There’s a particular kind of beautiful chaos that settles over a home when twins arrive — and when a toddler is already running the show, “chaos” feels like an understatement. But here’s what I’ve learned after photographing families in exactly this season of life: the chaos is the magic.
Why In-Home Sessions Work well with multiples
Home is where your story takes place. It’s where the toddler’s artwork is taped to the fridge, where the dog sleeps, where the laundry you washed 2 days ago is still waiting to be put away and somehow it all makes the most beautiful backdrop.
When you have twins and a toddler, getting everyone into a car and keeping them settled in an unfamiliar space is a lot to ask. At home, little ones are comfortable. The toddler can wander to their toys when they need a break. The babies can be fed and changed without packing an entire diaper bag. And mom and dad can exhale knowing you’re in your space with access to everything you need.
What to Expect During the Session
Give yourself a wide window. In-home sessions with multiples and a toddler typically run around 2 hours…sometimes longer. We’re not rushing. We feed when babies need feeding. We take snack breaks. We let the toddler warm up in their own time — because the best shots of them always come after they’ve forgotten the camera is there.
The toddler doesn’t have to cooperate (and that’s fine). Some big siblings dive right in, eager to hold a baby and plant kisses. Others want nothing to do with the whole situation. Both are completely normal and completely photographable. I’ve captured some of my favorite images of big siblings doing their own thing nearby — coloring, playing with blocks, sneaking a peek from across the room — while the babies sleep. That, too, is the story of your family right now.
The babies will sleep, eat, and repeat. Newborns, especially twins, spend most of their time sleeping — which is ideal for photography. We’ll capture them side by side, tiny hands and feet, the way they naturally curl toward each other like they still think they’re sharing a womb.
My Favorite Moments to Capture
- Siblings. All three kids together, even if it’s a little wiggly. These are the images families treasure most.
- Twin details. Matching toes. Noses touching.
- Parents with the babies. Children form special bonds with each parent. These images will be special to them in the years to come.
- Whole Family. The entire family together is a must.
- The Toddler Alone. Big siblings get their moments, too.
A Few Tips Before Your Session
Time it around a feeding. Full babies are sleepy babies — and sleepy babies are cooperative babies. If you can time the session to start right after a feed, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Keep the house comfortably warm. Newborns love warmth. You may be slightly too warm, and that’s the right temperature.
Don’t deep-clean. Seriously. Lived-in is beautiful. The burp cloth on the chair, the stack of baby books, the crayon on the wall you haven’t gotten to yet — these are details you’ll actually love seeing in ten years.
Let the toddler know what to expect. A simple, honest explanation goes a long way: “Someone’s coming to take pictures of our babies and our family.” No pressure, no big promises about how they need to smile.
These Days Go Fast
Twins are rare and wonderful. The season when they’re brand-new, when a toddler is just figuring out what it means to be a big sibling, when your whole house smells like newborn and your heart feels about three sizes too big — that season is short.
Let’s slow it down, even just for a morning.
Your home, your people, this wild and tender time. That’s all we need.
Ready to book your in-home session? I’d love to hear about your family.