Special Considerations for Photographing Newborn Twins

Special Considerations for Photographing Newborn Twins

Photographing newborn twins is a truly special experience—capturing the bond between two babies while showcasing their unique features is both challenging and rewarding. The extra coordination required can be overwhelming, but with thoughtful planning and a few helpful tips, you can create beautiful, memorable images. Here’s a guide to navigating the special considerations for photographing newborn twins.

1. Plan for Extra Time

Twins often take longer to photograph than a single newborn, as there’s more to manage, from positioning both babies to ensuring they’re both content and calm. Allow yourself ample time for each session—at least 3 to 4 hours, depending on the twins’ temperament and how much they need to rest or nurse. When scheduling the shoot, try it’s important to try to still get the babies in within the first two weeks of life. If the babies have some time in the NICU, try to schedule the session as soon as the babies have been home and healthy for a week.

2. Coordinate Poses, but Don’t Force Them

While it’s ideal to capture intimate, coordinated poses that show the connection between the twins (holding hands, curled together, etc.), it’s important to be flexible. Newborns, particularly twins, may not always cooperate the way you envision. If one baby is more comfortable in a specific position or is in a deep sleep, you may need to focus on that twin and wait for the second to settle. Be patient and ready to adapt your ideas to the babies’ needs. If one baby is fussy while the other is calm, take photos of just that baby. Then try to get a similar pose of just the other baby once that baby is calm. After all, although they are twins, they are also individuals.

3. Safety First

Safety should always be your top priority when photographing newborns, especially when working with twins. Many poses that look cute on camera require careful support and monitoring. Ensure that both babies are always safe, especially when attempting group shots or complex poses. Never put the babies in precarious positions, and always have a spotter (like a parent or assistant) nearby to help stabilize or adjust them as needed.

 

4. Positioning Twins

Positioning two newborns together can be tricky, but careful planning can make it easier. Some popular poses for twins include:

Forward facing side by side: Both babies on their tummies, facing forward. This is probably one of the more difficult poses for twins. Both babies need to be very sleepy.

Swaddled together in a bowl: Babies are swaddled on their backs right next to each other. Swaddled poses are the easiest way to get both babies photographed together.

On prop: Both babies on a prop requires a vigilant spotter to ensure safety. The prop needs to be large enough to easily accommodate both newborns.

Double potato sack pose: Twins both swaddled in potato sack pose leaning together. This is another easy one..

 

Side by side laying: The twins laying on their backs together. This pose is easiest using parents’ hands but can also be done with a swaddle wrapped around both newborns.

Posed side by side in matching props: If you have more than one coordinating prop, this is also a great way to showcase twins together.

Stacked: One twin laying on the back of the other baby. It’s best if the larger of the two twins goes on the bottom with the lighter baby on top.

5. Keep Things Calm and Cozy

Newborns thrive in cozy, warm environments, so it’s important to create a comfortable atmosphere. Since twins are often more sensitive to stimuli, try to keep the room quiet and calm with soft lighting, gentle music, and a warm temperature (around 75–80°F, or 24–27°C). Consider using a white noise machine to soothe the babies and create a calming environment during the shoot.

Having a parent or assistant nearby can also help keep both babies relaxed and allow for a smooth transition between poses.

6. Patience, Patience, Patience

Above all, photographing newborn twins requires patience and flexibility. Babies can be unpredictable, and twins are no exception. They might need more frequent breaks for feeding, diaper changes, or soothing. Expect the shoot to take longer than you think, and don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

By staying calm and adaptable, you’ll be able to capture the timeless, heartwarming moments that make twin photography so special.

Conclusion

Photographing newborn twins is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories of a truly unique bond. While it may require extra time, patience, and effort, the resulting images will be treasured by parents for years to come. Keep these special considerations in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning, heartwarming portraits that reflect the beauty and connection of newborn twins.

 

View more of my newborn work here: https://gretchenbarros.com/newborn/

Check out more ideas here https://www.pinterest.com/