Hey there, tired legends, photo newbies, pro snappers, and parents craving perfect sibling pics! Ever dreamed of capturing your newborn snuggling with their big sibling, only to end up with a toddler tantrum or a fussy bub? I’ve been there—new mum days, chasing my kids for one heartwarming shot, praying they’d both cooperate. After 10+ years, hundreds of bubs, and workshops with world-renowned photographers (where I had to dig up sibling photo tricks they skipped!). These hacks work for newborns with toddlers or even preschoolers—whether you’re snapping at home or booking me in-person! My free 30-min masterclass video will have you nailing sibling poses in less than 30 mins!
Why Sibling Shots Melt Hearts
A newborn cuddling their sibling is pure magic—tiny hands touching, big eyes gazing, love in every frame. These hacks deliver:
- Fast: 2 mins to snap—no endless wrangling.
- Easy: Just a blanket or couch—no fancy props needed!
- Wow: Heartwarming shots—mums save memories, pros get very happy customers!
Others might say you need a studio or perfectly behaved kids—nah, my way’s safe, simple, and nails it. Let’s capture that sibling love!
1. Set the Scene Safely
Struggle: Unsafe setups stress everyone out.
Fix: Place newborn on a soft blanket on the floor or couch, with a parent nearby. Have the older sibling sit or lie next to them, holding bub’s hand or resting a cheek close. For 6-month-olds with toddlers, try a parent’s lap for both or get a parent to hold one sibling each and bring them in close together for a cuddle (just like in the pic below and it’s super safe!).
Tip: Keep pillows or a rolled blanket under the newborn for support—comfy and safe!
Safety Tip: Never let the sibling hold bub unsupervised—always have an adult’s hand ready, especially with wiggly toddlers.
2. Calm Both Kids
Struggle: Fussy newborn or antsy sibling ruins shots.
Fix: Swaddle the newborn for calm vibes (demo here), and give the older sibling a job, like “gently pat bub.” For preschoolers, offer a toy to hold while they sit. Shoot post-feed for newborns or after a nap for toddlers.
Tip: Play a soft lullaby to soothe both—it’s a game-changer for keeping the mood mellow!
3. Pose for Love
Struggle: Stiff poses look forced.
Fix: Let the sibling lead—have them kiss bub’s forehead, whisper a secret, or lie beside them gazing. For 12-month-olds with 3-year-olds, capture the toddler tickling bub’s toes. Keep it natural—no forced smiles.
Tip: Use burst mode to catch candid moments, like a sibling’s giggle or bub’s yawn!
4. The Pro Secret – The Sibling Sync (Tease!)
Struggle: One calm kid, one wild = no shot.
Fix: Here’s my trick: a quick shush-pat combo for bub, paired with a “special helper” role for the sibling (like holding a rattle), syncs them for that perfect cuddle. My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course dives into more calming magic, inspired by tips from my chat with Sheyne Rowley, the Australian Baby Whisperer—read it here and from the 10+ years of handling babies during my photography sessions! There’s never been a baby I couldn’t settle!
Tip: Want more? My free masterclass will have you nailing sibling shots in 30 mins—click below!
Level Up with My Free Masterclass (or Book an In-Person Session!)
These hacks are your sibling shot starters, but want pro-level secrets for shooting? My free masterclass for at-home shots covers:
- Posing hacks—cute curls, safe and simple.
- Lighting hacks—no gear, just glow.
- Baby-calming moves—peaceful shots, every single time.
It’s 30 minutes to stunning pics—phone or DSLR—mums save memories, pros get very happy customers! Join the free video here—you’ll be hooked!
Hooked on learning? My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and more—plus framing tricks for sibling love that pops and sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist Tara. Or snag my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course—pro calming skills, that work every single time!
My Sibling Shot Flops to Frame-Worthy Wins
I’m Jess—mum, Netflix binger, pork crackling addict. My first sibling shots? Total flops—crying bub, runaway toddler, and me panicking as the chaos unfolded! Now, after years of tweaking and building the JJP Method in country Victoria, I’ve got the hacks I wish I’d had back then. No big words, just real tips for every parent and pro secrets for the professionals! Want more magic? Join my free masterclass here for DIY, or book an in-person session for studio shots. Let’s capture that heartwarming sibling love!
