Sibling Posing Ideas for Your Newborn Photography Session with Elizabeth Lang Photography in Surrey
Capturing the special bond between siblings during a newborn photoshoot is one of the most heartwarming aspects of my work. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, having your older child (or children) involved in the newborn session adds a beautiful layer of family connection. As a photographer based in Surrey, near Vancouver, I’ve had the pleasure of helping many families create stunning sibling portraits that reflect both the excitement and tenderness of these early moments.
There are so many creative ways to involve siblings, and the good news is that I’ll guide you through every step of the process. Some poses are easier than others, especially if you have younger or more energetic siblings. I always ensure the baby’s safety is top priority, and I have an assistant on hand to spot the baby at all times (or, if I don’t have an assistant, a parent will be my second set of eyes and hands).
Let me walk you through some of the sibling posing ideas I love, from the easiest to the more complex shots.
Pose 1: Parent-Assisted Sibling Hold
This is a great pose for younger or more energetic siblings, and it’s a fantastic way to create a safe and sweet image. Here's how it works:
- The parent sits with the sibling on their lap.
- The parent holds the arms out, holding the baby over the sibling.
- The sibling looks as if they’re holding the baby, but the parent is providing support and making sure the newborn is safe and secure.
This pose allows for a tender, sweet moment between siblings while keeping the baby supported and safe. I’ll be there capturing that connection as the sibling gently “holds” their new baby brother or sister. With my assistant's help or a parent spotting, we can keep everything stable and secure. You can capture a shot with parent and children or come in close and focus on the sibling and baby only.
Pose 2: Laying Down Together
This pose works beautifully for older siblings who can be a bit more independent and follow simple instructions. It’s also great if you're aiming for soft, cozy images that have a peaceful vibe.
- The older sibling lies on their back or side on a soft fur or blanket.
- The baby is placed over the sibling's arm, nestled against them.
- The sibling can hold the baby, kiss them, or simply gaze lovingly at their new sibling.
A sweet variation of this pose is to have the sibling close their eyes and drape a blanket over both of them, almost as if they’re sleeping together in bed. I make sure that my assistant is within arm’s reach to spot the baby at all times, ready to step in if needed. If no assistant is available, the parent will stay close by to support the baby.
Pose 3: Sitting with Baby Between Their Legs
This is one of my favorite poses because it feels very natural and intimate, and it’s perfect for capturing those beautiful sibling moments.
- The older sibling sits on the floor with their legs apart, on a soft carpet, blanket, or bed.
- The baby is placed inside the sibling’s legs, feet first, so the sibling can look down at their face.
- The sibling can lean over to kiss the baby’s feet or gently kiss their face.
To enhance the image, I love using backlighting (a curtain behind the scene or natural light streaming through a window), which gives the photo a soft, glowing feel. As always, I’ll have a spotter nearby, just in case I need to make sure the baby stays safe and sound during the session.
Pose 4: Sibling with Baby in a Prop
This pose is fantastic for adding a bit of whimsy or fun to the shoot. Whether it’s a tiny vintage bed or a rustic bucket, using props can create a sweet and memorable image.
- The baby is placed in a prop such as a tiny bed or bucket.
- The sibling sits next to the prop, gently placing a hand on the baby, giving them a kiss, or simply interacting with the scene.
- In some cases, the sibling might hold the prop between their legs for a more unique shot.
If the sibling is young and not quite able to listen to instructions, we can still make this work. I’ll take a photo of the baby in the prop first, and then I’ll photograph the sibling with the empty prop. These two images can be combined later in post-production, giving you a seamless photo with both the sibling and the baby in the scene.
Pose 5: Criss-Cross Apple Sauce Hold
This pose works wonderfully for slightly older children who can sit still and listen to basic directions. Here’s how it goes:
- The sibling sits criss-cross applesauce, also known as Indian-style sitting, on a soft blanket or floor.
- The baby is swaddled in a potato sack pose (which keeps them stable) and placed in the sibling’s arms.
- The sibling’s arms are wrapped around the baby, providing support while they hold the baby upright.
I’m always on hand to make sure the baby is secure, with my assistant or a parent right next to the sibling, ready to step in if needed. I’ll also make sure to remove any supporting hands in post-production for a cleaner shot.
Pose 6: Sibling Standing with Baby – The Potato Sack Pose
This is a more advanced pose, but it can yield some beautiful images that truly showcase the sibling bond.
- The older sibling stands, holding the baby (who is swaddled in the potato sack pose for stability).
- This pose can be shot either in front of a simple backdrop or with backlighting to create a soft, glowing effect.
It’s important to note that we take extra care in making sure the older sibling is stable and feels comfortable with the baby in their arms. I’m always right there to make sure everything goes smoothly!
Pose 7: Sitting with Unwrapped Baby
Now we’re moving into more advanced territory. This pose requires a bit more careful handling but can result in truly stunning, intimate sibling portraits. This is for older sibling around 8years and up.
- The older sibling sits and holds the baby, who is unwrapped in an outfit or without clothes.
- This pose works best for older siblings who are calm and able to sit still while gently supporting the baby.
I make sure a parent or my assistant is very close to the baby during this pose for safety.
Pose 8: Sibling Standing with Unwrapped Baby – The Ultimate Challenge
This pose is the most difficult and is only done with siblings who are older, calm, and able to follow clear instructions. The baby must be held carefully and supported at all times. I would only do this pose with older siblings who are very responsible.
- The sibling stands while holding the baby, who is unwrapped in an outfit or undressed.
- The shot can be taken in front of a backdrop or with beautiful backlighting.
As with Pose 7, I ensure the baby is supported by either the parent or assistant, with my eyes on them at all times. I will also remove any hands supporting the baby in post-production to keep the image as natural as possible.
Final Thoughts
Sibling poses during a newborn session can truly capture the heart and joy of your growing family. Every family is different, and I work closely with you to choose the best poses based on your child’s age, temperament, and comfort level. No matter which pose we go with, I prioritize your newborn’s safety and ensure that every moment is captured beautifully.