Porthcawl Photographer shares: How to Include Siblings in Your Newborn Photoshoot: Tips for Beautiful Family Moments

adelemorris
Apr 29
7 min read

Welcoming a newborn into the family is one of life’s most exciting milestones. It’s a time filled with love, joy, and beautiful memories that you’ll want to cherish forever. And for many families, capturing these early moments means including older siblings in newborn photoshoots. However, incorporating siblings into newborn photography can require a little extra thought and preparation to ensure the experience is smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free for everyone involved.

As a newborn photographer based in Porthcawl, South Wales, I’ve worked with many families to create stunning portraits that include siblings. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to plan ahead for a successful photoshoot, offer tips to make siblings feel comfortable and engaged, and share advice on how to capture beautiful family moments with both a newborn and older children.

Why Include Siblings in Your Newborn Photoshoot?

Including siblings in your newborn photoshoot adds an extra layer of warmth, emotion, and connection to your images. These photos are not just about the newborn but also about the love between your growing family. For many parents, having a photo of their older child or children lovingly interacting with their new sibling is a precious memory they’ll treasure for years to come. These photos will serve as reminders of the family’s bond as your children grow up together.

Planning Ahead: Making the Photoshoot Stress-Free for Siblings

When you decide to include older siblings in your newborn photoshoot, it’s important to plan ahead. The process of adding siblings to a newborn session requires a little more coordination, but with the right preparation, the experience can be both fun and meaningful for everyone.

1. Have Realistic Expectations

When including siblings in a photoshoot, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Young children, especially toddlers, may not always cooperate the way we hope. They may get distracted, fidget, or even become a bit upset. This is completely normal and should be expected, so try not to stress if things don’t go as planned. The goal is to capture the natural love and interaction between your children, so it’s okay if things don’t look picture-perfect.

Remember, your photographer (like me) is experienced in working with children and will know how to handle situations as they arise. Our focus will be on capturing candid, genuine moments that reflect the love in your family.

2. Talk to Your Siblings About the Photoshoot in Advance

If your older children are of an age where they understand what’s happening, talking to them beforehand can make a big difference. Explain that they will be part of a special photoshoot where they can help show how much they love their new sibling. Reassure them that it’s going to be a fun experience and that they’ll have plenty of opportunities to take pictures with the newborn.

It also helps to encourage positive behavior, such as sitting still, being gentle with the baby, and showing affection. Some parents also find it helpful to practice posing at home beforehand, especially if their child is nervous or shy.

3. Choose the Right Time for the Photoshoot

Timing is everything when it comes to newborn photoshoots, especially when siblings are involved. The best time to schedule your session is when your older children are well-rested and in a good mood. If possible, try to plan the shoot for a time when they are not hungry or tired. This will increase the chances of them being happy, engaged, and willing to participate.

Also, keep in mind that newborns typically have more predictable sleep patterns in the early weeks. It’s essential to work around your newborn’s feeding and sleep schedule to avoid any unnecessary stress. A well-rested newborn will be more likely to sleep through the session, making it easier to capture those serene moments with your older children.

4. Prepare Your Siblings with Special Rewards or Incentives

Younger children may need a little motivation to cooperate during the session. One way to encourage good behaviour is by offering incentives, such as a special treat or a small reward after the shoot. You can also let your older children know that they will be able to choose a fun activity afterward, like going for ice cream or playing their favorite game. This helps them feel like they’re part of the process and can make the photoshoot feel like a positive, fun experience.

5. Bring Comfort Items for Siblings

If your older child is particularly young or still adjusting to having a new sibling, bringing along a favourite comfort item—like a stuffed animal, blanket, or toy—can help them feel more secure. It’s important that they feel safe and comfortable during the session, so their attention is less likely to drift. This comfort item can also make for a wonderful shot that tells the story of your child’s personality at this stage in their life.

Posing Tips for Siblings and Newborns

Once the planning is done, it’s time for the photoshoot itself. As a photographer, I always aim to capture genuine interactions between siblings and newborns in a way that feels natural and authentic. Here are some posing tips to make the experience smoother and help you get the best possible images:

1. Gentle Interaction

When siblings interact with the newborn, it’s essential to guide them in a way that’s gentle and loving. Older siblings might want to hold the baby, give them a kiss, or just rest their hands on the newborn. As a photographer, I always ensure that your newborn is safe and supported throughout the session. We may take some shots of siblings looking at or touching the baby in a soft and loving manner, without forcing any poses.

2. Close-Up Sibling Shots

A simple close-up shot of the siblings’ faces can make for a beautiful, heartwarming image. This type of photo focuses on capturing their emotions and the connection they have with each other. A great shot can be as simple as a big sibling gently touching their little brother or sister, or an older sibling giving a kiss on the cheek.

3. Family Candid Moments

One of the most beautiful aspects of incorporating siblings into a newborn photoshoot is the chance to capture candid moments. I love photographing families in natural, relaxed poses, where everyone is interacting with each other. This can include parents holding both the newborn and older sibling, or siblings playing together while the baby is peacefully sleeping. These moments often become the most treasured and emotional photos from a session.

4. Incorporate Family Pets (If Applicable)

If you have pets at home, they may also want to be part of the family photos. Including furry friends in your newborn shoot can add an extra personal touch to the images, showing the full dynamic of your growing family. Just like with siblings, it’s important to make sure pets are comfortable and that the newborn is always kept safe.

Keeping the Siblings Engaged During the Photoshoot

While the focus of the shoot will often be on the newborn, it’s equally important to keep your older children engaged and entertained throughout the process. This helps prevent boredom and ensures they remain cooperative during the session.

1. Involve the Siblings in the Setup

Allowing siblings to be involved in some way can keep them engaged. For example, they might be able to help with small tasks like picking out props or arranging the baby’s outfit. Feeling involved can make them excited about being part of the session.

2. Let Them Take Breaks

If you have a young child in the photoshoot, make sure they have the chance to take breaks if needed. A short walk, a snack, or a little time to play can help reset their mood and keep the session moving forward. As a photographer, I always aim to be patient and flexible to help make the session enjoyable for everyone.

3. Use Playful Poses and Ideas

For older children, using a playful approach can keep them excited. Posing them with their baby sibling in a way that feels fun and silly can result in natural smiles and laughter. These candid moments are often the ones that make the photos truly memorable.

How I Make Sibling Photoshoots Fun and Stress-Free

As a mum of three, I know how important it is to make sure everyone feels comfortable and relaxed during a photoshoot. When it comes to newborn and sibling photoshoots, I take a gentle, patient approach to ensure that everyone has a fun and enjoyable experience.

In my studio, I create a calm, welcoming environment where you and your children can feel at ease. I make sure to capture both the big moments and the subtle interactions that showcase your family’s love and connection. I work closely with you to make sure we get the images that are most meaningful to you, while also ensuring that your older children feel comfortable and excited to be a part of the session.

What Clients Are Saying About Their Sibling Photoshoots

Many of my clients have experienced the joy of including siblings in their newborn photoshoots, and here’s what some of them have had to say about the experience:

Emma & James – Parents of Ava

"Including our older daughter in Ava’s newborn photoshoot was such a special experience. Adele made us feel so comfortable, and our older daughter loved being involved. The photos turned out absolutely beautiful, and we’ll treasure them forever."

Sophie & Mark – Parents of Leo

"We were a bit worried about how our twins would behave during the photoshoot, but Adele was so patient with them. She made the entire session fun and relaxed. The sibling shots are some of our favourite photos!"

Clara & Tom – Parents of Ella

"Adele took the time to make sure our older son felt comfortable and special during the session. The sibling photos are absolutely stunning and capture the love between our kids perfectly."

Final Thoughts

Including siblings in your newborn photoshoot is a wonderful way to capture the entire family’s dynamic and create memories that will last a lifetime. By planning ahead, keeping your siblings engaged, and choosing a professional photographer who understands the needs of both newborns and older children, you’ll be able to create beautiful, meaningful images that truly reflect your family’s love.

As a newborn photographer based in Porthcawl, Bridgend, I specialize in capturing those fleeting, precious moments with newborns and their siblings. If you're planning a newborn photoshoot and would like to include your older children, I would love to help create stunning, family-centered images for you to treasure.