Including Siblings… Can I Add Them?
If you’ve ever booked a newborn session (or are thinking about it), you’ve probably wondered: “Can I include older siblings?”
The short answer? Absolutely. And you should.
Because some of the most meaningful images I deliver aren’t just of your brand new baby… they’re of the connections forming right in front of us.
The Luong Family (A Full-Circle Story)
One of my favorite examples of this is the Luong family.
I’ve had the honor of photographing all three of their babies from their newborn sessions to where they are now, and watching their family grow has been one of the sweetest parts of what I do.
Each time a new baby arrived, we didn’t just document the newborn stage we have captured the transition of the whole family and many moments in between at various family sessions. brother or sister.
Those are the moments that, years from now, that we will all remember so well.
Why Including Siblings Matters
Yes, we want those dreamy solo newborn images.
But including siblings adds something you simply can’t recreate later:
- The real-life dynamic of your family in this exact season
- The beginning of sibling relationships
- Genuine, unscripted love (and sometimes a little chaos which I promise photographs beautifully)
These aren’t just “extra” photos… they’re often the ones parents end up loving the most.
“But What If My Toddler Doesn’t Cooperate?”
I hear this all the time, and I totally get it.
Toddlers are unpredictable. They’re busy, emotional, and not always thrilled about sharing the spotlight especially when a sibling comes home.
But here’s the truth:
They don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be themselves.
Some of the best images come from the in-between moments—the giggles, the wiggles, even the “I’m done” energy.
How to Make It Easier (Yes, Even Fun)
Here are a few simple ways to set everyone up for success:
1. Bribes are welcome here, absolutely no judgement!
Snacks, treats, a small toy, or even the promise of something fun after the session; this is not the time to avoid it. It works.
2. Keep expectations low
We don’t need 30 minutes of perfect posing. We need a few genuine moments and I’ll guide the rest.
3. Let them warm up
I never rush siblings. Feel free to let them come in and out, take breaks, and feel comfortable.
4. Make it their “job”
Kids love feeling important. Helping with the baby, sitting close, giving a kiss, it becomes something they’re proud of.
The Truth? It All Comes Together
At the end of the session, something always happens:
It clicks.
The chaos settles, the connections show, and we capture images that feel like your real life, but at its most real and authentic.
And when you see your gallery, you won’t be thinking about whether your toddler “cooperated.”
You’ll be thinking:
“I’m so glad we included them.”
