Here’s the truth no one puts on Pinterest: newborn sessions usually involve more crying than serenity. As a photographer specialising in natural newborn photography in Melbourne it’s honestly, mostly older sibling toddlers taking turns being delightful and unhinged, unsettled babies finally sleeping the second I zip up my bag to go, and parents running on a mix of joy and survival mode. And in the middle of all that, something wonderful happens.
I’ve had a little big brother melt into the softest cuddle, pause for two seconds, then announce “done” and push their baby away like a tiny stage manager. I’ve photographed a family whose newborn cried most of their session; they later messaged, “Thank you so much for our beautiful photos. You’ve captured our family of three so lovingly moments of calm and tears and everything in between. Thank you for being such a lovely presence during this wonderful, but tumultuous period.”
That’s the point. Family-centred newborn photography isn’t about elaborate posing or perfect houses; it’s about honest moments between the people who love each other most. Perfect is overrated. Give me the chaos, the humour, the realness that’s where the good stuff lives.
Let life keep happening
If you’re a new (or very tired) parent wondering how this beautiful chaos becomes meaningful photographs, you’re not alone. Most of my clients are thoughtful, time-poor parents juggling work and home and not looking for another thing to add to the mental load. I get it.
My approach is built around simplicity and ease. I don’t expect babies to “behave” or parents to be “camera-ready.” Babies will feed, cry, and sleep off-script. Toddlers will negotiate aggressively for snacks. You might be in pyjama pants until five minutes before I arrive (or maybe even still in them ten minutes after I get there).
It still works. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s connection. And connection photographs beautifully when we let it.
Poses (that don’t feel like posing)
1) Start with cuddles, not staging
Skip complicated prop set-ups. That’s the beauty of natural newborn photography in Melbourne, your arms already know what to do…
- Baby tucked on your chest (great when they’re unsettled)
- Siblings beside you with gentle contact instead of “sit still and smile”
- Parent + coffee + baby curled on a lap in soft morning light
Keep baby close to you and respond in real time.
2) Let siblings be themselves
Strong opinions welcome. Rather than forcing stillness, I’ll invite them to:
- Show me a favourite toy
- Play nearby while one parent snuggles baby
- Join in when they’re ready (they almost always do)
Those quick, honest interactions are the best – curious peeks, proud pats, slightly jealous pokes.
3) Keep moving through your day
Treat the session as part of normal life:
- Feed on the couch while we chat
- Wander to the backyard or sit by a bright window
- Change nappies, tidy toys, answer the door
None of this “ruins” the photos. It enriches them. Your baby belongs to your life, this is not a staged production.
4) Trust the pause
After the bustle, there’s often a lull: sleeping babies, little hands finding each other, a sibling folds into your lap. I’m watching for it. No performance needed, just be together.
Why photography matters (especially with foggy brain)
Newborn days are wonderful and messy and a bit vague around the edges. You’re trying to remember everything while forgetting where you left your phone. Photos work like little bookmarks for your brain: the way your baby tucks when held, the look your toddler gives those tiny fingers, the softness in your partner’s eyes.
You don’t have to look “together” for your images to be beautiful. You just have to be yourselves.
Ready for a session that feels easy, relaxed, and real?
If you want newborn photos that don’t ask you to dress up or pretend, just your family as you are, that’s what I do. I specialise in relaxed, at-home newborn sessions across Melbourne and the Yarra Valley, with a focus on natural connection and simple, honest moments.
However your baby spends our time together; sleeping, feeding, crying, or glaring accusingly at me (that’s happened too hehe), there’s beauty in all of it.
A few quick answers to common questions
Totally normal, and expected! Toddlers (especially those newly adjusting to there being a someone else demanding parents attention) bring their own vibe, whether that’s snuggly, silly, or stormy. My sessions are flexible and partially toddler-led, which means we roll with it (and usually end up with the best photos when we do).
Not really. A favourite toy, a snack prior, and low expectations go a long way. I’ll gently guide things, and most toddlers warm up when they realise I’m not asking them to sit still or smile on command and we are there to play.
Absolutely. Some of the most meaningful images come from the in-between moments; proud big sibling pats, slightly jealous pokes, mid-sandwich hugs. Real beats perfect every time.
Because this is your family right now, not just a solo baby, but a whole beautiful chaos of connection. Including toddlers in your newborn session makes the story more honest, more layered, and more full of love.
