Combining both to create beautiful memories.
Capturing the arrival of your little one with Newborn and Family Photography, is one of the most beautiful ways to freeze those precious early moments in time. A newborn session that includes family members not only documents your baby’s first days, but also captures the love and connection of your growing family. At Kristy’s Studio we very rarely photograph a newborn baby alone. Mum, Dad and siblings are included. They are all part of the story!
Why do we photograph the family and not just the baby?
There’s nothing quite like those first days with a newborn. Everything is new, everything is tender, and the connection between family members grows in ways you might not even expect. A session that blends newborn portraits with family shots creates a unique keepsake that reflects all of those emotions.
- Bonding Moments: These photos go beyond the typical newborn portraits by showing the bond between parents, siblings, and your newborn.
- Milestone Memories: Newborns change so quickly—capturing the first days alongside the family’s interaction creates a visual diary of your baby’s introduction into your world.
- Efficiency: Busy parents, rejoice! By combining these sessions, you get the most out of one photoshoot, saving time and stress while still getting all those must-have shots.
It SOUNDS like a lot right?
Combining a newborn session with a family photoshoot might sound overwhelming, especially if you have other young children. But don’t worry! Here are some tips to make sure everything runs smoothly:
- Timing is Everything: The best time for a newborn session is within the first two weeks of your baby’s arrival. This is when newborns are still sleepy and snuggly, making it easier to capture those sweet, serene moments. Also, if you have little ones, schedule the session time AROUND their naps! (We know, we know…on the day they will change their nap schedule – haha)
- Preparation is Key: Have everything packed and ready the night before. You could even have most things packed in the car already! Think of things like bottles, pacifiers, nappies…and then snacks and entertainment for your older children
- Relax and Let Me Guide You: If you’re feeling nervous or unsure about how the session will go, don’t stress. I’m here to guide you through the whole process and make it as easy as possible. The more relaxed you are, the better the photos will be!
How to Style Your Newborn and Family Photoshoot
Picking the right outfits and incorporating personal touches can really make your photos stand out. Here’s how to style your shoot so it feels authentic and beautiful:
- Choosing Outfits: Keep things simple. Neutral tones, soft textures, and coordinating (not matching) outfits are the way to go. The focus should be on your family, not your clothes, so think minimal and timeless. Check out this blog post!
- Incorporating Personal Touches: Have a special blanket knitted by Grandma? Or maybe a cherished family heirloom? Including personal items like these can add a deeper level of meaning to your photos. Yep – another blog post link here!
- Props: At Kristy’s Studio, I provide a variety of beautiful, timeless props for your newborn. From cozy blankets to adorable headbands and baskets, I’ve got it all covered. If you want to bring something from home, feel free!
How will it all work on the day?
That famous saying about the best laid plans??? That’s kind of how it works. We plan everything to a T and then roll with what actually happens! A few things to know and plan for.
- We start with full family. Why? A few reasons actually. Firstly it means your little ones are finished early in the session and can get messy, eat, lounge around AND get tired without it affecting the photos! Also I photograph babies with other children fully wrapped. One set of hands and feet is enough to try and control without bringing the newborn bubbas into the mix! It’s also much easier for your children to hold/cuddle their new brother or sister this way.
- The we finish off with the newborn alone – starting with wrapped poses and then heading into the “bonus round”. This is where I photography them in little oufits and/or naked.
Capturing Different Family Combinations
One of the best parts of combining a newborn and family session is the variety of combinations you can capture. Here are some must-have shots:
- Mum and Baby: These intimate shots capture the nurturing bond between mother and child—perfect for those tender, quiet moments.
- Dad and Baby: Whether it’s holding the baby in his arms or a quiet snuggle, these moments show the strength and gentleness of a father’s love.
- Siblings and Baby: If your newborn has older siblings, capturing their reactions and interactions with the baby is priceless! Don’t worry if they’re a little wiggly or distracted—natural moments often make the best photos.
- Whole Family: This is your chance to get everyone together for a family portrait that includes your new addition. These photos are often the ones that end up framed on the wall for years to come!
Newborn Poses vs. Family Portrait Poses
In a session like this, we balance between two different styles of photography: newborn posing and family interaction.
- Newborn Poses: I capture those classic, artistic shots of your newborn on their own—whether they’re snuggled up sleeping or showing off their tiny hands and feet.
- Family Interaction Shots: These are the natural, candid moments where the family is simply being themselves. Laughing, snuggling, and interacting with your baby create beautiful, heartfelt photos that show your family as you are.
Combining newborn and family photography is a wonderful way to capture the early days of your baby’s life while celebrating the love that surrounds them. It’s about more than just photos—it’s about telling the story of your growing family.
Ready to book your session and freeze these precious moments in time? Get in touch today, and let’s make magic happen!
