A Calm Approach to Photographing Siblings and Newborns

Handling a Sibling and Newborn Session

Sibling sessions can strike fear into even the most confident newborn photographer. The idea of a calm, sleepy newborn and a lively toddler in the same frame sounds like chaos waiting to happen — but it doesn’t have to be.

Over the years I’ve learned that the key to a successful sibling and newborn session is to keep things calm, unhurried, and realistic. Parents come in hoping for those beautiful images of both their children together, but underneath they’re usually worried about how their toddler will “behave”. If you can show relaxed, happy family and sibling photos on your website and social media, you’ll reassure future clients that it is possible — and that you know exactly how to handle it.

Set the tone from the start

I treat every family the way I’d want to be treated, and I’m always aware that everyone in the room — parents included — has had their world turned upside down. The older sibling is adjusting to a brand-new role, and Mum and Dad are juggling tiredness, emotions and feeding schedules. If you approach the session with empathy and calm, they’ll match your energy.

Keep the family together

I never ask parents to have the older child dropped off or collected early. It sounds like a practical solution, but in reality it can create more stress — grandparents might be working, travelling, or not have a car seat. Keeping the whole family in the studio avoids all that.

It also means you can be flexible about when to bring the sibling into the photos. There’s no pressure to rush them in before a pickup time. You can wait until they’re relaxed, comfortable and ready — which always leads to better images and a smoother session.

Manage expectations early

The first thing I tell parents is that there are no guarantees when working with small children. If I get one beautiful photo of the newborn, one family image, and one of the siblings together, that’s “job done”. You’ll see their shoulders drop the moment you say it. Setting realistic expectations at the start takes the pressure off everyone — including you.

In my studio, there’s no talk of “being good” or “behaving”. Toddlers don’t need that kind of pressure. Instead, I make the session calm and fun, and I work around them. Sometimes they want to be involved straight away; other times they need a little time to play or watch. Either is fine.

Prioritise the experience, not the shot count

Apart from my early days as a photographer, I’ve never delivered a gallery of only a handful of images. But if that’s what happens, it’s fine. I’d rather finish with fewer photographs and a relaxed family than a big gallery that everyone remembers as stressful.

When parents look at their framed photos, I want them to think about what a lovely day they had — not how hard it was to get them. That feeling matters more than the number of final images.

A few practical tips

I send parents a few suggestions before the session — simple things like avoiding brightly coloured snacks. There’s a small park near my studio, and occasionally (maybe twice in the past year) I’ve asked Dad to take the older sibling for a little run around if they need a break. But most of the time, I prefer everyone to stay together.

The best sibling photos come when the child feels part of the session — not when they’re being managed or whisked away.

Learning is everything

What makes these sessions work isn’t clever posing or perfect cooperation — it’s your calm, confident attitude. When you remove the pressure, children relax, parents relax, and the whole session flows. Whether you end up with three photos or thirty-three, it will all come together beautifully if the atmosphere feels easy and kind.

If this approach feels like something you’d like more of in your own work, come along to one of my workshops. I’ll walk you through everything I do, step by step, so you can build a newborn workflow that feels simple, natural and sustainable.

To Sum Up

Simple, Clear Answers About Newborn and Sibling Photography

What’s the best way to photograph a toddler and a newborn together?
Keep the whole session calm and unhurried. Let the toddler set the pace, bring them in when they feel ready, and keep your setup simple so the focus stays on the children rather than the props.

How can photographers help siblings stay relaxed during a newborn session?
Create a space where there’s no pressure to perform. Give them time to settle, speak quietly, and let them get involved in their own way rather than directing every moment.

What camera settings work well for sibling and newborn photos?
A slightly higher aperture, such as F6.4, helps keep both children in focus, especially when small people are moving about.

How do you manage parents’ expectations during these sessions?
Set gentle, realistic expectations right at the start. I let parents know that one newborn image, one family shot and one sibling photo is considered a success. You can almost see them breathe out when they hear it.

What helps toddlers take part in newborn photos?
Keep things light and gentle. Simple prompts, soft encouragement and involving them naturally work far better than asking them to sit still or “be good”.

How can photographers create calmer newborn sessions?
Stick to simple setups, soft light and a relaxed pace. Your energy shapes the room, so if you stay calm, everyone else will too.

Should the whole family stay together during the session?
Yes. Keeping everyone together avoids extra stress and means the sibling can join the photos when they feel comfortable.

What’s the most common mistake photographers make with sibling photos?
Rushing. Toddlers often need a little time to warm up before they’re ready to be in front of the camera.

How can photographers prepare parents for a sibling and newborn session?
Offer a few gentle pointers beforehand, like avoiding bright snacks and bringing something comforting for the toddler. Small details make the session feel smoother for everyone.