Newborn with Sibling Photography: Tips for Heartwarming Shots in Northern Virginia
At Jamie De Angelus Photography, I specialize in newborn with sibling photography that captures the sweet connection between your new baby and their older brother or sister. Whether you’re in Ashburn, Fairfax, or anywhere in Northern Virginia, you can expect relaxed, warm images that celebrate your family’s newest addition and their excited siblings.As a mom of two, I understand the importance of including older siblings in Northern Virginia newborn photography sessions to create heartwarming and memorable images with the entire family.
Including older siblings in newborn sessions enhances the experience, and the images! In this post, I’ll share my favorite tips for keeping older kids engaged, calm, and safe during newborn with sibling photography sessions.
Why Include Siblings in Newborn with Sibling Photography?
This season in your life is wild and beautiful. Your family is growing. And so is your love. Including siblings in your newborn photos tells the full story — not just of the baby, but of the bond that’s blooming.
Big brothers and sisters may be unsure at first. That’s normal. But when we let them feel like part of the moment, something shifts. Their little hands reach out. Their eyes light up. And those real, raw moments turn into photos that speak louder than words ever could.
Preparing Older Siblings for the Session
Kids do best when they know what’s coming. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends explaining gently to older siblings what to expect so they feel included and valued in this early adjustment period. Before your session, talk to your child about what’s going to happen. Keep it light. Let them know it’ll be fun and fast — not some long boring grown-up thing.
Try practicing with a baby doll at home. Show them how to sit beside the baby or lie down gently. Use words like “soft hands” and “gentle snuggles.” This makes it feel like a game, not a rule.
Make sure they’re rested and fed. A tired, hungry kid? That’s a recipe for meltdowns. If your little one needs breaks during the session, we’ll take them. This is a safe, playful space. No pressure. No rush.
Head over to my blog for more details on preparing for your newborn session (and once you book, you’ll get an even more detailed guide to walk you through every step!).
Styling Tips for Siblings in Newborn Sessions
Simple is stunning. Stick to soft colors and cozy fabrics. Think cream, beige, dusty pink, or sage. Leave the superhero shirts in the closet (unless that’s your vibe — and in that case, I’m all in).
Bare feet look sweet. Layers add texture. Avoid bold patterns and big logos. The goal is to keep the focus on the love, not the clothes.
And yes, I’m here to help you plan it all. I’ll send over a detailed prep guide with photo examples, and even create a custom mood board for your whole family.
Safety First with Both Baby and Siblings
Your baby’s safety matters more than any photo. Every step of your newborn with sibling photography session is built around care and caution. I never take risks — only soft poses, steady hands, and full support.
If your older child is nearby, I guide them with simple, loving instructions. Things like “soft hands” or “slow snuggles.” I also keep an adult close for any pose where baby needs extra support.
We use safe props. We go slow. And we only try what feels right for your family. You can relax knowing everything — and everyone — is in good hands.
My Go-To Tricks for a Calm and Fun Session
This is not a photo shoot with rules. It’s an experience built around your family. I keep things calm by moving slow, following the child’s lead, and keeping it light. There’s laughter. There’s silly sounds. There’s even dancing, if it helps.
If your child needs to wiggle, I’ll capture that too. Toddlers love to move — and I love to photograph them just as they are. We’ll give them little “jobs” like helping hold a blanket or sitting beside the baby. This gives them purpose and helps them feel proud.
No stress. No rush. Just warmth, trust, and a whole lot of patience.
Go with the Flow Because Patience and Play Win Every Time
Kids have big feelings. And during a newborn with sibling photography session, those feelings show up. That’s okay. I welcome it all — the giggles, the yawns, even the meltdowns.
We move at their pace. If they need a snack, we pause. If they want to run, we let them wiggle it out. Some of the best photos come in between the breaks anyway.
No forcing. No rushing. Just soft direction, open hearts, and plenty of room to breathe. That’s how we get those real moments that make you stop and smile every time you see them.
Capture Natural Interactions Between Baby and Siblings
The magic shows up when you stop trying to make it perfect. During your newborn with sibling photography session, the best photos often come when no one’s even looking at the camera.
Let your child talk to the baby. Let them sing, poke a tiny toe, or lean in for a kiss. Those little moments? That’s where the heart is.
We don’t need perfect poses. We just need your kids to be themselves. I’ll be there, camera ready, catching the giggles, the whispers, and the way their eyes light up when they look at their baby brother or sister.
Make It Fun with Sweet Rewards for Big Siblings
Big siblings love feeling important. And during your newborn with sibling photography session, we make sure they do. One of my favorite tricks? Tiny rewards that turn the session into a game.
You can tuck a small snack into the baby’s swaddle and let them “find the treasure.” Or tell them they’ll earn a sticker every time they kiss the baby. Want to hear your child sing a lullaby? Offer a little toy if they serenade their new baby brother or sister.
This kind of praise goes a long way. It builds connection. It helps them feel seen. And it sets the stage for smooth, joyful sessions — now and for all your future Northern Virginia newborn with sibling photography moments.
Make It Fun and Engaging for Big Brother or Sister
Little kids don’t love long photo sessions. And that’s okay — they’re not supposed to. During your newborn with sibling photography session, we make it fun from the start.
Bring a favorite toy or storybook. Something that feels cozy and familiar. If their stuffed dinosaur wants to join in? Let’s do it. If they want to show the baby how their toy works? I’ll be right there, camera in hand.
The more fun they have, the more relaxed they feel. And when they feel relaxed, that’s when the magic happens. We keep it playful, easy, and full of love.
Time it Right for Happy Kids that make Happy Photos
Timing is everything. For your newborn with sibling photography session, the sweet spot is when both kiddos are fed, rested, and ready to roll.
Plan around your baby’s nap and feeding schedule so they’re calm and snuggly. Then think about your older child’s rhythm too. We want to avoid that cranky-before-lunch meltdown window — you know the one.
If your big kid is in a good mood when the session starts, we jump right in. We’ll do sibling and family shots first while their energy is still high. Then they can relax, play, or take a break.
When we work with their rhythm, the whole session flows better. No rush. No pressure. Just good vibes and sweet, natural moments.
Posing Ideas for Newborn with Sibling Photography
The best poses are the ones that feel real. No stiff arms or fake smiles here. I guide older siblings with simple, clear directions. Like “lay next to baby and touch noses.” Or “tell baby a secret.” See some of my favorite sibling moments in my Newborn Portfolio.
If they’re nervous to hold the baby, no problem. We can place the baby in a soft basket and let big sibling sit right beside. Sometimes a simple look or tiny giggle is all we need. And when it happens, you’ll feel it in your chest.
Let the connection unfold. The best sibling photos aren’t posed. They’re felt.
How I Photograph the Magic
I use natural light where I can (and soft lighting when it’s needed) and a quiet shutter so nothing feels loud or jarring. Toddlers wiggle. Babies fuss. That’s okay. I expect it. I shoot quick and keep things flexible. That way I can capture those tiny in-between moments — the soft glances, the quiet touches, the big belly laughs.
Sometimes we get the “perfect” shot. Other times we get something even better… real life, wrapped in love.
Real Talk: Common Questions I Hear From Parents
What should we wear for a newborn with sibling photography session?
Stick to a color scheme and vibe for the whole family. Add layers. Skip the neon, skip the logos, and you’re golden. And I’ll help you create the perfect style for everyone in your family.
How do you photograph toddlers with a newborn safely?
Carefully. I’ll pose the baby in a safe, snug way and invite toddlers to sit nearby. I always keep a parent nearby to help keep everyone safe. No pressure to hold the baby. Just natural closeness.
How long does a newborn with sibling photography session take?
We’ll plan for up to 2.5 hours so we can take our time. No rush. If baby needs to be fed or toddlers need a snack, we’ll take five. This way we keep both baby and siblings happy while capturing all the tender moments.
What do I need to do to prep for the newborn session?
First, I’ll send you a questionnaire for all the details. I’ll get to know the sibling dynamics and the second baby transition. I’ll learn about your older child’s age, personality, and how they are adjusting to the new baby. Next, I’ll help you plan the outfits with a custom style mood board for baby, siblings, and the whole family. Last, I’ll send you a detailed session guide with all my best advice to prep baby and siblings for a stress-free session.
What locations do you travel to?
I serve families all across Northern Virginia, including Herndon, Leesburg, Centreville, Vienna, and beyond.
Let’s Make Some Magic
I’m dedicated to creating stunning and meaningful images that capture the special bond between siblings. If you’re looking for newborn with sibling photography in Northern Virginia, I’d be honored to tell your family’s story. Head over to learn more about the experience you get working with me. These early days go by in a blink. But with the right session, you’ll remember how it felt — the snuggles, the laughter, the love — for a lifetime.
Ready to book your newborn with sibling photography session in Northern Virginia?
Reach out today to reserve your date.
