One of the most common questions I hear from parents booking a newborn session is, “Can siblings be included, and will it be stressful?”
The answer is yes, siblings are absolutely included, and no, it does not have to be stressful.
As a Monterey newborn photographer, I have a very intentional approach to photographing newborns with siblings. These early family moments are incredibly meaningful, especially when welcoming a new baby into a growing family, and my goal is to make the experience calm, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Siblings Are Photographed First
When siblings are part of a newborn session, I always photograph them first.
Young children do best when expectations are clear and the session moves quickly. By starting with sibling images right away, kids are still fresh, happy, and cooperative. We capture the most important moments early, before attention spans fade or energy levels drop.
Once sibling photos are complete, parents have the option for siblings to head home with another caregiver if they would like. This allows the rest of the session to slow down and focus entirely on the newborn, creating a relaxed and peaceful environment in the studio.
Individual Sibling Portraits When Time Allows
If everything goes well and siblings are feeling cooperative, I always try to photograph individual portraits of each sibling during their portion of the session.
These images are a beautiful bonus. They capture your children at this exact stage in life, right as they step into a new role as a big brother or sister. Many parents tell me these individual sibling portraits end up being some of their favorite images from the entire session.
Because siblings are photographed first, there is no pressure. If children are having a great time, we continue. If not, we already have what we need.
Newborn Photography in Monterey Designed for Families
My Monterey newborn photography studio is designed to support families with multiple children. Sessions are unrushed, flexible, and centered around your family’s comfort. Whether you have one sibling or several, my process is built to keep things calm and efficient without sacrificing beautiful, meaningful images.
Including siblings in newborn photos does not have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, it becomes one of the most special parts of the experience.
If you are expecting and searching for a Monterey newborn photographer who prioritizes sibling relationships and a stress-free session flow, I would love to work with you.
