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Steal my tips for a super-sweet newborn and older sibling photo shoot. No fancy equipment required!

There’s nothing sweeter than a newborn photography…. unless you add an adorable older sibling to the mix! Take a peek at how I tackled a super sweet newborn and sibling photography shoot with nothing more than my iPhone.

If you know me at all, you know I’m a bit of a cheapskate. I absolutely hate spending money on things that I can make or do myself.

Sometimes this habit comes back to bite me…

Like those jeans I mutilated trying to make cute shorts…

Or the time I spent a good chunk of change to grow approximately four green beans in our raised garden bed. (Who knew you actually had to water them?)

But sometimes I strike gold when it comes to DIY. And this newborn and sibling photography session is definitely one of those times!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for products that will help you rock your newborn photoshoot! I only recommend products I know and love.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • iPhone
  • Aviary photo editing app (free)
  • Assorted baby blankets
  • Room with a sunny window
  • Baskets, fuzzy blankets, or other props
  • A helper! (My sweet and very talented sister volunteered to take the photos for me!)

More Baby Photo Tips: Read my 5 best tips for drool-worthy DIY monthly baby photos!

Step 1: Prep the Room

  • Time your newborn and sibling photoshoot in the mid-morning when the sunlight is bright but not glaring.
  • Choose a room that has a big window and lots of natural light.
  • Use your baby blankets to created a backdrop: Attach them at least waist high to a dresser or sturdy piece of furniture. (Please don’t attatch to chairs, they’re too easy to pull down onto your baby!) Pull out the blankets enough to provide a covered floor space as well.
  • Repeat after me: Lighting is every-thang.

Steal my tips for a super-sweet newborn and older sibling photo shoot. No fancy equipment required!

Get inspired for one year baby photos! Tips and tricks for the 1st birthday photoshoot!

Step 2: Choose Your Photo Props and Outfits

Once you have your backdrop set up. Try out a few props and outfits. Hold different color and pattern combinations in front of your backdrop to help you decide which combos you like best.

Here’s what I used…

  • Baskets like these or these.
  • Super soft and fuzzy blankets or rugs.
  • Classic, not too trendy clothes for baby boys or baby girls.
  • Coordinating, but not too matchy clothes for big brothers and big sisters.

Related: Get prepped the easy way for fun learning activities you can do with your toddler or preschooler. (With a baby on your hip!)

Step 3: Snap Away!

Try these poses for your newborn and sibling phototgraphy session! It helps to have an idea of the shots you want to capture, or even write down a list. Since you’re working with two kiddos you can’t count on more than a few minutes of happy, tear-free pictures. What worked for me was just letting my son love on his baby sis in his own way. He naturally wanted to kiss and cuddle her. I only stepped in and coached just a bit along the way. Just keep the camera focused and ready and you’ll capture tons of sweet moments.

Steal my toddler and newborn daily schedule. A consistent routine will work wonders in helping you find the perfect tear-free photoshoot time!

Steal my tips for a super-sweet newborn and older sibling photo shoot. No fancy equipment required!

Big bro or sis looking down.

Steal my tips for a super-sweet newborn and older sibling photo shoot. No fancy equipment required!

Going in for a kiss!

Steal my tips for a super-sweet newborn and older sibling photo shoot. No fancy equipment required!

Close ups of all those yummy baby toes!

Steal my tips for a super-sweet newborn and older sibling photo shoot. No fancy equipment required!

Baby cuddled in a basket.

Steal my tips for a super-sweet newborn and older sibling photo shoot. No fancy equipment required!

Sweet baby smiles!

Step 4: Edit Right on Your Phone

My favorite app to use for editing is Aviary. It’s free, (remember that whole cheapskate bit?) and it contains pretty much everything I want to do with my photos, right on my phone.

For this photoshoot, I just increased the brightness and contrast a bit. I also adjusted the tint to bring a bit more of the blue tones out in these photos. Aviary has an awesome blur and focus feature so that you can create more depth in your photos. Perfection!

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