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.
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!
Big bro or sis looking down.
Going in for a kiss!
Close ups of all those yummy baby toes!
Baby cuddled in a basket.
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!
I also like Aviary for the vignette feature. Your advice about lighting is everthing is so very true. Natural, soft light makes faces glow.