SITTER
PHOTOGRAPHY
FAQ’S

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY SESSION?

Simplicity! Sitter sessions are a one colour backdrop and I only use a couple of props that baby may have used if they had a newborn session with me or if they need a bit of support or something to hold onto. Other than that outfits are kept to a minimum, poses aren’t forced and it’s all about showing off their new skill!

Please see the full sitter session information here for details and photos from my sessions.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY sitter SESSION?

Once baby starts to show signs of sitting up then it is time to get in touch! As it is a short session I don’t need as much notice as say a newborn session which is an all day session. The perfect time for your session is when you can stand above baby and they can look at you without toppling backwards! Ideally they won’t have started crawling yet either!

WHEN WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?

Sitter sessions typically take place during the week, and as they are a shorter session than newborn I can usually offer a morning or an afternoon session to suit your availability. I shoot Tuesday - Friday and during school holidays.

DO WE NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

In terms of clothing, please see the answer below. Please ensure you have plenty of milk for your little one, or snacks if they are weaned and prefer this to help settle them if needed.

HOW LONG DOES A SESSION LAST?

Sessions last up to an hour and I will photograph your little one on up to three different backgrounds - we can discuss colours before the session to ensure these complement your home wherever you may be putting images on the wall.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?

Please bring one outfit that you love for your child, something very simple with limited patterns, no logos etc to keep the images timeless. Please also bring some frilly pants or a nappy cover if you have one, a simple white vest and your favourite sleepsuit too!

can my other children BE INCLUDED?

As the sets are a lot smaller for sitter sessions I would recommend keeping family/sibling images to the newborn/older baby session and cake smash session but if you have your heart set on family/sibling images at this session let me know and we can sort something out!

CAN I TAKE MY OWN PHOTOS?

You are welcome to take a couple of behind the scenes photos of me photographing your child during your session to remember this special time in their life, however these shouldn't be close ups as these are the images you have paid me to take and a phone photo will not do them justice! It can also be distracting to your child if there is more than one camera.

Please do not take any photos of any other elements within The Cabin, both for privacy reasons but more so as seeing the cabin for the first time is all part of the experience of booking a session with Mama Bear Photography, so we like to keep some details a nice surprise for future clients.

THE CAMERA ON MY PHONE IS REALLY GOOD, WHY SHOULD I HIRE A PROFESSIONAL?

As someone who takes thousands of photos on my phone I know they are invaluable in capturing those fleeting or funny things your children do every single day, but they cannot replace quality, beautifully crafted imagery that is meant for the walls and albums and this is what professional photography will give you. I will do everything in my power to coax natural smiles from your little one, however at this age I love the different natural expressions on their faces that come simply from being in this setting.

DO YOU EDIT THE IMAGES?

During your session, I will likely take around 150-300 photos. This consists of numerous angles of each pose and often very similar images, re-takes due to blinks, focusing on different areas and so on. Using my creative discretion, I only delicately edit the very best images including removing unsightly blemishes, colour correcting, detail enhancing and creative development to create the final portrait.

HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I GET?

Images are not included in the session fee and are available to purchase separately. For a sitter session, you will have a minimum of 20 images to choose from when ordering.

DO I HAVE TO CHOOSE AN IMAGE PACKAGE BEFORE I BOOK?

You don't need to choose any package when you book your session. When you receive your online gallery you choose your images and your preferred collection as well as any additional prints. products or wall art.

DO YOU SHARE IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

I love to share a sneak peek from your session if time permits. I may also use any images from your final gallery on my social media pages as well as my website or blog as a promotional tool and most parents love to see their child being featured in this way. If you would prefer your child's images not to be used in this way that's fine too, please just let me know before your session.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE BEFORE WE CAN SEE THE PHOTOS?

Within a week of your session you will be sent a link to an online gallery of the images with a basic edit on them. From this gallery you can let me know your favourite images to order and once you have decided on your final order and paid for the images they will be added to my editing schedule. Your final images will be available within 3-4 weeks of payment being received.

HOW DO I ACCESS THE PHOTOS?

Within 1 week of your session you will receive an email link to an online, password-protected gallery full of beautiful images from your session. These will have a basic edit on them for viewing purposes to allow you to choose your favourites and let me know those you’d like to order. At this point, you can also choose artwork or display pieces and once your invoice is paid your chosen digitals go into my editing schedule to be delivered back. to you 3-4 weeks later. Prints, artwork and albums will be delivered after this according to their different time scales.

IF WE ORDER WALL ART OR PRINTS, HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE?

This all depends on the specific products ordered and individual timescales however I would generally say between 4 - 6 weeks after you receive your digital files and your order will be fulfilled. All can be discussed further individually and I will keep you updated along the way too.

HOW DO WE RECEIVE OUR ORDER?

The price of my products includes delivery, this could be in the post for smaller orders or we may hand deliver larger orders to prevent any damage to the pieces and you are also welcome to collect your order by appointment. All will be discussed with you individually upon ordering.