Violet arrived at the studio at a week old, swaddled in lavender and already collecting fans.
Big brother Mathias, age seven, had the calm of a seasoned pro—careful hands, quiet jokes, and that proud-big-kid posture. Five-year-old Aria? Every time she touched Violet’s tiny fingers her whole face lit up like a Christmas tree. Mom and Dad were running on coffee and heart eyes, hoping for a mix of soft, dreamy portraits and a couple of dramatic, storybook setups. What follows is exactly how we shaped their session—gentle rhythms, easy poses, and small choices that let the love do the talking.
How we make sibling photos feel effortless
Start with the snuggles
We photograph siblings right away while everyone’s fresh and excited. Violet was wrapped and comfy, which made it simple for Mathias to hold her while we snuck in those cheek-to-cheek frames. Starting with the “together” pictures sets a fun tone and gives little ones a quick win.
Keep the room cozy, the vibe calmer
Soft music, warm blankets, and a tidy set help kids settle. We don’t rush; we invite them in. Aria counted Violet’s tiny toes between shots. Mathias liked being the “Chief Safety Officer,” which is a fancy way of saying he sat close and kept a steady hand.
Simple, comfy posing that flatters everyone
Lap snuggle: Big kid seated, baby wrapped and supported—classic, calm, and safe.
Side-by-side on the flokati: Both kids lying down so faces are close and arms are relaxed.
Lifestyle bed moment: Everyone on a big, soft bed at the studio—space to breathe and zero balancing acts.
Fairytale set for the wow: For Violet’s dramatic images, we used a shallow basket and a petite carriage with dense padding and an adult spotter nearby. The result feels magical, but the baby never leaves that comfy cocoon.
When toddlers have other plans
We pivot fast: quick forehead kisses, holding baby’s feet, or sitting next to the prop instead of holding. We celebrate tiny successes and move on. Smiles arrive when kids feel like collaborators, not statues.
We built the color story around lilac, blush, and sage. That palette threaded through wraps, headbands, and big-kid outfits, so every image plays nicely together on a wall. Textures did the heavy lifting—knits, lace, soft tulles—and we skipped busy patterns that compete with faces. For variety, we blended:
Clean studio looks (solid backdrops, timeless poses).
Garden whimsy (wildflowers and wicker).
Rich and dramatic (basket surrounded by colorful flowers)
What parents can do to set up a smooth sibling session
Plan around naps. Freshly rested kids are kinder humans. For more information on recommended sleep practices for newborns, see the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep overview.
Pack a simple snack and a favorite book. Breaks feel like treats, not timeouts.
Choose outfits that breathe. Soft neutrals or pastels, no big logos, and one backup outfit per kid.
Give them a job. “You’re in charge of counting Violet’s breaths” turns fidgets into focus.
Trust the pauses. If energy wobbles, we swap to solo baby photos while siblings reset.
Violet’s family portraits: the part you’ll reach for first
Years from now, this is the set you’ll pull out—Dad’s hand around Violet’s swaddle, Mom’s shoulders finally dropping, Mathias looking impossibly grown, Aria grinning like she owns the sun. The dramatic shots are fun (and we love them), but it’s the ordinary tenderness that becomes treasure: the way everyone leans in without being told.
FAQ (kept simple)
How old should baby be? Most families come in the first two weeks for that curled, sleepy look, but older newborns photograph beautifully too. We follow baby’s lead.
What if my toddler melts down? We keep it playful, move quickly, and never force a hold. There’s always a safe, cute “next-to-baby” option.
How long does it take? Plan on around 2–3 hours including breaks. Sibling photos happen first so little ones can relax afterward.
What should we wear? Coordinating neutrals or soft colors, minimal patterns, and textures you love to touch. Bring backups and a spare shirt for the parent doing cuddles.
If you’d like to see more examples of the work we do at One Big Happy Photo, check out my newborn portfolio. And if you’d like more information, please touch base with me through my Contact Page.
At One Big Happy Photo, we create custom newborn photography experiences for discerning families in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. Each session is an opportunity to tell your baby’s story in a way that is artistic, safe, and deeply personal.
