Welcoming a new baby into the whānau is the most wonderful mix of joy, chaos and a whoooole lotta love. And even more so when baby has older siblings; that chaos can get even more wild.
Good news: I’m all about capturing that full picture. Whether you're coming into the studio or staying cosy at home, siblings are always welcome in your newborn shoot (and if you’re at home, pets can absolutely join the fun too - I encourage it, mainly because I love snuggles from all the babies and fur-babies!)
First up, choosing your location. Studio or at-home photoshoot?
Both studio and in-home sessions are designed to be relaxed, flexible and baby-led (because we all know that they are in charge!). If you’re not sure which location to go for, here’s a little breakdown on each option:
In-studio: Perfect if you’re after clean, minimal backgrounds, gorgeous natural light and less house prep! Ideal for those who’d rather leave the dishes behind and step into a space that’s all set up and ready to go. I keep my studio super cosy and warm for newborn shoots, and it’s a lovely calm place for photos - sometimes, it’s just nice to get out of the house and go to a space where everything is taken care of!
At home: The ultimate in comfort and storytelling, because it’s your home. This is your family in your real space, and you can incorporate moments in baby’s nursery, or cuddled up on your couch. It means you have everything you need nearby (like snacks for the kids and spare changes of clothes!) It’s also a fantastic option if you’re keen to get a few photos with your pets, too!
Whichever you choose, we’ll take things slow, leaving plenty of time for feeds, nappy changes and snuggles.
Make space for siblings
Siblings play a huge role in your family story, and it’s important we celebrate that. But newborn shoots are delicate, and little ones can sometimes find it tricky to share the spotlight (totally normal!). A few things to keep in mind that help with the shoot:
Start with sibling photos early while the energy (and attention span) is fresh. We can snap photos of the parents with baby a little later in the session.
Give siblings their “big moment”. These moments are so special and gorgeous to watch! This could be solo shots holding baby (if they’re old enough and you’re comfortable with it), whispering secrets to baby, or just gently peeking into the bassinet.
Plenty of breaks and patience. I always follow their lead. Don’t put the pressure on them, just let it happen and make it fun!
Let them help! I’ll often ask older kids to be my assistant for a few shots.
Top tip? Plan ahead: snacks, breaks & bribes (no judgement here!)
Let’s talk prep! There are a few ways you can prep your family for your photoshoot to help things run smoothly. To keep the kids happy, I’d recommend bringing:
Snacks: Bring their favourites (but nothing too messy or bright coloured)
Toys or books: Something quiet and familiar for in-between shots, to keep them occupied
Outfits: Keep the kids comfy! Avoid stiff collars or anything that might lead to a meltdown mid-photo
If you’ve got a toddler, you already know: being over-prepared is never a bad thing!
Here’s a wee idea I love to help get siblings prepared for the shoot: stage a pretend photoshoot at home. Get them to practice being in front of the camera, or even better, let them be the photographer. Grab a phone or camera (real or a toy one!) and let them snap some photos of the grown-ups, their toys, or the baby (if they’re already here!).
It turns the session into a game rather than a chore, and their perspective is often hilariously adorable. Bonus: you might even end up with a few keepsake shots they took themselves.
Can I include pets in a newborn shoot?
Yes! At-home sessions are perfect for including the furriest family member; and really, what could be cuter than babies and puppies?! No need for them to pose, we’ll just roll with the moment. Treats help, too. Bribery works for everyone when it comes to photoshoots!
At the end of the day, the goal is simple: real photos of your real whānau. Siblings being silly. Baby snuggles. So don’t stress about the kids behaving or outfits being perfect, because at the end of the day, you’ll love the memories to look back on (and sometimes the most chaotic photos are the best memories).
If you’re keen to chat about booking a newborn shoot, studio or at home, just give me a shout! It’s never too early to pencil in a date, and when baby arrives, we can lock in a time and make those gorgeous photos happen
