Maternity Photos with Siblings: What to Expect

Including siblings in your maternity session is a beautiful way to capture the excitement, connection, and unique personalities of your family as you prepare to welcome a new baby. But what do sibling maternity photos actually look like when you’re dealing with older kids? Let’s dive in.

Why Older Siblings Are Amazing in Sibling Maternity Photos

When older siblings join maternity sessions, you capture a sense of connection, love, and anticipation that’s completely unique. They can share sweet moments with mom, show their excitement, and even have fun showing off their big sibling pride. From gentle hugs to genuine laughter, these are the moments that make your sibling maternity photos feel like family.

Embracing Kid Time

We’re on "kid time," which means flexibility is key. We play lots of games, take breaks when they need to, and go at the pace of your family. Some parents worry their child will only last 15 minutes, especially if they are a toddler, but in my experience, that’s rarely the case. Sometimes it can take 15 minutes just for your child to warm up, start feeling excited, or focus on what I’m asking. That’s why we set aside a full hour for these sessions—whether we’re outdoors or in your home—to give your kids time to be themselves.

Outdoor and In-Home Sibling Maternity Photos

Outdoor and in-home sibling maternity photos are perfect for capturing those candid, in-between moments and getting a variety of backdrops. In-home sessions let your kids feel comfortable in their own space, and outdoor sessions offer beautiful natural light and room to play. With a full hour, we have time to move around, play games, and let the kids show off their personalities.

Studio maternity sessions are another option I offer, but they’re shorter and more structured. The classic all-white backdrop of my Sausalito studio provides a clean, timeless look. These sessions focus more on posed, classic images, with limited changes in background. You can read more about those here.

A Complete Family Experience

During your sibling maternity session, we capture a variety of combinations to tell your family’s story:

• Photos of just mom, showcasing her connection with the new baby.

• Sweet and intimate moments of mom and dad together.

• Fun, candid moments with the whole family.

• Sibling moments that capture love, excitement, and their unique bond.

• Solo shots of the kids, if they’re feeling up for it.

Creating Connection Between Siblings

For older siblings, a maternity session is a chance to feel included and important in this new chapter. We make time for quiet moments where they can rest their head on mom’s shoulder or hold her belly, and for more playful, active shots where they can express their personalities.

Planning Your Sibling Maternity Photos

I know some parents worry about feeling awkward in front of the camera, but that’s where I come in. I always guide you through natural poses, making sure everyone looks connected, the light is perfect, and there are no awkward hand positions. Even though I guide you, it always comes out looking natural and beautiful. You can read more about my posing style here.

And because we have a full hour, we can capture a mix of posed moments and candid, in-between interactions that showcase your family’s genuine love and connection.

Bundle Your Maternity and Newborn Sessions

If you’re also planning a newborn session—whether it’s a Fresh 48 in the hospital, an in-home session, or an in-studio newborn session—you qualify for a discount by booking both. Plus, having a maternity session first allows your family to get to know me, which makes your newborn session go even smoother. You’ll already be familiar with my style, my approach, and how much fun we can have while capturing these memories.

Are you totally sold on the idea but want to know some of my tips for a maternity or newborn session with siblings? Check out my article I wrote about just that subject here!

Are you in San Francisco or Marin County and ready to capture this chapter of your family’s story? Let’s make it happen.