When Chaos Meets Cuteness
Let’s be honest—nothing prepares you for the mix of emotions that come with welcoming a new baby into the world. It’s beautiful. It’s exhausting. It’s everything all at once. And somewhere in between the diaper changes, bleary-eyed cuddles, and endless laundry piles, there’s this quiet, fleeting magic that sneaks in when you least expect it. That’s the moment we aim to bottle up with newborn photography with family—the whole, snuggly, gloriously chaotic crew included.
It’s not about perfect poses or clean shirts (though those are nice too). It’s about documenting love in all its unfiltered forms—sleepy smiles, toddler giggles, and that unmistakable look of awe on a new parent’s face. It’s those little things you think you’ll remember forever—but let’s be honest, you’re too sleep-deprived to be sure.
Grab your coffee (reheated for the third time?) and let’s walk through what these sessions are really like, why they matter more than you think, and how we keep things cozy, calm(ish), and full of connection. Spoiler: there’s no such thing as a “perfect” family photo—but there is such a thing as a meaningful one.
What Exactly Is Newborn Photography with Family?
It’s more than just baby pictures. These sessions include the whole inner circle—parents, siblings, and sometimes grandparents. Think of it as a soft family portrait… with a very tiny main character.
We’re not just snapping pretty pictures. We’re telling your story—your baby’s first chapter—with everyone who helped write it.
Here at Artin Photography, we offer flexible newborn sessions, including our popular regular session (up to 3 hours), which allows plenty of time for baby-led posing, sibling cuddles, outfit changes, feeding breaks, and snack stops for everyone (including mom and dad). It’s a calm, gentle experience that moves at your baby’s pace, not the clock’s.
And while it may be tempting to bring the whole family tree, we strongly recommend keeping it to immediate family—parents and siblings only. Why? Because more people = more movement, noise, and distraction for baby, which makes the session tougher for everyone involved.
Think of it as your family’s quiet cocoon—a moment of stillness in a very busy season.
Why Include Family in Newborn Photos?
The Emotional Keepsake You Didn’t Know You Needed
A solo shot of your little one? Beautiful. But a photo of your toddler leaning in to kiss their new sibling? Heart-melting.
Research shows that seeing themselves in family photos can strengthen a child’s sense of belonging and identity. Sibling shots aren’t just adorable—they help big brothers and sisters feel included during a time of major change. And for new parents, these images serve as gentle proof: you’re doing it.
A Visual Time Capsule
One day, you’ll look back and barely remember how tiny those fingers were. How soft their breath felt on your collarbone. Newborn photography with family captures the micro-moments that memory can’t always hold onto. These aren’t just photos—they’re part of your family’s story.
What to Expect in a Newborn + Family Session
Cozy Chaos Is Normal
Let’s normalize this now: someone will probably cry (and it’s not always the baby). The room may smell like a mix of lavender wipes and coffee. And yes, the toddler might try to climb into the prop basket. It’s fine. We’ve seen it all, and we plan for it all.
Our regular newborn session gives us time to go at baby’s pace, including feedings, diaper changes, and sibling wrangling. The goal is not perfection—it’s authenticity.
Roles Everyone Plays
- Parents: We’ll gently guide you into snuggly, natural poses—no stiff smiles here.
- Siblings: Often the surprise stars of the session. Whether they’re shy, silly, or somewhere in between, we find ways to include them organically.
- Photographer (that’s us!): Your baby whisperer, toddler wrangler, and light-chaser.
Tips for a Magical Family-Inclusive Session
1. Keep It to Just the Core Crew
Bringing in extended family? While we love seeing the full family tree, too many voices can overwhelm a sensitive newborn. We suggest booking a separate family session if grandparents, uncles, or cousins want their moment too. Keeping the session quiet and focused leads to better results—trust us on this one.
2. Let Siblings Be Siblings
Worried your toddler won’t cooperate? Spoiler: they probably won’t follow the script… and that’s okay. The best moments come from play, tickles, and unexpected sweetness. We’ve had toddlers who went from “no pictures!” to proudly holding their baby sibling like a tiny superhero.
Bring snacks, their favourite toy, or a book to help them feel comfortable.
3. Embrace the Real Moments
Some of the most beloved images aren’t posed. A sibling whispering a secret to baby. Dad brushing hair off mom’s forehead while she cradles the newborn. These tiny gestures? They say more than a thousand “perfect” poses ever could.
Real Talk: Large Families Can Be… A Lot
We’ve worked with big extended families, and while they bring joy, they also bring logistical hurdles. Every extra person means more noise, more distraction, and less calm for the newborn. It’s not just about space—it’s about energy. A baby can feel every shift in tone, every loud laugh, every sudden movement. It becomes harder to maintain the serene atmosphere that’s ideal for those delicate, sleepy moments we want to capture.
We totally understand the desire to include everyone—this is a milestone worth celebrating, after all. But from years of experience, we’ve found that just parents and siblings create the best environment for the baby to settle and shine. If you’d love to include grandparents, uncles, or a big cousin crew, we recommend booking a separate session tailored just for them. That way, no one feels rushed, and baby stays cozy and calm.
We kindly recommend keeping things simple—trust us, your gallery will thank you for it.
Want a photo with grandma? Let’s plan a special family shoot just for that!
Questions Parents Ask (All. The. Time.)
Can I include my pet?
Maybe! If your pet is calm, quiet, and used to being around babies, we can chat more during the pre-session consult.
What if my toddler won’t cooperate?
That’s 100% normal. We work with their energy—not against it. Often the best sibling shots are spontaneous, not posed.
What should we wear?
Stick to soft, neutral tones—think creams, pastels, or earthy shades. Avoid bold logos or neon colors. We’ll send a full style guide once you book.
Do I need to bring props?
Nope! Our studio is fully stocked with wraps, baskets, headbands, and cozy textures galore.
Local Families, This Is for You ❤️
If you’re in Port Moody, Coquitlam, Burnaby, or anywhere around Greater Vancouver, and you’ve been Googling “newborn photography with family near me,” you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re expecting your first or wrangling your third, we’re here to create a warm, relaxed space where everyone can just be… well, themselves.
🎯 Curious but not quite ready to book? Send us a quick message—no pressure, just friendly answers.
📍 Session Details
✔ Newborn Regular Session: Up to 3 hours – $800 CAD
✔ Located in Port Moody, BC
✔ Serving Greater Vancouver: Vancouver, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster