How to Include Siblings in Your Portland Newborn Photo Session (Without the Stress!)

ou just had a baby. Your toddler is acting out. Your preschooler refuses to wear anything but their superhero costume. And you want beautiful newborn photos with siblings? I get it. As a newborn photographer in Portland, I’ve seen it all. The meltdowns, the refusals, the “I don’t want to!” moments. But here’s the truth: sibling photos don’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, you can get gorgeous photos of your kids together without losing your mind.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Why timing matters more than you think
• How to prepare your older child before the session
• What to bring to keep everyone happy
• Why my Portland studio setup helps everything go smoothly

Why Timing for Newborn Sessions Matters More Than You Think

Most parents schedule newborn sessions within the first two weeks after birth. This timing works perfectly for your newborn, but it also matters for your older kids.

Morning sessions work best for most families. Your toddler hasn’t missed their nap yet. Everyone starts the day fresh. I keep a flexible schedule because I know babies don’t follow plans. If we need to pause for feeding or a diaper change, we pause. No rush, no pressure.

Prepare Your Older Child (But Don’t Overdo It)

Talk to your toddler or preschooler the day before. Keep it simple. Tell them they’ll take some pictures with their new baby brother or sister. They’ll get to hold the baby (with help). And you’ll all spend time together.

Don’t build it up too much. You don’t want them feeling nervous or having huge expectations.

I always tell parents: bring snacks. Bring their favorite stuffed animal. Bring whatever makes them feel comfortable. 

Let Me Handle the Hard Parts

During your newborn photo session in Portland, I work with your older child’s pace. If they want to see the baby first without touching, that’s fine. If they’re excited and want to jump right in, we roll with it.

I never force poses. Instead, I guide your kids into natural moments. A gentle kiss on the baby’s head. Sitting close together. Looking at their new sibling with curiosity. These real moments make the best photos anyway.

Your older child doesn’t need to smile perfectly in every shot. Some of my favorite images show a toddler making a silly face while holding their baby brother. That’s real life. That’s your family.

Create a Calm Environment

My Portland studio keeps things simple and calm. No loud noises. I keep the space warm for your newborn, which also helps everyone feel cozy and relaxed.

You don’t need to worry about cleaning your house or finding the perfect location. Everything happens in one comfortable space. I handle the setup, the lighting, and all the technical details. You just focus on being with your babies.

Give Yourself Permission to Take Breaks

Some families breeze through sibling photos. Others need more time. Both are completely normal.

If your toddler needs a break, we take a break. They can play with toys, have a snack, or just run around for a minute. Then we try again. I build extra time into every session because flexibility matters more than sticking to a rigid schedule.

The Photos You’ll Treasure Most

Years from now, you’ll look back at these images. You’ll see your older child meeting their sibling for the first time. You’ll remember how small they both were. You’ll love these memories even more than you expect.

A newborn photo session in Portland with siblings documents your family exactly as it is right now. The chaos, the love, the adjustment, and the beauty of it all.

If you’re expecting and worried about including your older kids in photos, take a deep breath. I’ve worked with hundreds of families navigating this exact situation. We’ll make it work together, and you’ll have photos that show the real story of your growing family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my toddler won’t cooperate during the session?

I expect this sometimes. We’ll work at your child’s pace and take breaks when needed. I can get solo shots of your newborn first, then try sibling photos when your older child feels ready. Sometimes the best approach is letting them play nearby first so they feel comfortable in the space.

Should I bring my older child for the entire session?

You can bring them for part of the session if that works better. Many families start with newborn-only photos, then bring siblings in halfway through. This gives your older child less time to get restless and keeps the experience positive for everyone.

What age gaps work best for sibling photos?

Every age brings different benefits. School-age kids often feel excited and proud to be big siblings. I’ve successfully photographed siblings of all ages during newborn sessions, and each stage creates its own special memories.

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