August 17, 2026


Planning newborn photos with siblings in Bossier City can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you have a toddler or young child at home. Bringing home a new baby is a huge change for the entire family—especially for a brand-new big brother or big sister.
One minute, they’re the baby of the family. The next, everyone is talking about this tiny new person who has suddenly arrived!
If you’re worried about how your older child will handle the session, don’t stress. Toddlers and young children aren’t expected to sit perfectly, smile on command, or follow directions for an entire newborn session. Instead, I work with their personalities and keep the experience relaxed, flexible, and fun.

When a new baby arrives, it’s natural for much of the attention to shift toward the newborn. However, your older child is experiencing a huge change, too.
They just became a big brother or big sister!
That’s why I love including siblings in newborn photography sessions. These photographs document the beginning of a relationship that will continue to grow throughout their lives.
Depending on their age, your child may hold the baby, give a tiny kiss, touch their little toes, lie beside them, or simply look at their new sibling.
Every child responds differently. That’s part of what makes sibling photographs so meaningful.

If you have a toddler, you already know that asking them to do something is sometimes the quickest way to make sure they absolutely do not want to do it!
That’s okay.
I don’t expect little ones to walk into the studio and immediately sit exactly where I want them. They don’t have to hold their new baby perfectly or smile at the camera on command.
Instead, we’ll keep things relaxed.
Sometimes we play. Sometimes we talk. We might let your child explore for a few minutes. At other times, we may have to get a little silly.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to capture the connection between your children.

Young children usually have short attention spans, so I don’t want sibling photographs to become frustrating.
When your older child is ready to participate, we’ll take advantage of that moment. We’ll quickly capture sibling portraits and family photographs while everyone is still interested and engaged.
Once we’ve photographed the combinations we need, your older child doesn’t have to sit quietly through the rest of the newborn session.
This approach helps keep the experience positive. It also gives your child the freedom to be a kid while I focus on your baby’s individual portraits.

Sibling photographs are adorable, but your baby’s safety will always be my first priority.
How I photograph siblings together depends on the age and maturity of the older child. An older sibling may be able to safely hold the baby with guidance. A toddler may do better lying beside the baby or interacting in another way.
There are plenty of ways to create beautiful newborn photos with siblings in Bossier City without asking a young child to do something they’re not ready for.
I choose each setup based on what feels safe and comfortable for both children.

Some big siblings can’t get enough of their new baby. They want to hold them, kiss them, and stay right beside them.
Others are a little more cautious.
Both reactions are completely normal.
I never want to force affection just for a photograph. Instead, I’ll give your child opportunities to interact naturally.
Maybe they’ll want to look at baby’s tiny toes. Perhaps they’ll give their new sibling a little kiss. They might even show me where baby’s nose is.
Those simple interactions can create some of the sweetest photographs from the entire session.

This is one of the biggest worries parents have when planning newborn sibling photos in Bossier City.
If your toddler isn’t interested at first, don’t panic.
We can try something different. Your child can take a break, explore the studio, or spend some time with Dad or another family member. Then we’ll try again later.
Children can also pick up on our stress. Therefore, the more relaxed everyone stays, the easier it usually is to get them involved.
Remember, we don’t need dozens of perfect sibling photographs.
Sometimes all it takes is one beautiful moment.
One little kiss.
One tiny hand resting beside the baby.
One proud big-brother smile.
Those are the photographs you’ll treasure.

You can absolutely talk to your child about the newborn session beforehand. Tell them you’re going to take some special pictures with their new baby brother or sister.
However, I recommend keeping the conversation positive and simple.
There’s no need to practice smiling or repeatedly remind them that they need to “be good for the photographer.”
Instead, let them know we’re going to have fun and take a few pictures together.
A relaxed child is much more likely to give us the natural expressions and interactions we want to remember.
If you’d like more tips on getting ready for your newborn session, you can also read my guide on how to prepare for newborn photos in Bossier City.

Right now, your newborn may be tiny enough to fit into their sibling’s arms.
One day, they won’t be.
That toddler kissing the top of the baby’s head will suddenly be a teenager. The baby they were once so curious about will be running around behind them, borrowing their things, and wanting to do everything their big brother or sister does.
That’s why sibling photographs are such an important part of a full newborn session.
We’re not only documenting what your children look like right now. We’re documenting the very beginning of their relationship.
While sibling photographs are important, we’ll also make time for portraits of the entire family.
We’ll photograph Mom and baby, Dad and baby, siblings together, and everyone as a group.
These combinations create a complete collection of memories from this season of your family’s life.
I also encourage parents to step into the photographs. Your children will want to see these images someday, and they’ll treasure photographs that show the people who were there loving them from the very beginning.

If you’re expecting your second, third, or fourth baby, don’t let worries about your older children keep you from including them in your newborn photographs.
They don’t have to behave perfectly.
They don’t have to smile perfectly.
And they definitely don’t have to sit still for the entire session.
They just need to be themselves.
My newborn studio is located in Benton and serves families throughout Bossier City, Shreveport, Benton, and the surrounding Northwest Louisiana area. My goal is to create a relaxed experience where we can capture your new baby alongside the people who already love them most.
If you’re looking for newborn photos with siblings in Bossier City, I’d love to help you document this incredible season.
Because while you’re welcoming a new baby, you’re also watching something else begin—a brand-new big brother or big sister.
And that’s a story worth remembering.
Ready to reserve your due date? Contact me HERE today, and let’s start planning your newborn session in Benton, LA. I cannot wait to document this beautiful season for you.
Download Your Free Maternity & Newborn Photo Guide

Want a little help planning your baby’s first photo session?Grab our free Maternity & Newborn Session Guide—a quick, beautiful breakdown of what to expect, what to bring, and how to prep stress-free. It also includes 10 tips for a calmer baby and a photo-packed style guide to help you plan the perfect wardrobe for your session.
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Elaine Pierce Photography is a Shreveport, Bossier City, Benton, Louisiana portrait photographer and educator.
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