Welcoming a new baby is a big transition for the whole family—especially for older siblings adjusting to their new role. As a Bay Area family photographer, I’ve worked with so many families navigating this change, and I know how important it is to help big siblings feel just as special as their new baby.

Some siblings are eager to show off their new baby, while others need time to warm up to both the camera and their new role. That’s completely normal! Every child processes this transition differently, and I always start where your child is comfortable—sometimes that means jumping straight into photos, and sometimes that means spending time building trust through play first.

Whether we’re capturing sweet moments in your cozy San Francisco apartment, light-filled Oakland home, or a sunny East Bay living room, my goal is to create a session that feels relaxed, natural, and fun for everyone—especially big siblings.

1. Help Older Siblings Feel Special

One of my favorite parts of newborn sessions is making sure big siblings feel seen and celebrated. I always begin by getting down to their level and connecting about their interests—whether that’s admiring a favorite toy in their Oakland playroom or hearing about their adventures at their San Francisco preschool.

Sometimes I bring a small, thoughtful gift based on what parents have shared about their interests. These small gestures show them that this session is just as much about celebrating their new role as it is about documenting baby’s arrival.

2. Read Their Cues

Every child approaches change differently. While some kids can’t wait to show me their Alameda backyard or their favorite reading nook, others need time to observe from a safe distance.

By learning about your child’s personality through our pre-session communication, I can adapt my approach to help them feel comfortable and heard. Some kids may warm up quickly, while others might need space—and that’s okay!

3. Follow Their Lead

Children feel most at ease when they have a sense of control. I love letting siblings guide parts of our session—whether that’s showing me their favorite spot for family cuddles or helping me choose the next photo location.

Need a break to build a quick blanket fort or have a snack? Perfect! These natural moments often lead to the most authentic and heartfelt photos.

4. Spend 1:1 Time Getting to Know the Sibling

When siblings are comfortable, I love spending a few minutes focusing just on them—maybe capturing them with their favorite toys or in their special reading corner.

These moments not only help them feel valued, but they also document their unique personality during this significant time in their life. Of course, this always happens with parent approval and at the child’s comfort level.

5. Incorporate Their Interests

Pre-session conversations with parents help me learn what makes each child light up.

• Does your little one love trains? We might pretend the family bed is a locomotive during photos.
• Are they taking dance classes in the Mission? Maybe we’ll have an impromptu dance party.

These personalized touches transform our session from “taking pictures” into a fun family experience.

6. Embrace Silliness

Nothing breaks the ice like a good laugh. Whether we’re making funny faces, singing silly songs, or telling age-appropriate jokes, I’ve found that embracing playfulness helps everyone relax.

Some of my favorite photos come from these unscripted, giggly moments between siblings.

7. Talk About Their Experience

I love hearing siblings’ honest thoughts about their new role.

• What’s their favorite part of being a big brother or sister?
• What feels challenging?

Just like adults, children need space to express both the joys and the harder parts of this transition. These conversations often lead to beautiful, candid moments and help kids feel understood.

Creating Lasting Family Memories

When siblings feel comfortable and valued, it shows in your photos. These sessions capture more than just portraits—they document your family’s love, connection, and authentic moments during this special time.

Wherever home is—whether a cozy San Francisco flat, a light-filled East Bay home, or a sunny Oakland space—we’ll create images that reflect your family’s unique dynamic. These sessions are about more than just photos; they’re about helping siblings feel seen, loved, and celebrated in their new role.

Bonus: Fun Ways to Encourage Sibling Connection

These simple activities often lead to natural, sweet interactions between siblings:

• Gentle exploration: Count baby’s tiny fingers and toes together
• Playful moments: Check if baby’s feet are “stinky” (always good for giggles!)
• Tender touches: Let them feel how soft baby’s hair is (“Is it as soft as a bunny?”)
• Building trust: Show them how baby can hold their finger
• Creative play: Use safe stickers to decorate baby’s hand (easy to hide in photos)

Remember: These sessions are about capturing real moments between your children. Sometimes the sweetest photos come from simply letting siblings interact in their own natural way—whether that’s through gentle curiosity or playful enthusiasm.