When I say I have the privilege of working with the most incredible families, I really mean it. As a Louisville family photographer and newborn photographer with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve had the honor of photographing hundreds of new babies and their parents. You might recognize this week’s featured family, which includes a big brother and brand new baby sister.
Meet the West family.
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Welcoming Baby #2: What Makes This Newborn Session Extra Special
The Wests recently welcomed their second baby, a girl, and this newborn session was just as special as the first. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the Wests for five years, and they’re the kind of people you’d want your own children to grow up to be like. They embody kindness, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others in their careers. In short, they get a solid ten out of ten in the “peopling” department.
As a Louisville family photographer, one of the things I love most is watching families grow. This session with the Wests was the perfect example of that. With the arrival of baby #2, we not only celebrated their new baby girl but also captured the excitement and energy of big brother, who is fully embracing his role as the best toddler big brother he can be.
What to Expect When Photographing Siblings with a Newborn
If you’re planning a newborn session and wondering how to include siblings, here’s what I’ve found works best: having realistic expectations, keeping things relaxed, letting the kids be themselves, and let your photographer help you set up moments that bring out their natural curiosity and excitement.
For toddler aged children, realistic expectations are key. A big part of this is not stressing over “the perfectly posed portrait.” We always aim for one particular family image at the start of the session, but if it doesn’t fall into place, that’s okay! We move to plan b and will circle back. Often, the best portraits come from those spontaneous, unplanned moments right after we set up a shot. With a little patience, flexibility, and a lot of fun, you’ll be amazed at how those genuine, natural interactions come through in your photos.
For the Wests, big brother was a fan of snacks, scrunchy faces, and silly nose snorts. If it’s nose snorts that gets the smiles, then nose snorts it is! And just like that, we have a family image worthy to be framed!
When planning your newborn session, I always think about how I can capture not just those fresh baby details, but your entire family dynamic. For families with siblings, we made sure to include moments with parents, siblings (to the best of their abilities), and of course all of the baby solo images.
Here are more details on including siblings with newborns.
If you are due within the next few months or maybe you just brought your baby home from the hospital, I’m glad you’re here. Parents typically reserve newborn sessions in their second trimester, so that we can photograph all of your baby’s fresh, new details in their 2nd-3rd weeks of life. Looking for a maternity photo session? Those are best photographed between weeks 30-35.
My hope is that you love what you see, and after your session you’ll see how incredibly easy we’ve made this for families. With over a decade of experience, we’ve thought through all of the details and taken care of them, so you don’t have to.
Follow along on Instagram for behind the scenes and more.
Want details about a Louisville KY maternity, newborn, or family portrait session? Say hello here!
Other posts you might find helpful
- When Should I Schedule Maternity Photos
- What to Wear for Newborn Photos
- In home portraits are an option? Say hello here, and we can walk you through that. My friend Rya is an award winning St Augustine Family Photographer more details on in-home sessions.
- Outdoor or Studio Maternity, Which is Best for You?
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