Twin Newborn Boy Photography | Ten Tips for Photographing Twin Newborns
Double the Cuteness. Double the Joy. Double the Delight. TWINS! Brand new baby x two. 20 Fingers 20 Toes. Double the feedings, double the work!
So. You are about to photograph not just one newborn, but TWO! And if you are wondering how in the world to accomplish this, you have come to the right place!
I have photographed over 40 sets of twins in my decade long career, and have gained quite a bit of insight and understanding into what a photographer needs to accomplish the session. Not to mention, I am a mama to twin boys myself! So I have extra expertise in the matter of twins ;)
Anytime a newborn photographer goes into a twin session, we always cross our fingers a bit that all goes well. :) And sometimes lowering your expectation is the key to a successful photoshoot with twins.
Here are some of my favorite tips when photographing twins newborns.
Ten Tips for Photographing Twin Newborns
1. Safety First
Always prioritize the safety and comfort of the newborns. Use supportive props along with your larger props, and have someone assist you during the shoot to ensure the babies are always spotted. I use parents quite often during twin sessions, and prepare them in advance that I will be using them for a helping hand! They are always willing, and most are excited to help! Also, hiring an assistant for twins session is wonderful if you can!
2. Keep it Warm
This is for both singleton baby and multiples! Newborns are sensitive to temperature, so make sure the room is comfortably warm to keep them cozy and content during the shoot. Especially for twins when they are frequently born early, and considered premature.
3. Patience is Essential
Twins can be unpredictable, so be patient and flexible during the session. As a mom of twin boys, I can promise you that they will need different things 100% of the time. LOL. Imagine how hard one new baby is, now doing all those things again a second time. It’s a lot!
4. Individual Shots and Together
Capture individual shots of each twin to highlight their unique personalities, as well as shots of them together to showcase their bond. I always include individual images in my twin newborn sessions! A lot of twin parents want to focus on images together, but individual are just as important. I do individual images when one twin is sleepy, and one is wide awake and/or feeding. This way we are never wasting time. One thing twin parents do not have a lot of is TIME. True story.
5. Use Props Wisely - Larger props
When photographing twins together in props, I only use my large props. This ensure that both newborns can fit safely and comfortably. I ALWAYS use an assistant or a parent or two for prop images. It is incredibly important to ensure safety of your babies at all times.
6. Focus on Details - Together and separate
Get close-up shots of tiny hands, feet, and facial features to capture the precious details of newborn twins, together a separate! I have some images of both of my boys feet together in my hands, and it’s one of my favorite images from their session!
7. Involve Parents in the pictures
As a twin mom myself, I can tell you that the last thing I wanted to do 2 weeks post birth was be in pictures. BUT, I am forever grateful that I did. Those images of me with my tiny twin baby boys are some of my most cherished possessions.
8. Be Flexible with your planned shoot
This is not only true for your twin photoshoot, but also for twin life. LOL. Twins may not always cooperate simultaneously, so be prepared to adjust your shooting plan and capture each baby individually if needed. If you planned on doing props first but one baby is wide awake, then do individual photos! Your scheduled and plans will go out the window with twins. I have a pretty great workflow with singletons, but when I photograph twins everything is “IF WE CAN”
9. Plan on Extra time for the session
Twin new born photoshoots always take longer then singleton babies, and I like to prepare parents for this in advance. Typically twin photos sessions are around 3 hours long to get everything we need! We need time for extra feeding, extra snuggling, and it’s more common for one to be awake when the other one isn’t, so extra time in general is needed. Basically from the beginning twins need extra time.
10. Have fun!
Chances are that parents are a little stressed already just taking care of their twins. Keep the atmosphere light-hearted and fun to ensure a stress free photoshoot. Remember, people may not always remember the things you say, but they will remember the way you made them feel! Make your parents feel so excited to be there!
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Best Time to Take Twin Newborn Photos
Twins are often born prematurely, and so I always wait until everyone is back home before scheduling their session. This means that they might be “older” then your typical under two weeks old newborn, but most twins will have been born at least a few weeks early. So there is some flexibility on scheduling their session! Aim for doing their session as soon as possible once everyone is back home and eating well! I have photographed twins at 36 weeks, 37 weeks, 38 weeks. 39 weeks, and 40 weeks. Micro preemies are typically photographed at even a later age, as their stay in the NICU is usually extended. They are usually closer to their due date before they are home and can do a photoshoot.
Photographing twin babies is an amazing and wonderful experience, and I am grateful for all the twins over the years I have photographed! Including photographing my own set of twins at 2 weeks postpartum! Phew! But I’m forever grateful for those images and I promise you will be two. (Misspelling is intentional :)
See below for examples of some twin Newborn sessions I’ve done!
