When it comes to including siblings in your newborn photo shoots, then it’s a great idea and I’m definitely all for it.
However, when they are still pretty young themselves – I’m kind of talking about between the ages of 1 – 4 – then it can present some challenges in terms of getting them to cooperate. Generally, if they fall into this age range I don’t recommend that they attend the whole of the session as they are going to get pretty bored. Instead, get dropped off with the new arrival and have them join us at the end of the session for their pictures. Definitely worth making sure that you both have mobiles so we can stay in touch to fine tune the timings but usually I recommend they get entertained elsewhere for about 45-60 minutes before coming back.
If the timing works out perfectly then they walk in, get sibling photos then family photos and walk back out a happy guy / girl. I find that doing things this way probably triples your chance of compliance when it comes to sibling pictures – of course there are no guarantees cos, two years olds but it’s the best roll of the dice we have.
If they are going to stay all of the time, then I’d definitely advise bringing along some snacks and entertainment to keep them busy. If you’re planning on using mobiles / ipads as part of the entertainment, then know that our mobile signal is pathetic so download what you need before you come to avoid frustration!
When it comes to how we set up the photos themselves, then that also varies according to the ages. Where siblings are still very young themselves, I don’t ever ask them to support the new baby as it would be a safety risk for the most part. Secondary to this is the fact that even if they can hold them, it’s not likely to be in a very photogenic way. The bed set up is the perfect way to avoid this as I can simply set up the newborn cosy on the bed and have siblings pose behind them. It also has the advantage of feeling pretty familiar to a little person to sit on a bed so generally I find we get a good percentage of success using this method. It also makes for a cute picture even when an older sibling is there who could offer safe support as in this example!
Find out more about including siblings in your newborn photo shoot?
Including older siblings in your newborn photo shoot is a wonderful way to celebrate your growing family. Whether they’re excited to meet their new baby brother or sister or need a little encouragement, I’ll guide the session to capture natural, heartwarming moments. Sessions are relaxed, with plenty of time for cuddles, giggles, and breaks if needed. Book your newborn shoot today and let’s create beautiful sibling portraits you’ll treasure forever!
Newborn Photography in East Grinstead
Newborn photo shoots are best when your baby is between 5 and 10 days old—this is when they’re at their sleepiest and curliest, perfect for capturing those beautifully serene images. To ensure you don’t miss out, I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant—we’ll set a provisional date for a week after your due date and adjust if needed once your baby arrives.
Your session takes place in my warm and cosy studio in Crawley Down, designed for your baby’s comfort. The shoot is relaxed, unrushed, and includes three digital images of your choice, all for £95. There’s no sales session—just a private online gallery where you can view and select your favourites at your own pace.
