Choosing the Best Photographer: Newbie vs. Pro, What You Need to Know
December 1, 2024
How to Prepare Siblings for a Newborn Photoshoot: Tips for a Calm & Happy Session
Welcoming a new baby is a precious milestone for any family, and a newborn photoshoot is the perfect way to capture those early days full of love, wonder, and tiny toes. When older siblings are involved, the session becomes even more special—showcasing that beautiful new bond. As a newborn photographer in Carmarthenshire, I’ve worked with many families where siblings play a starring role in creating timeless memories. But let’s be honest: toddlers and young children don’t always follow the script!
Here’s how you can prepare siblings for a newborn photoshoot to help ensure a calm, smooth, and joy-filled session.
1. Talk About the Session in Advance
Children are far more cooperative when they know what to expect. Chat with your little one ahead of time about the photoshoot—explain that a friendly photographer will take pictures of them with their new baby brother or sister. Keep it positive and simple.
Top Tip: Show them example photos from my sessions so they can visualise what’s going to happen.
2. Understand the Session Structure
When siblings are involved in a newborn session, we follow a structured process to ensure the best experience for everyone—especially baby.
Arrival & Family Photos
The session begins with all family members present. We will start by capturing sibling, parent, and family portraits while everyone is fresh and engaged.
After Family Photos
Once these images are complete, siblings are required to leave for the remainder of the session. Newborn sessions can last 3+ hours, and even the most well-behaved children can become restless, leading to distractions and stress. Keeping the environment calm and quiet is essential for capturing those beautifully posed newborn images.
What Most Families Do
Typically, one parent (often Mum) stays for the baby-only portion of the session, while the other takes the siblings home, back to school, or out for an activity. Your partner is welcome to return after dropping the siblings off if they would like to be involved in the session, or continue with their day/go back to work.
Our goal is always to create a stress-free, calm environment that allows us to capture your baby's special moments in the best way possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
3. Bring Snacks & Distractions
Let’s face it—kids get hungry and bored easily, especially during a photoshoot! Pack some non-messy snacks (avoid anything sticky or crumbly) and perhaps a quiet toy or book to help keep them entertained while they wait for their turn.
What about tablets or devices? While screens can sometimes help little ones stay seated and calm, they can also pose a challenge—some children become very attached to them and may not want to hand them over without a fuss. If you do bring a device, try to limit its use until after their part of the session is complete, or make a plan in advance for how it will be managed. The goal is to keep everything smooth and stress-free for you and your children!
4. Let Them Warm Up
It’s completely normal for children to take a little while to settle in a new environment. I always allow time for siblings to explore the studio, have a chat with me, and feel comfortable before we begin.
5. Dress & Prepare Siblings Thoughtfully
Siblings are very welcome to join in on the photos! However, due to the length of a newborn photography session, it can be quite boring for little ones, so they will only be in the studio for the part of the session we need them for. To make sure their images are timeless and beautiful, please follow these preparation tips:
-
Clean faces – wipe away any food, milk, or sticky marks beforehand.
-
No temporary tattoos or skin drawings – these can be very distracting in photographs.
-
Remove chipped nail varnish – clean nails help keep the focus on their natural beauty.
-
Dress in neutral clothing – avoid branded or character-themed clothes, as these can date the images. Soft, solid colours and classic styles always photograph best.
Need help choosing outfits? I’m happy to offer advice to help you select clothing that works well with your newborn’s styling and creates a harmonious look for your family portraits
6. Don’t Stress If They’re Not “Perfect”
Final Thoughts
The bond between siblings is something truly magical. With a little prep and the right photographer, your newborn photoshoot in Carmarthenshire can beautifully reflect that connection—creating lasting memories full of love and laughter.
If you’re looking to book a session or have questions about how to involve siblings, I’d love to chat! My cosy studio is fully equipped to welcome the whole family and create a relaxed, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Related Services:
Hi, I’m Aimee; photographer based in St. Clears, Carmarthenshire. My passion is capturing happy memories full of colour, joy and happiness!
Check out my specialist newborn photo shoots HERE
Curious Moments Photography – based in St. Clears Carmarthenshire – specialises in newborn, baby, and maternity photography.
![[email protected]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7836545e45a741bb65d816d88495e76a?s=64&d=mm&r=g){kind=avatar}
