clothes.
- Sleep – Be sure you little one gets a good night sleep or a good nap before your session starts. When scheduling your session start time be sure it doesn’t interfere with your little one’s nap time or bump right up against it.
- Bring Something of Meaning – Sometimes clients like to bring a small item that has meaning. Examples of this include a blanket/quilt made by a loved one, a lovely or special blanket, a decorative toy from the nursery that has sentimental value, or something else that has meaning to you or your child. Feel free to bring an item that we can feature and remember during your session.
- Come Prepared – Plan for the worst but expect the best! Be sure to bring something to comfort your child in case your little one gets upset. Sometimes that’s an extra bottle, a small snack or a pacifier.
- Avoid Technology During Your Session – I know it’s tempting to turn on your little one’s favorite YouTube video to try to get them to smile. However, I’ve seen this backfire more times then it works. Let’s save this for an absolute last resort. Sometimes little ones just need a few minutes to warm up and that’s okay!
- Go with the Flow – No matter what your little one does during the session know that we will get some great images. If you are stressed your little one will pick up on that. Just go with the flow and have some fun with me while we play with your little one together!
- Make Sure Everyone is Healthy – We won’t be able to photograph the best of your little one if he/she isn’t healthy. If you little one has a runny nose, fever, etc. please reschedule. It’s also not best to schedule pictures within 48 hours or receiving a vaccine. Typically little one’s aren’t on their A game right after that happens.
Have you had a session with me in the past and have a tip for everyone else? If so, share below in the comment section. I would love to hear it!
I look forward to seeing your little one for an upcoming sitter session!! If you don’t have one booked yet and your looking for more info on booking an Indianapolis child photographer be sure to reach out and let me know. I would love get a milestone session on the calendar.
