Your First Smiles & Laughter
Discover Auckland's Finest Little Sitter Photography Experience
Planning your Little Sitter session with MANAWA
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.
As curiosity grows and little personalities begin to shine, we'll capture the smiles, laughter and wonder that make this stage so unforgettable.
Questions?
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"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
Questions you may have about 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.
Book your Little Sitter session
Choose the way you want to book
Some families prefer to book their experience and then choose their packages whilst others prefer
to pre-book everything upfront or then spread the cost. The choice is yours.
Reserve now for sessions in Jan 2027 and onwards
OPTION 1
Single Sitter
Experience & Viewing
- up to 2 hour professional little sitter session
- Full use of our extensive wardrobe, props and outfits.
- Relaxed, warm and completely private studio
- Fully equipped changing area
- Guidance and posing throughout to make you feel completely at ease for family images.
- Images previewed throughout your session.
- Refreshments and snacks available.
- Personal viewing appointment arranged at your session and ready within 7 - 14 days
- Samples of wall art and albums available to view and touch on the day.
- All wall art and albums are 100% pure New Zealand made
$199
OPTION 2
Manawa Signature Sitter Experience
Everything included in the Single Session, plus:
- All of your digital images included (30 -40)
- 21 x 16 cm personalised album
- Small Chromalux or framed print
- $250 product credit to spend on wall art or album
- Digital images available for download within 14 days from your personal secure online profile
- A complete, lasting memory of this beautiful chapter of your life
- Available on 0% in house finance from $50/week with a $300 deposit. Use code FINANCESITTER at checkout. (Please see Terms & Conditions)
$1500
❤️
1000+
NEWBORNS
Safely photographed
around the UK. Coming home to Auckland in Jan 2027
FREE
RESCHEDULE
Reserve your session up to 1 year in advance with free rescheduling
MONTHLY
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