If you have an older child and plan on bringing them along too, I would be delighted. I love photographing newborn babies with their siblings - everyones portraits are essential part of every session with me. I adore interacting with older siblings and getting their portraits too.

I’ll aim to get family portraits first up. In saying that, I let older siblings settle in and become comfortable before I start photographing them if they are a little shy. Older siblings (6 years and over) are a great help during the session and take guidance as well as instructions really well, adding in to the session experience.

I do however understand that a 2-4 hour session in a hot room is a long time for young siblings (especially babies up to 4 years of age). The best way to manage this is to have a friendly family member to take them home after their pictures are taken, where possible. Or taking kids away for a bit of a play in a nearby playground to break up the time if returning home is not possible.

It is very hard to photograph the newborn if older siblings are restless during the remainder of the session. Parents naturally shift their attention to the needs of older sibling and overhaul focus of the experience changes, making the newborn session of your brand new baby more about keeping the older baby/babies happy.

Arranging someone else to pickup children may not be possible, therefore alternatively you can see if any of the following options may be suitable to you instead:

dad can take them back home and come back (if you can arrange someone at home to look after your babies + you don’t live too far away)

you can take two cars and work on the basis that siblings and dad images will be taken first - making dad able to go home with older children after their photos have been taken
to help break up the time, dad/family member can head to a local playground (short walk), play centre (there is a Chipmunks Playland & Café South Morang five minutes up the road and Lollipops Playland & Cafe Bundoora 15 mis down the road)

As advised above, whenever it is possible, the part of the session with siblings will be completed first to allow children to return home for their nap time or be taken away from studio to enjoy the remaining time away for the studio (where possible). Please consider this approach for babies, toddlers and children up to 6th year of age.

Let’s prepare for siblings being mainly reluctant participants. Bribes are a necessary evil, so have a think about what currency works for your children! Some ideas are stickers, a colouring book, small pre arranged gift (like small car or little doll)?

Regardless of the circumstances, your session gallery will be as unique as your family and we’ll try and get as many beautiful images of you and your children as it is possible.

A friendly but important note: due to the necessary cleaning required before a session, the studio and bathroom will be prepared especially for you. However the remainder of my home may not be, so I kindly ask that you don’t allow your children to wander through my home, thank you for understanding.

Your session with siblings