A guest blog by: Katrina Johns

Hello! I’m Katrina, a newborn and family photographer based in Pukekohe, New Zealand. At Accent Photography, I specialise in capturing the precious early days of life – moments that quickly become cherished memories.

For parents of twins, newborn photos are particularly magical, capturing that unique bond between siblings right from the start. Photographing twins does bring extra considerations, especially around safety and comfort, which is why a professional approach makes all the difference. As a certified newborn photographer with First Aid training, I handle each session with the utmost care.

Here are some reasons why, when it comes to capturing newborn twins, choosing a professional is the safest and most rewarding option.

Why Professional Newborn Twin Photography is Essential

With so much DIY content available, it might seem tempting to try taking newborn photos yourself. But twin photography requires skill, experience, and tools that ensure the safety and comfort of your little ones. Here’s why hiring a professional for newborn twin photography is worth the investment:

1. Safety is Non-Negotiable

When it comes to newborn photography, safety is the foundation of every session. For twins, this is even more critical. Newborns are delicate, and it’s essential to know how to handle and position two babies without causing strain or discomfort. A professional photographer with experience in newborn safety and specific twin posing knows how to achieve beautiful images while keeping both babies safe and comfortable.

Attempting complex poses on your own, especially those seen online or on Pinterest, can risk your babies’ wellbeing if not done correctly. Poses that look effortless often involve careful adjustments and, in some cases, digital editing. For example, shots where twins appear suspended or delicately balanced are achieved through Photoshop rather than in real life. A professional knows how to create these effects safely, using secure setups and digital techniques to achieve stunning images without ever compromising your babies’ safety.

2. Experience and Technique Make All the Difference

Capturing twins is different from photographing a single newborn; it’s a delicate balance of making sure both babies are comfortable, content, and safe throughout. An experienced newborn twin photographer understands how to pose and photograph each baby individually and together, creating a cohesive and calm session. They know how to position twins to bring out the natural bond between them, showcasing each baby’s unique features while celebrating their connection.

With a DIY approach, achieving these looks can be challenging without the necessary training. Lighting, positioning, and safe handling require experience to avoid overstimulation or discomfort for the babies. A professional knows how to navigate these nuances, ensuring the session flows smoothly and that each baby feels at ease, allowing you to relax and enjoy the process.

3. A Stress-Free Experience for Parents

As new parents, especially of twins, your hands are already full, and attempting a DIY photoshoot can add unnecessary stress. Coordinating two newborns, setting up the space, adjusting the lighting, and hoping for the right shot can quickly become overwhelming.

When you hire a professional, the goal is for you to have a relaxed and enjoyable experience. If one baby needs feeding or cuddling, I can capture solo shots of the other, letting you tend to each baby without feeling rushed or pressured. I come equipped with everything needed for the session – from baby-friendly props to comfortable wraps – so all you need to do is enjoy watching these precious first days being captured. A professional will guide you through every step, creating a beautiful collection of images without the strain of doing it all yourself.

4. High-Quality Photos and Lasting Memories

With twin newborn photos, you’re not just looking for snapshots – you’re investing in keepsakes that you’ll treasure forever. Professional photographers use high-quality equipment and have the expertise to capture images in a way that a DIY setup can’t replicate. Lighting, angles, and post-editing all play a role in creating timeless images that can be printed and enjoyed for years to come.

Hiring a photographer who offers printed products, like wall art, custom albums, or framed prints, means these memories will be part of your home and not just hidden away on a screen. Imagine paging through an album with your twins when they’re older or seeing a beautiful wall portrait that reminds you of their first days every time you pass by.

Digital files, while convenient, are vulnerable to technology changes and loss. Just think about how many memories were stored on CDs or floppy disks that are no longer accessible! With prints, though, you have something tangible and lasting. A print can always be scanned or re-digitised if needed, but once a digital file is lost, that memory can’t be recreated. Professional prints ensure that your photos are preserved in a way you can enjoy daily—and with peace of mind that these beautiful memories will last for years to come.

What to Look for in a Professional Twin Newborn Photographer

When choosing a photographer for your twins, it’s essential to find someone you trust and who has the experience needed to handle twin sessions safely. Here are a few tips:

Check for Experience with Twins
Working with twins requires unique skills, so look for a photographer with experience photographing two babies at once. A portfolio with twin sessions demonstrates they know how to safely handle, pose, and capture each baby’s personality while keeping them comfortable and secure.
Look for Safety Credentials
Safety credentials, like a Certificate in Newborn Safety and First Aid training, are critical when choosing a newborn photographer. These qualifications show a commitment to safe practices and an understanding of handling babies securely. If safety isn’t mentioned on their website, don’t hesitate to ask.
Trust Your Instincts
A photoshoot is an intimate experience, and choosing a photographer you feel comfortable with makes all the difference. Trust your instincts – when you feel relaxed, your babies are more likely to stay calm, creating a comfortable atmosphere that shows in the photos.

Newborn twin photography is about capturing the start of a beautiful, lifelong bond. With a professional, you can relax knowing that each moment is handled safely and skillfully, creating images you’ll treasure for years to come. Whether it’s printed as artwork in your home or collected in an album to revisit together, these photos celebrate your family’s story, one precious memory at a time.

If you’re local to Auckland or the Waikato and would like to know more, I’d love to connect! You can follow me on social media (@accentphotographynz) or visit my website, Accent Photography, for details on how we can create these beautiful memories together.

Newborn Photography Tips for Twins