Somewhere between sleepy newborn snuggles and the energy of a one-year-old, there’s a sweet spot—full of personality, big smiles, and squishy rolls. Welcome to the sitter stage! Around 6 months old, babies are hitting a huge developmental milestone: sitting up (mostly!) on their own. It’s the perfect time to document this beautiful phase of babyhood, and milestone photography is designed to do exactly that.

If you’ve ever considered booking a session during your baby’s first year that isn’t a newborn or cake smash, a milestone photography session (also known as a "sitter session") is the moment to capture. It’s joyful, lighthearted, and absolutely packed with charm. And yes—I always include time for family, sibling, and parent photos, too.

Let’s dive into what makes milestone photography for 6-7-month-olds such a favorite in the studio (and why parents often love these images the best of all off their baby’s first year pictures.

Milestone Photography: CAPTURING THAT PERFECT (FLEETING) BABY STAGE

At around six months old, babies are usually able to sit up independently. Sitting up is the "milestone" we're photographing, after all. (And if they're not sitting independently by six months, we can wait a month or two.) The babies are alert, full of curiosity, and best of all—they’re generous with their smiles. Their personalities are really starting to shine through, and it’s a time when so much growth is happening, yet they’re still your snuggly, chubby baby. Not a sleepy newborn, not a wild toddler about to smash a cake, but a perfectly adorable baby.

This stage doesn’t last long, which makes it even more worth capturing. In fact, it's my favorite age to photograph.

Milestone photography sessions at this age are often filled with:

Gummy grins and belly laughs
Sweet eye contact with the camera
Munching on feet
Chunky baby thighs, dimpled elbows, and that irresistible baby squish
Curious hands reaching for toys
Wide-eyed wonder as they explore the world from a whole new angle

And let’s be honest—this is peak baby. Six-month-olds are fun, expressive, and incredibly engaging. They’re not yet shy around strangers, so we usually get tons of eye contact and smiles. Plus, they can’t walk (or run) away yet, which means we get to keep them right where the light is best! It’s truly the dream combination for photos.

Unlike a newborn session, where babies are mostly sleeping or being gently posed, a milestone photography session is much more interactive and expressive. You’ll get a whole range of emotions—from serious stares to full-on giggles—and that’s part of what makes these sessions so beautiful.

HOW TO BOOK A Milestone Photography SESSION

Booking with me is easy! Head here first to schedule a quick phone call. In all my years of doing this, I find that jumping on the phone with clients is the best way to explain everything, answer all of your questions, walk you through the process, and ultimately determine if we’re the right fit for each other.

FAMILY Poses in a Milestone Photography Session

While baby is the star, this is also a special time for you. You’re halfway through your baby’s first year. You've made it through the sleepless nights and the newborn haze, and there's something so beautiful about being in photos with your baby during this season.

We always include time for:

Parent poses: tender snuggles, playful smiles, and those in-between moments that capture your bond. Moms, you're NEVER in the pictures as much as you should be, and a milestone photography session is one way to remedy that.
Sibling photos: older brothers and sisters get to join in the fun (even if “holding the baby” turns into laying next to them and giggling!).
Family portraits: relaxed, connection-filled moments with everyone in the frame.

These images are often the ones parents treasure most—they show the love, the growth, and the joy of your family right now.

Milestone Photography: Spotlight on the Baby

We keep things simple, neutral, and baby-focused. No overwhelming props or busy backdrops—just your baby in all their sweet, squishy glory. I guide the session based on your baby’s mood and abilities. If they need a break, we pause. If they light up with a certain toy or sound, we follow their lead.

We usually start with family, mom, dad, and sibling pictures so the baby can warm up in his/her parents’ arms. We use the second half of the session for baby-only portraits, photographing them in a wide variety of poses so every cute angle, dimple, and chub is captured and documented.

I have cozy setups, soft blankets, and minimal, classic props that let your baby’s personality shine.

Milestone Photography IN THE JWB STUDIO

Studio milestone photography sessions are designed to be easy and relaxed—for both baby and parents. Here’s what you’ll find in my studio:

A warm, welcoming space in the heart of Ridgefield, CT
Everything we need on hand: cozy blankets, textured layers, age-appropriate props, and more
A wide variety of carefully curated baby outfits
A changing table, bathroom, and snacks to keep everyone comfortable
A calm, unhurried environment that allows your baby to feel safe and happy

You don’t need to bring much—just your baby, a few favorite outfits (or use mine!), and anything special you’d like to include (like a handmade blanket or heirloom toy).

I offer a number of backdrop options for your milestone photography session, including white brick, all-white, cream, blue, wood panel, and more. You'll get to choose your favorite options ahead of time and indicate them to me in a questionnaire, so I can have everything ready to go when you arrive at the studio.

If you’re a client who has already booked a studio newborn or lifestyle newborn session with me, we can often weave in some of the same colors and props. It makes for a cohesive “look” from session to session and also is fun to use those items to show just how much the baby has grown and changed since the last time.

What to Wear for a Milestone Photography Session IN THE STUDIO

Keep it simple. Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully and let your baby’s features take center stage. Think creams, whites, beiges, or pastels. For parents and siblings, I recommend coordinating rather than matching. Textures like knits, linen, or soft cotton add interest without distraction.

And don’t stress—I’m happy to help you choose outfits or provide guidance based on your session's overall feel. You’ll also have access to my studio wardrobe for baby clothing options if you’d like to use them.

Milestone Photography: Why These Photos Matter

The sitter stage is such a transition point—your baby is no longer a newborn, but they’re also not quite on the move yet. They’re discovering their body, learning to move around the room, connecting with the people around them, and starting to show you who they are.

These photos freeze that in time. It’s like a pause button on the hectic schedule, the daycare runs, the endless to-do’s and notifications. A moment to remember what’s most joyful and important about this stage in life.

And while the first birthday and newborn sessions often get all the attention, milestone photography at 6 months is something I hear parents say they’re so glad they didn’t skip. It's a reminder of a time that otherwise might feel like a blur—when your baby still fit in your arms, still had the softest rolls, and lit up just by seeing your face.

When to Book a Milestone Photography Session

Timing is everything! Most babies hit the sitter stage around 6–7 months, though it varies. The best time to book your milestone photography session is around 4-5 months. I realize, of course, that your baby won’t yet be sitting up. However, we’ll use the date as a placeholder and be prepared to push it back if need-be.

If we get close to the photoshoot date and your baby isn’t sitting confidently for short periods without toppling over, please email me and we’ll reschedule. If you’re not sure whether your little one is quite ready, I’m happy to talk it through with you.

Packages that include Milestone Photography Sessions

Milestone photography sessions are included in my First Year Collection, which is designed to tell the full story of your little one’s first twelve months. This package includes three sessions—newborn, around six months (the milestone or “sitter” session), and cake smash photoshoot. It’s the perfect way to capture how much changes in such a short time. Families love seeing the transformation from sleepy newborn to expressive baby to curious toddler, all in one beautiful collection. The best part? At the end of the year, you’ll receive either a custom-designed album or a generous print credit so you can enjoy these images in your home, not just on your screen.

Additionally, I have a Watch Me Grow package which includes two sessions: Milestone & Cake Smash. This is ideal for clients who decide after their newborn session that they’d love to capture the next two milestones. This package also includes a custom album or equivalent print credit.

My Favorite Poses in a Milestone Photography Session

At this age, babies are just starting to show off their personality, and I love capturing that in natural, baby-led ways. Some of my favorite poses include baby sitting up and smiling proudly, laying on their tummy and pushing up to look at me, or grabbing those adorable toes while laying on their back. When parents and siblings join in, I always aim for connection—baby snuggled into mom’s arms, dad getting a big belly laugh, or siblings playing with the little guy. It’s less about “perfect” poses and more about the real, joyful connections you share.

Milestone Photography: CAPTURING ALL THE SWEETNESS

If there’s one thing I know after photographing so many families, it’s this: you’ll never regret making time for photos like these. Milestone photography doesn’t just give you a picture of what your baby looked like—it captures who they are at this sweet, fleeting stage.

Let’s celebrate the smiles, the snuggles, the soft baby curls, and the way your baby lights up when they see you. This chapter is worth remembering—and I’d be honored to help you do just that.

Looking for a Connecticut family photographer to capture your baby’s 6-month milestone? Get in touch to schedule your call and book your session. I can’t wait to meet you and your growing family!