Hi, hello! So, picture this: you’ve just welcomed home your brand-new baby, your toddler has decided today is the hill upon which they will die emotionally, and your dog is… somewhere licking the baby’s head. Sound familiar? 😅
If this sounds like your life right now, first let me say: you’re my people. As a Maryland newborn photographer who specializes in real-life, love-drenched family moments, I’ve seen it all… including a toddler meltdown that required a full-blown garage break and a golden retriever who calmly observed the chaos like he was being paid hourly.
Including siblings and pets in a newborn photo session might feel overwhelming, but I promise – not only is it doable, it can result in some of the most meaningful, sweet, and hilariously true-to-life images you’ll ever own.
Let’s talk about how we make that happen.
Let’s Be Honest – It’s Not About Perfection
There’s a really specific kind of pressure that creeps in with baby #2 (or #3, or #fur-child). You want the photos. You want them to feel calm and connected. But your toddler is in a dancing-on-the-table phase, your dog sheds like it’s his job, and…who has the time or energy to orchestrate magazine-perfect moments?
Here’s the thing: we’re not going for perfect. Heck no. That’s never my goal.
What we’re doing is capturing your story – the one that’s unfolding in real time with messy hair, snack breaks, and baby yawns. And whether I’m dodging a toddler sprinting mid-frame or persuading your labradoodle to sit for half a second, I’m right there for the good stuff, camera in hand, ready to catch the beauty in the chaos.
Let me give you a real-life example to show you it’s not just at your house…
A few weeks ago, I visited a repeat client for baby #2’s lifestyle newborn session. I had photographed big brother’s newborn photos a couple years ago, and their golden retriever was also back for round two (still a gem). When I arrived, big brother was cheerful and chatty — total dream. But the moment we got upstairs and I pulled my camera out… Switch. Flipped. He became absolutely inconsolable, like full-body sobs, and mom and dad were utterly shocked. This was wildly out of character for him.
Mom looked panicked. Dad was trying to help. I stepped in and reminded them gently: “We’ve got time. Let’s just let him reset and come back when he’s ready.”
Dad took him out to the garage (their happy place), gave him some snacks, and worked his brand of magic. Fifteen minutes later, they came back, joined us in the master bedroom, and we ended up having the most joyful, toddler-centered, laughter-filled session ever.
So yeah. It’s possible. It just requires some flexibility, a calm energy…and snacks. Always snacks.
My Top Tips for Wrangling Siblings and Pets During a Newborn Session
1. Make the Session All About the Big Sibling
Even though the star of the show is your squishy newborn, I always tell parents the truth: we’re actually here to make your toddler feel like a rockstar.
Why? Because toddlers aren’t stupid. They know when the attention has shifted. So my job is to direct a LOT of positive energy their way. That means:
- Reading books together (bonus: books make cute photo props and say something about their current phase!)
- Tote-ally acceptable pillow fights or games on the bed
- Gentle encouragement and praise for helpful participation
And the real superhero move? Ignore unwanted behavior. Honestly. Toddlers want attention, whether it’s for giggles or grumps. So if a meltdown happens, I look away. You look away. We all redirect gently, and soon enough, they usually pop back into the action – ready to snuggle baby or jump in for a family pile-on.
2. Dogs Are Welcome (and Sometimes Steal the Show)
I. Love. Dogs. Let me say that again for the people in the back: DOGS ARE 1000% WELCOME.
That said, I always encourage families to consider:
- Are you comfortable with the dog moving around while we’re shooting?
- Do you want a family member or friend nearby who can leash the pup or give them a break if needed?
Some of my favorite shots involve the dog curled up at mom’s feet while she nurses, or the dog sniffing the bassinet like, “Who approved this new hire?” 😆 Either way, if you’re a pet family, your pet is part of your story, and I’m here for it.
3. Keep It Calm, Keep It Neutral, Keep It You
There’s something wildly calming about quiet voices and low-pressure vibes. I coach my families to keep the volume low and chill. I promise, it sets the mood for everyone — including your fur babies.
A few things I’ve found help the session go the way we want:
- Choose outfits – well in advance! – in soft, neutral tones (this lets people shine, not prints)
- Have a trusted adult available who isn’t Mom or Dad to hang with the toddler if a break is needed
- Give yourself permission to go with the flow — toddler up for a moment of snuggles? Let’s do it. Puppy wants to crawl into the frame? LOVE IT.
We let the magic unfold naturally. And newsflash: the photos that make you cry happy tears later? They’re usually the unplanned, in-between ones.
4. Reset When You Need To
Just like in the story I shared earlier, sometimes the best thing you can do is pause. Step away. Have your toddler “fix a toy in the garage” or, you know, go lick peanut butter off a spoon in the kitchen so their soul resets.
I will never be the clock-watching photographer who shuts things down the second we hit a snag. We breathe. Reset. Try again. And…usually that’s when the gold happens.
Real Life Looks Like This – And It’s Beautiful
So yes. With a toddler. With a dog. With a brand new, fragile, sleepy (or not-so-sleepy) baby. It IS possible to get STUNNING photographs that capture the fullness of this new chapter in your life.
Not because we controlled every second, but because we allowed space for real life to breathe through your session.
We’ll capture beaming toddler smiles, curious sniffs from your pup, and all the soft, sleepy magic of your newborn. Maybe even a toddler foot flying randomly into the frame…who knows? 😂 Either way, it’ll be perfectly yours.
Let’s Tell Your Story — Chaos and All
Ready to document your full, beautiful, real life? Whether you’re thinking ahead to maternity photos or wondering how in the WORLD you’ll survive a newborn session with two dogs and a high-energy toddler, I’ve got you.
Head over to Liz Viernes Photography and check out my newborn and first-year storytelling packages. We’ll laugh, we’ll play, and we’ll create photos that feel like the best version of your normal.
And don’t stress…I bring the patience, the guidance, and (usually) a backup plan so let’s make some magic!
Liz Viernes Photography is based near Columbia, MD, and specializes in maternity, fresh 48, posed and lifestyle newborns and first year milestone portraits.
leave a comment