If you’re wondering whether your older child can be part of your baby’s photoshoot, the answer is yes, and sibling shots are often some of the most loved images from the whole session.
Why sibling photos are worth including
There’s something about that early bond between siblings that’s genuinely worth capturing. The age gap, the size difference, the way an older child looks at a new baby. It changes so quickly, and having it documented at this stage is something a lot of families are really glad they did.
It also gives your older child a role in the session, which tends to make everything go more smoothly. Nobody’s sitting on the sidelines feeling left out.
How we approach it
The key with sibling shots is keeping things light and moving quickly. We do the sibling portion early in the session while everyone still has energy, and I keep it playful rather than posed.
I never ask a child to smile for the camera. That’s a one-way ticket to a strange expression. Instead, I find out what makes them laugh and work with that. You’re welcome to be as silly as you like to get a genuine reaction out of them. I’ll be right there being daft alongside you.
We work with your child’s energy on the day rather than against it. If they’re bouncy, we use that. If they’re a bit shy, we give them time to warm up and watch what’s happening before we involve them. Swapping props regularly helps keep the novelty factor going too.
If a sibling just isn’t feeling it on the day, that’s fine. We work with what we have and we never force anything.
What to do before you come
Tell your older child in advance that they’re going to be in special photos with their new baby brother or sister. Making it feel like something exciting rather than springing it on them tends to help. Let them bring a favourite small toy if that makes them feel more settled.
If they’re old enough to understand the concept of a reward, a promised treat afterwards can work well. If they’re still very young themselves, a funny game tends to work better than bribery.
What to do before you come
Tell your older child in advance that they’re going to be in special photos with their new baby brother or sister. Making it feel like something exciting rather than springing it on them tends to help. Let them bring a favourite small toy if that makes them feel more settled.
If they’re old enough to understand the concept of a reward, a promised treat afterwards can work well. If they’re still very young themselves, a funny game tends to work better than bribery.
What we capture
Sibling shots are one part of the session. We also make sure to get solo portraits of your baby, and there’s always the option for parent and baby images too if you’d like to be included. I’ll always gently encourage you to get in front of the camera at some point, though there’s no pressure. The aim is to get you a good range of images across the session.
What to wear
Simple and coordinated works best. Soft, neutral tones photograph well and keep the focus on the children rather than the outfits. Busy patterns and logos tend to distract. Comfortable clothing matters too, a happy, relaxed child is much easier to photograph than one who’s fidgeting with something uncomfortable.
If you’re not sure what would work, just ask before you come.
How to Prepare Older Siblings for the Photoshoot
If your older child is excited about the session, amazing! But if they’re a little shy, unsure, or energetic, here’s how to help them feel comfortable before the session:
- Tell them about it in advance – Let them know they’re going to be in special pictures with their baby sibling.
- Let them bring a comfort item – A small toy or blanket can help if they feel nervous.
- Make them feel important – Tell them they have a special job in helping to make beautiful pictures!
Making it feel like a fun experience rather than something formal helps keep them engaged and excited to take part.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Photography
If you’ve still got questions about my studio and baby photography, then just check out the info below. Don’t see your questions answered here? Just get in touch and I’m always happy to help.
I tend to keep family sessions simple and timeless, so props aren’t usually needed. That said, you’re very welcome to bring along a small personal item if it feels meaningful to you.
This might be something like a favourite book, a musical instrument, or an item that reflects a shared interest. If you’re unsure whether something will work well, just ask – I’m always happy to advise so the focus stays on your family rather than the props.
Most babies are at their happiest in the late morning, once they’ve had a good nap and a proper meal, so that’s usually the ideal time for a photo shoot, often around 10 to 11am. Afternoon sessions can also work well, especially after an afternoon nap, with typical start times around 2 to 3pm. However, every child is different, and the best time is always the one that fits your baby’s natural rhythm. If your little one has a very reliable nap routine, it’s worth booking a time slot when they’re normally bright and settled. A well-rested baby makes the whole session smoother, whether it’s a cake smash, sitter session, newborn-style photos or a family shoot. And don’t worry, if your baby has an off morning or needs a little extra time, we take everything at their pace. A calm, flexible approach always leads to the best photos.
Yes, studio flash is completely safe for children’s eyes. The light is bright, but it’s only for a tiny fraction of a second and is much gentler than natural sunlight. Some children notice the brightness more than others, but the flash itself doesn’t cause any harm. If we know your child is particularly sensitive, we’ll simply adjust our lighting to keep them comfortable while still creating lovely images.
When it comes to photo shoots, one of the most common questions I’m asked is what your baby should wear. I always recommend keeping outfits simple and comfortable. Soft, plain clothing in neutral or pastel shades works well on camera and helps keep the focus on your baby rather than bold prints or logos. If more than one family member will be in the pictures, it can work well to coordinate colours or tones, but there’s no need to match exactly unless you’d like to. Gentle textures like knits or little rompers can add lovely detail without being distracting, and some parents prefer to keep things very minimal, even just a nappy, while others enjoy a couple of outfit changes. If your session is for a newborn, there’s no need to worry about clothing at all. I have wraps and blankets here in the studio that photograph well. For slightly older babies, two or three outfit changes are plenty, and I also have a small selection of simple outfits at the studio you’re welcome to borrow. Think about bringing one classic outfit, something a little more fun or seasonal if you’d like, and maybe a favourite sleepsuit for relaxed shots. Avoid clothes that bunch up or have big slogans, and remember that bare feet and tiny toes always look lovely in pictures. If you’d like to add accessories, a simple headband or hat can work, but less is often more. I’m always happy to advise if you’re unsure.
Yes. We hold an up-to-date DBS check. This helps ensure parents feel confident and reassured when bringing their children to our studio, whatever type of child photography session they’re booking.
We recommend booking your baby’s photo session around 4 to 6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time, especially if you’re hoping for a Saturday appointment.
That said, if you’re looking for something sooner or have left it a little late, please do get in touch. We’ll always do our best to accommodate last-minute bookings where availability allows.
My studio offers a variety of backdrops and styles, from classic white and black to themed or colourful setups. Whether you prefer a simple, elegant look or something more playful, we’ll create a setup that suits your preferences. You’re welcome to browse the full range in advance and let me know your choices on your session options form, which you’ll receive the day before your session, so everything is ready when you arrive.
After your session, we’ll carefully edit your images and, within around two weeks, you’ll receive a link to your private online gallery.
From there, you can view all of your finished images in your own time, choose your favourites, and place your order directly through the gallery. Ordering is simple: just add the images or products you love to your basket and check out.
If you’d like help deciding which images work best for prints or wall art, we’re always happy to offer guidance, but there’s no pressure or sales appointment. You’re free to browse, choose, and order whenever it suits you.
Your baby’s safety is always our top priority.
We use only natural, comfortable poses, ensure all props and equipment are secure and stable, and keep the studio clean, warm, and calm at all times. We never rush a session and always work at your baby’s pace.
If you see images where your baby appears raised off the ground, for example on a chair or bed, you can be assured that a parent’s hands are always just out of shot, keeping them fully supported and safe. Nothing is ever done without hands-on supervision.
With more than 20 years’ experience working with babies and young children, you can relax knowing your little one is in very safe hands throughout their session.
My studio is fully equipped with a wide range of props and accessories, but you’re welcome to bring items that hold special meaning to your family. This could include a favourite blanket, toy, or family heirloom. If you’re not sure if something would work, I always say to bring it anyway and we can work it out on the day. You’ll be able to let me know which, if any, of my props you’d like to include in your session when you receive your options form the day before your session. That way, I can have everything ready and waiting for you so we don’t waste any time!
Babies cry, and that’s completely normal. I plan for it in every baby session. I’ve been photographing babies for more than 20 years, so I’m very used to working around unsettled moments. Sessions are always baby-led. We’ll take breaks as needed, with plenty of time for feeding, cuddles and settling, and we move at your baby’s pace throughout. Most babies just need a little time to adjust to a new environment before they’re happy to continue. On the rare occasion that a baby is genuinely uncomfortable or having an off day, for example due to teething or illness, we won’t push on and make it stressful for anyone. We can simply pause and arrange to continue another day. Your baby’s comfort always comes first.
Absolutely. Including siblings or parents in your baby’s photo session is a lovely way to capture those early family connections. You’ll be able to let me know your preferences when you receive your session options ahead of your shoot. If you have very young siblings joining in, I’ll usually photograph them first so they can relax or play once we’ve got those images safely captured. I’ll guide everything gently on the day, with simple, age-appropriate posing that works well whether siblings are toddlers, older children, or somewhere in between. Sessions are always baby-led, so we’ll keep things relaxed and flexible, allowing time for cuddles, reassurance, and natural interactions so you come away with lovely sibling and family images without any pressure.
Baby photo sessions are booked in my studio to last for an hour, so we have plenty of time for outfit changes, different backdrops, and ensuring your baby is comfortable throughout. The rest of the session time allows for feeding, settling, cuddles and nappy changes. The pace is entirely flexible to suit your baby’s needs, and there’s no rushing or expectation for your baby to perform. It’s worth knowing that most babies won’t tolerate having their picture taken for more than twenty minutes or so (it depends on your little one’s mood on the day), as they can quickly get overwhelmed with the new experience, flashing lights, a new person and general excitement. Don’t worry though. I work quickly, and we can still put together a full gallery of images in this time frame. It’s one of the first things I learned as a baby photographer!
Baby photography sessions can be tailored to any stage of your baby’s first year, but there are popular milestones to consider. These include 4 to 5 months (smiling and getting really strong at tummy time), 8 to 9 months (sitting up independently), and 12 months (standing or first steps). Before babies have good head and neck control, they’re quite limited in how they can be posed, but once they’re a little stronger, we can capture more interaction, expressions, and personality as they begin to emerge. Each age captures unique moments from this stage of your baby’s life. All babies differ in the times they hit these milestones, so you’re always welcome to get in touch and talk through the best time to schedule your session to create the images you want.
Choosing your baby’s outfit is an exciting part of preparing for their photo session. I recommend comfortable clothing in solid colours that won’t distract from their adorable expressions. Avoid logos and busy patterns to keep the focus on your little one. Generally (and it obviously does vary from baby to baby) little people aren’t the biggest fans of getting undressed and dressed, so I probably wouldn’t normally recommend more than three outfit changes per session and definitely bonus points if you can layer things up so we can remove one layer and be ready to go in the next outfit! Not sure what will work best? You’re welcome to bring a couple of outfit options, and I’m always happy to help you decide on the day!
This is a really common question, especially for Baby Photography Club sessions.
You’re welcome to bring a few outfit options along. I don’t limit you to just one look. Different outfits can give you a lovely variety of images, and I’m always happy to work around the style you have in mind.
That said, babies have very strong opinions about being changed. To keep things calm and enjoyable, we’ll lay everything out before we start, prioritise your favourites, and work through them in a way that minimises outfit changes wherever possible. Layering pieces often works brilliantly and lets us create different looks without too much disruption.
We’ll always go at your baby’s pace and get as much variety as we comfortably can. Happy baby first, outfits second.
There’s never any sales process or meetings with any of our photography; you simply view your image gallery online and make any orders you’d like directly from there.
Our online gallery should be fairly familiar to you if you shop online, but in case you need a bit of extra assistance, you can click the button below to access a help document that walks you through how to access your gallery, choose your favourite images, and place an order. Of course, if you’re having any problems, just get in touch and we’re always happy to help.
Payment is due when you booked your photo shoot but if it is more than two weeks away, you can choose to pay a deposit of £20. The balance is due the week before your booking.
Yes. My studio is set up to be flexible, with a range of backdrops and lighting options that are quick and easy to switch between. Within one session, I recommend choosing up to three backdrops. This gives you a nicely varied gallery without rushing, and ensures each setup has time to really work. You’ll be able to make your backdrop choices in advance from the options I send before your session, so everything flows smoothly on the day.
When you buy a digital file from me, the copyright stays with me, as it would with pretty much all other photographers. However, that’s just a legal term I retain as the creator of the image. You’re able to print and share the image as much as you’d like, the only thing you can’t do is sell the images or claim that you took them. Other than that, they’re yours to do as you wish with.
PS, back them up!
This is a question we get asked a lot, and it’s a tricky one to answer as it depends on so many things. If your baby’s in a great mood, you’ll have lots of photos to choose from, but if they’re finding the session a little harder going, you’ll naturally have fewer. If we had to give an average, we’d say you can expect around forty fully edited images in your finished gallery, but that can vary quite a bit, so it’s not always the most useful number to go on.
That’s completely up to you. The most important thing is to bring outfits you love and would be happy to see your baby photographed in.
If more than one family member will be in the pictures, it can work well to coordinate colours or tones, but there’s no need to match exactly unless you want to. I also have a small selection of simple outfits at the studio that you’re welcome to borrow.
Some parents prefer very minimal clothing – or even just a nappy – while others enjoy a couple of outfit changes. There’s time during the session to change outfits if you’d like, and I’m always happy to advise if you’re unsure.
Yes, absolutely. You’re very welcome to bring along anything you’d like to include in your baby’s photo shoot, whether that’s a favourite toy, a keepsake, or a small prop that means something to you.
Personal items can add a lovely layer of meaning to your images, and I’ll happily work them in where it feels natural and safe for your baby.
Other than your usual baby bag (the one you’d never leave the house without!), you don’t need to bring anything special to your session. We have everything we need here at the studio.
You’re very welcome to bring a change of outfit for your baby, or any small props or keepsakes you’d like included, but it’s completely optional. The aim is to keep things relaxed and easy, especially for you.
Not at all. Once babies are on the move, it can be harder to convince them that sitting still for photos is a brilliant plan, so there’s usually a bit more chasing and resetting once the novelty of the studio wears off. That said, it’s still great fun and we can absolutely capture lots of lovely images.
If you’re keen to use a wide range of props or more styled setups, the sweet spot is often when babies can sit confidently on their own but before they start crawling. However, a mobile baby is never a problem in the studio: it just means the session has a slightly different, and often very joyful, energy.
Yes, absolutely. We have a large beanbag for babies to lie on, along with specially designed cushions that allow them to be supported safely and comfortably. This means we can still create lovely images even if your baby isn’t sitting independently yet.
That said, if you’ve missed the short newborn window and your baby doesn’t yet have good head control, you may get more variety from your session by waiting until they can lift their head confidently during tummy time, even if it’s just for a few moments. We’re always happy to chat things through and help you decide what will work best for your baby.
Absolutely! Photography gift certificates make a lovely, thoughtful present, ideal for birthdays, baby showers, new arrivals, or just because.
You can choose any session type (newborn, family, maternity, baby club, cake smash, or even seasonal minis), and we’ll create a nicely designed certificate for you to give.
Gift certificates can be supplied as a printed version, ready to wrap and hand over, or a digital version, ideal for last-minute gifting. Each one comes with full details on how to book, and the recipient is free to choose a date that suits them.
If you’d like to order one, just click the button below. It’s a lovely way to give someone the gift of lasting memories.
Yes, dogs are very welcome at our studio. If you’d like to include your dog in your baby’s first birthday photos, it’s best to wait until your baby can sit confidently on their own so we can pose them safely together. For cake smashes, it is possible to bring your dog, but we recommend bringing an extra pair of hands so someone can keep an eye on them while we’re doing the cake and tub splash. Even the best-behaved dogs can find all that icing a bit irresistible!
We completely understand that little ones can become poorly at the most inconvenient times. If your child is ill on the day of your session, just get in touch and we’ll happily rearrange it for you. There’s no problem at all: it’s far better to wait until they’re feeling well, comfortable, and ready to enjoy themselves.
Children rarely look their best when they’re under the weather, and you’ll get much nicer photos when they’re bright and happy, so rescheduling is always the right call.
I book the studio for an hour for a baby photo shoot, but in reality most babies only want to be photographed for a short window of that time. Often it’s around 15–30 minutes – sometimes even less – and that’s absolutely fine.
The rest of the session time is there to allow for feeding, settling, cuddles and nappy changes. There’s no rushing and no expectation for your baby to perform. Even with a short shooting window, there’s plenty of time to create a lovely set of images.
The best time for a photo session is when your baby (or child) is at their happiest – usually after they’ve eaten and had a good nap. For many families, late morning works really well, often around 10–11am.
Afternoon sessions can also work beautifully, especially after an afternoon nap, with typical start times around 2–3pm. That said, there’s no single “perfect” time – babies don’t read the rulebook, and routines can change overnight. I’m always happy to work around whatever time of day suits your child best.
Absolutely – parents and siblings are very welcome to be included in your baby’s photo shoot. I’ll always make sure we capture some lovely images of your baby on their own as well as a few natural family shots if you’d like them.
If you have very young siblings joining in, I’ll usually photograph them first so they can relax or play once we’ve got those images safely captured. Everything is kept calm, flexible and baby-led.
A baby photo shoot costs £95 and includes your three favourite digital images. After your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view your images and choose your favourites in your own time.
There’s no sales or viewing appointment to attend: everything is done online, simply and without pressure. Parents and siblings are very welcome to join the session at no extra cost.
Babies cry – it’s completely normal, and it’s something I plan for in every baby session.
When you book a baby photo shoot, I allow plenty of time so there’s no pressure. Although the actual photographing part is often quite short, the session time includes space for feeding, cuddles, settling, and taking things at your baby’s pace.
Most babies do settle once they’ve had what they need, but occasionally there are days when a baby just isn’t happy – and that’s okay. If your baby becomes very unsettled and clearly isn’t enjoying themselves, we won’t push on and make it stressful for either of you. In those rare cases, we can simply arrange another session for a different day when your baby is more comfortable.
Your baby’s wellbeing always comes first, and there’s never any pressure to “push through.”
There’s something special about every stage of your baby’s first year, so there isn’t a single “right” time, it really depends on the kind of images you’d love most.
If you miss the newborn stage or decide it’s not for you, I usually recommend waiting until your baby has a little more strength and can lift their head during tummy time. Around this stage, babies are more alert and expressive, which gives us much more variety in your final images.
Before babies have good head and neck control, they’re quite limited in how they can be posed, but once they’re a little stronger, we can capture more interaction, expressions, and personality as they begin to emerge.
If you’re unsure which stage might suit you best, I’m always happy to talk it through and help you choose.
We keep your images for 18 months following your session date, and after this point they’re permanently deleted, so if you’re purchasing digital copies, please back them up safely; we really can’t stress this enough.
When they go online following your session, they’ll be there for a month for you to order from (although we can extend that if you need a bit more time to choose, just ask!)
My studio (located in Crawley Down, just a short drive from East Grinstead, West Sussex) is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. I welcome bookings within those hours, and if you have special scheduling needs or want an evening or Sunday option, feel free to ask, and I’ll always do my best to accommodate when possible.
We present all your images in colour, then add in black and white copies of some that we think particularly suit it. Of course, if you’d rather have an image in black and white, just ask and we’re happy to switch it over for you.
We have a range of backdrops you can use for your session, and you’re welcome to browse the range we have in advance of your session and let us know your choices on your session options form (you’ll receive this the day before your session). We’ll have everything ready for you when you arrive for your photo shoot.
Each of your images is professionally edited, so there’ll be a bit of a delay before you can see them while I get everything ready for you. This can vary according to a number of factors, but generally it’s about a two week wait before your images are uploaded to your private online gallery. I’ll be able to advise you better on exact waiting times at your session.
Our studio is based in Crawley Down, West Sussex, conveniently positioned between Crawley and East Grinstead and just a short drive from nearby villages like Copthorne and Turners Hill.
Most newborn, baby club, and family sessions take place in-studio, where we’ve set up a calm, warm, and safe environment for your baby and family. We’ve designed the space for comfort, safety, soft light, and a full wardrobe of props, accessories and wraps.
You can find out more about it including the address and directions at our Studio Page.
We believe in complete transparency when it comes to pricing, so you won’t get any nasty surprises. You’ll already know what your session fee includes in terms of images, and you can simply order more from your online gallery if you’d like to; there’s no sales or viewing session to attend.
Here are the prices for additional digital images and prints.
About two weeks after your session, we’ll have your images edited and uploaded to your private online gallery. There’s no sales or viewing session to attend. We’ll email you a link and a password, and that will take you straight to your finished images.
Any digital images you purchase will be sized at 10×8″ at 300ppi in JPEG format as standard. This is ideal for printing up to this size or slightly larger (you have more flexibility on size when it comes to canvases, as they’re printed at a lower resolution).
If you know you want to print significantly larger than this, you can upgrade your digital images to larger file sizes, and they’ll be sent to you on a USB drive, just check your gallery pricing for the options here.
One little note though: always back up your USBs, they aren’t the most reliable technology for long-term storage.
We kindly ask that you don’t take photos or videos during your session. Your booking includes our time, skill, and copyright, and recording in the studio can interrupt the flow of your shoot. If anyone is seen filming or photographing, the session will need to be stopped and will end without refund, and that’s not a situation any of us want to be in. Please relax, enjoy the experience, and let us take care of creating the images for you.