Photographing Newborns With Siblings

Photographing siblings with a newborn is a bit of an art form in itself. I’m very comfortable and familiar with this situation – I have photographed hundreds of families with siblings.

I totally understand how nervous parents can feel about a session like this will go, though. The experience will be so different from a newborn portrait session with just one baby. How will it work with a toddler in the mix?

Well, my years of experience mean that I can read your oldest child’s mood as well as your newborn’s. I adapt the format of the portrait session according to their needs. If one child wants a break, that’s fine! If your toddler wants some time being the star, that’s also fine – I can work with whatever they like doing.

I’m more than happy to incorporate siblings in the portrait session. In fact, I love capturing the developing bond between siblings!

Choosing the best time of day

We’ll usually schedule the portrait session around your oldest child’s routine. Typically, a 10am start works well. The best time is when they’ve had something to eat and they’re not tired. Little ones tend to have more energy and be at their best in the morning.

Children can be overwhelmed by having a new baby in the family and not sure about the idea yet. If that’s the case, it can be worth scheduling your session for when your newborn is six weeks old. This gives your toddler a chance to adjust to having a sibling. It also allows for the bond to have developed more between them.

Find out more here: www.louiserosephotography.com/scheduling-newborn-portrait-session/

“I was impressed with Louise’s sense of calm. She has a natural ability to engage with children. Our baby stayed calm throughout, and there are some fantastic photos of her with our son. The photos are everything I hoped they would be and more – there are so many beautiful pictures. Louise managed to capture us all extremely naturally. I will always treasure these photos of those special early days. Thank you Louise!” Nell

On the day

As soon as I arrive, I make sure the older child feels as important and interesting to meet as the newborn. I pay more attention to your other children beforehand, and pay little attention to your newborn at first. It’s not that I’m not enchanted by your new arrival! I’m using a bit of child psychology to help us get the most out of your portrait session.

Depending on your older child’s mood, I’ll usually photograph your older child first. This gives them a moment in the lime light to minimise any jealousy issues.

I’ll resist the urge to verbalise throughout how gorgeous your tiny little newborn is!

We’ll choose the moment for photographing the siblings together based primarily on the older child’s mood. Likewise, if they want some time to play or have a rest, I take the individual shots of the newborn during that down time.

It’s helpful to have both parents present. That way, one parent can take the older child off for a bit while I photograph the newborn. Another parent can be on hand to help settle the newborn.

I’ll keep the mood nice and calm so your newborn is in a safe environment. Unless you’re holding your new baby safely out of shot, this isn’t the moment for jumping on the bed!

Keeping your older child engaged

I’ve got lots of tricks to make this a fun experience for your toddler.

Years of experience means I know how to keep toddlers on side. You can trust me to capture the developing bond between toddlers and newborns.

Positioning the baby safely is very important. We’ll only place your newborn where your toddler won’t suddenly turn and squash the newborn. We’ll choose places where their fragile little head is protected. And a parent can always stay close by, to reach in if needed.

How long will the portrait session last?

There’s a lot going on with a newborn! Most of my newborn sessions are 3-4 hours, especially with newborns and siblings. Having a good few hours buys us more windows of opportunities if your older child has a cranky day. If your newborn doesn’t have the most settled morning, we have time to calm them. However, it’s absolutely doable in a shorter 2 hour session. So don’t worry if your budget won’t cover a longer session.

Do get in touch and I can recommend when would be the best time for you and your family.

Rest assured that no matter how old your children are, I can still take gorgeous photographs of your family and your new addition.

“This was the fourth time we have had Louise come and take photos of our family. We are delighted with the pictures from this session of our 4 day old baby boy, and us as a family. We love the way Louise managed to capture him in his quiet moments and the detail that she could focus on. The eyelashes, lips, hands and feet these images are stunning. Even with the constant sleeping of a newborn, we have some stunning photos of our wee one with his eyes open staring into the world. We particularly love how she managed to capture beautiful moments of both of our sons together. We will definitely be seeing Louise again next year and would highly recommend her.” Jamie

Natural, relaxed newborn photoshoots

Newborn sessions are always easy and relaxed for both you and your baby – and an enjoyable, memorable event for the family. You need this to be easy to arrange, and a pleasant experience – and it will be! 

You've worked hard to create your family, and capturing this precious stage of your baby's life is a great way to stop and take it all in.

As newborns are adorable as they are, I take natural photographs - no tucking your baby into buckets! With 3-4 hour sessions, there's scope to visit your favourite park too. 

Over the course of your session, I'll quietly photograph your newborn baby as he or she sleeps, gazes up at you or snuggles up in your arms, and photograph you all as a family.

Always keeping things quiet and calm, I’ll work at your baby’s pace, allowing plenty of time for nappy changing and feeding breaks.

The love and bond between you all is so important, so of course I'll also take some relaxed family shots too.

I always look to take photographs that will not only move you now, but will also bring back memories in years to come.

Please know that all families are 100% welcome – single parent families, same sex parents, all religions and backgrounds. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and I’m honoured to photograph each and every one.

I have a simple pricing structure, with no hidden surprises. 

Helping you all relax 

As a mum myself, I really understand how to keep sessions calm for babies – and enjoyable for you! My ten years' experience as a full-time family photographer means you really don't have to worry about how your baby will be on the day.  

Your portrait session is always baby led – there’s plenty of time, and no rush.

It’s all about making sure you feel comfortable and not at all self-conscious.

We’ll allow plenty of time for nappy changes, winding, changes and any little issues that might crop up.

Rest assured though that I’ll gently guide you into pretty light and spaces that will work well for portraits.

You can find out what to expect here, and we can discuss what you're looking for to see if I'll be a good fit for your family. Just get in touch! 

Quality prints, frames & albums

I work with specialist framers and album suppliers to create truly stunning products for you to treasure, and to pass on to the next generations. It's a great opportunity to create some family heirlooms that your children can share with their own children in years to come. 

Fine art prints really bring your photographs to life, so I include at least one print with every booking. It's so important to have your photographs out where you can see and enjoy them! 

Frames mean you get to enjoy your photographs every day. I can provide design support (free of charge) in selecting the frames that will suit your home best. 

Albums create a beautiful time capsule of this stage in your family's life. Looking through them together as your children grow up is a magical experience – we never tire of it! 

You might like to see this behind the scenes video from a newborn portrait session:

And you might like to hear a testimonial from a newborn portrait session: