Your First Smiles & Laughter
Discover Auckland's Little Sitter Photographer
A Little Personality,
A Beautiful Beginning
There comes a wonderful stage when your baby begins to reveal the little person they're becoming. Curious eyes, infectious laughter, tiny expressions and a growing confidence in the world around them. Every day brings something new.
At MANAWA Studio on Auckland's North Shore, our Little Sitters photography experience celebrates this remarkable stage of babyhood, typically between seven and nine months. With time to explore, play and settle naturally, we capture genuine expressions and the personality that makes your little one entirely themselves. Beautiful memories of a chapter that never stands still.
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I’ve explored the Manawa experience and I’m ready to reserve my session.
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Little sitters Gallery
Where growing families becomes art, and this moment becomes everlasting.
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"As curiosity grows and little personalities begin to shine, we'll capture the smiles, laughter and wonder that make this stage so unforgettable."
Emma Williams
PLANNING AHEAD
When is the best time to book a little sitters session?
The ideal window is once your baby can sit up unaided, but before they start crawling or moving around independently — usually somewhere around 6 to 9 months, though every baby reaches this stage at their own pace. If you're not sure whether your little one is ready yet, just get in touch and I'm happy to help you figure out the right timing.
Arriving at the studio
When you arrive at the property their are clear sign posts for parking and the studio entrance. You will hear frogs, don't worry thats my sign that you have arrived! just relax and start taking in the experience your about to embark on.
What should we bring to the session?
Nothing at all! The studio is fully stocked with a beautiful range of outfits and props suited to this stage, so we can find something that feels just right for your baby's personality on the day.
Can the whole family be part of the session?
Absolutely — parents, siblings, and whānau are always warmly welcome to be part of the images too. This stage is such a special one for the whole family to share, not just your little sitter.
products - digital, wall art and albums
All of our wall art and albums are 100% pure New Zealand made, crafted to the highest quality and built to last a lifetime.
When your images are ready to view or download, this is the perfect time to place your order for any physical products you would love to have. You won't need to make any decisions on the day — simply enjoy your session and choose afterwards when you can see your beautiful images in full.
Throughout your session, samples of our wall art and albums will be available for you to view and touch, so you can get a real feel for the exceptional quality before you order.
What do we wear for family images?
I'd recommend staying with neutral tones or soft pastels that complement each other rather than clash — think creams, soft blues, blush, sage, and warm neutrals. Try to avoid clothing with big logos, slogans, or busy patterns, as these tend to distract from the real focus of the image: your faces, and each other. You don't need to match exactly — a coordinated palette across the family looks far more natural and timeless than everyone wearing identical outfits.
If you'd like a hand putting outfits together beforehand, just reply and I'm happy to help you plan it.
"Hi Emma, I would just like to say everyone has nothing but compliments and kind words to say about you and your photography!1 Everyone has said how great you were and how impressed they were by you. We will recommend you to everyone and anyone who will listen. Outstanding photographer xx"
Everything you need to know
Your Little Sitter Session at MANAWA
Is there somewhere to change or feed my little one during the session?
Yes — the studio has a fully equipped changing area, so feeds, nappy changes, and settling your little one are easy and comfortable throughout your time with us. Don't worry if you forget anything, the studio is equipped with all essentials.
How long does a little sitters session take?
Sessions typically run up to 2 hours, with plenty of time built in for settling, play, and breaks whenever your baby needs them — there's no rush to any of it.
What images will we actually get from the session?
You'll walk away with a full, varied selection — individual portraits of each of your children, sibling images together, portraits of you and your partner as parents, and of course the whole family together. It's this range that lets you properly fill your walls at home, not just with one photo, but with a genuine story of your family.
What if my children get fussy or don't want to cooperate?
Completely normal, and nothing to worry about. Children are children, and some of the most genuine, beautiful images come from those real, unposed moments in between the "posed" shots. My job is to work with your family as you actually are on the day, not force a version that doesn't exist.
What's the best time of day to book, especially with young children?
Generally, mid-morning works best for most families, when little ones are fed, rested, and not yet due for a nap. If your child has a specific routine, let me know when you book and we'll find a time that gives everyone the best chance of a relaxed, happy session.
Do you direct every pose, or is it more natural and candid?
A bit of both, and that balance is exactly the point. I'll guide the overall setup — where everyone stands, the light, the framing — but the real moments come from what happens in between. I spend time talking with your family, finding genuine connection, so what comes through isn't a stiff, forced smile, but something that actually looks and feels like you.
1000+ NEWBORNS
Over 15 years experience in handling newborns.
FREE RESCHEDULE
Reserve your session up to 1 year in advance with free rescheduling
WEEKLY PAYMENTS
From $50/week, interest free, in-house finance
FULLY TRAINED
Newborn safety and First Aid qualified. Fully Insured
FREE DELIVERY
Wall art and albums shipped throughout New Zealand
Book your Little Sitter session
Choose the way you want to book
Some families prefer to book their session first and choose their artwork afterwards. Others like to pre-book everything upfront, with the option to spread the cost. Either way, the choice is yours.
Now welcoming reservations for Little Sitters sessions from June 2027
OPTION 1
Single Sitter
Experience & Viewing
- Up to 2-hour professional Little Sitters session
- Full access to our studio wardrobe, outfits and props
- Warm, relaxed and private studio
- Fully equipped changing area
- Gentle guidance and posing for family portraits
- Image previews throughout your session
- Refreshments and snacks available
- Private cinematic viewing within 7–14 days, arranged during your session
- Wall art and album samples available to explore
- 100% New Zealand-made wall art and albums
- Session and private viewing; artwork purchased separately.
$199
OPTION 2
Manawa Signature Sitter Experience
Everything included in the Single Session, plus:
- All 30–40 digital images included
- Personalised 21 × 16 cm album
- Small ChromaLuxe or framed print
- $250 artwork credit towards wall art or an album
- Digital downloads within 14 days via your secure personal gallery
- A complete, lasting memory of this beautiful chapter
- 0% interest-free in-house finance from $50/week with a $300 deposit. Use code SITTERPLAN at checkout.
$1500
Every Chapter Deserves to Be Remembered
Continue your Journey with Birthday & Cake Smash Photography
Little Sitters → Birthday & cake Smash
Birthday & Cake Smash Photography Experience →
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Discover helpful articles, inspiration and expert guidance from the MANAWA Journal, thoughtfully created to support you through every chapter of your family's story.
