6 Tips for a Newborn and Sibling Photoshoot in Dundee

Welcoming a new baby into the family is magical, but it can also feel busy and a little overwhelming, especially if you already have a toddler or young child. A newborn and sibling photoshoot is slightly different from a session with just one baby, but it can be just as relaxed and enjoyable.

With a little patience and the right approach, we can create beautiful photographs that capture the connection between your children and the beginning of their relationship together.

Tip 1 – Relaxation is the key

The more relaxed the adults are, the more relaxed your children will be.

When a new baby arrives, life changes quickly for your older child. Their routine has shifted, the house feels different and they are still adjusting to sharing your attention.

A photoshoot works best when we allow things to unfold naturally.

I spend time getting to know your older child first so they feel comfortable in the studio. Once they trust me, beautiful photographs happen much more easily. Sometimes the best images appear when they are simply being themselves.

Tip 2 – Don’t make a big deal about the photoshoot

Most young children don’t really understand what a photoshoot is. To them, it simply feels like another new place with new people and interesting things to explore.

My sessions are designed to feel like playtime. Your child can move around, explore the toys and stay close to you while we gently create photographs. I never force a child to hold the baby or sit in a particular pose.

Natural expressions happen when children feel comfortable and are enjoying themselves. Often the best photographs appear when they are focused on a toy or laughing with one of you rather than looking directly at the camera.

Tip 3 – Bring a couple of small toys

It can be helpful to bring one or two small toys that you know will keep your older child happy for a little while. Familiar toys can help them feel comfortable in a new environment.

That said, it’s best to keep them hidden until we have captured some of the photographs first. Once children see their favourite toy, their attention can be completely focused on it.

I also have a selection of beautiful wooden toys in the studio that children love to play with. They photograph naturally and fit perfectly with the simple Scandi-style of Mabel & Møøse.

Tip 4 – Don’t force anything

Young children can be wonderfully unpredictable, and that’s perfectly normal.

If your toddler decides they don’t want to sit in a certain place or hold the baby, we simply try something different. The moment we push too hard, tears usually follow, and that never leads to relaxed photographs.

Instead, we follow your child’s lead. While your newborn is feeding or having a cuddle, your older child can play and explore. Often the most beautiful portraits happen during these quiet moments when they forget the camera is there.

And remember, not every photograph needs a big smile.

Sometimes the thoughtful, gentle expressions are the ones that parents love the most.

Keep clothing simple and comfortable

Simple clothing works beautifully in newborn and sibling photographs. White and soft neutral tones keep the focus on your children rather than on what they are wearing.

For older siblings, it helps if they arrive wearing plain white underwear or simple clothing without logos or patterns. New items often photograph best, as the white is brighter and cleaner.

In the studio I have a carefully chosen collection of soft knits, rompers and bloomers for babies and young children.

Everything is in gentle neutral shades that suit the calm, Scandi-style look of Mabel & Møøse.

The most important thing is that your children feel comfortable.

When they feel relaxed, their expressions and interactions look completely natural.

Tip 6 – Let your child be themselves

Some children are naturally quiet and thoughtful. Others are full of energy and want to explore every corner of the studio.

Both are perfect.

During the session your child is free to move, play and interact in their own way. Sometimes they will sit close to the baby, sometimes they will wander off to play with a toy, and sometimes they will burst into laughter or dance around the room.

Those natural moments often become the most memorable photographs.

They capture your child exactly as they are at this stage of their life.

If you are expecting a new baby and already have a little one at home, a newborn and sibling photoshoot is a beautiful way to remember this moment in your family’s story.

Those first meetings, tiny fingers being gently touched, curious glances and quiet cuddles are moments that pass so quickly.

Having them photographed means you will always be able to return to them.