Newborn Twin Photography in Boise: Your Complete Guide to Double the Joy

Newborn twin photography requires specialized expertise, extra safety precautions, and a photographer who truly understands the unique dynamics of photographing two babies simultaneously. As a certified newborn photographer and mother of three in Boise, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of photographing many sets of twins, and I can honestly say these sessions hold a special place in my heart.

Whether you’re a new parent of twins or a fellow photographer looking to expand your twin photography skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating stunning twin portraits while keeping everyone safe and comfortable.

Why Using a Professional for Newborn Twin Photography Matters

While DIY photography can work wonderfully for single baby sessions, twin photography presents unique challenges that make professional expertise invaluable. Photographing two newborns requires:

• Specialized safety knowledge for posing multiple babies
• Extended session time to accommodate two feeding schedules
• Professional lighting to ensure both babies are beautifully lit
• Backup assistance for safety and efficiency
• Experience managing multiple babies who rarely cooperate on the same schedule

As one recent client shared in her Google review: “We brought in our newborn twins and our 3-year-old son. And the ability to keep babies calm while helping entertain a toddler AND still be able to capture beautiful images should come with the title of miracle worker.”

The Best Age for Twin Newborn Photography

Optimal Timing: 6-21 Days Old

Just like with singleton babies, the sweet spot for twin photography is within the first three weeks of life. During this time:

• Babies are still naturally curled and sleepy
• They’re more likely to sleep through posing and adjustments
• Their skin is typically clearer with less baby acne
• They still have that precious “just arrived” look

Why Twins Can Be More Flexible

Interestingly, twins often adapt well to photography sessions even slightly older than the typical newborn window. Many twin parents find the first few weeks overwhelming with two babies, and we’re happy to accommodate sessions up to 4 months old. While the babies may be more alert, this often results in beautiful wide-eyed portraits that showcase their individual personalities.

Also, because twins are most commonly born around 35 weeks they’re usually smaller and sleepier than a single baby. If you adjust for gestation often times 5 week old twins are the same as a 7 day old singleton.

Pro Tip for Photographers: Build extra flexibility into your twin session scheduling. Parents of twins often need to reschedule due to NICU stays, feeding challenges, or simple overwhelm. We stay in constant contact so we know when and if moms will be induced or if a NICU stay is expected.

Essential Safety Considerations for Newborn Twin Photography

Never Leave Safety to Chance

When working with twins, safety becomes even more critical. Here’s what every professional twin session should include:

Certified Safety Assistant: At our Boise studio, we always have a newborn safety-certified assistant for twin sessions. While one person focuses on photography, the other maintains hands-on safety supervision.

Individual Posing First: Always photograph each baby individually in complex poses before attempting any twin arrangements. This ensures you capture beautiful portraits of each child even if twin poses don’t work out.

Composite Photography When Needed: Many stunning “twin together” poses are actually created through professional composite photography – taking two individual portraits and blending them seamlessly. This is much safer than forcing two newborns into potentially unstable positions.

If there are older siblings (particularly toddlers) involved, extra care should be taken to ensure that the babies are always safe. We typicallly composite images of siblings in photoshop to safely get them into one image together. If you do attempt an image with a toddler holding his or her siblings, always have an assistant and a parent on either side in case they suddenly decide they no longer want to participate.

DIY Safety Tips for Parents

If you’re attempting some simple twin photos at home:

• Never pose both babies together without adult hands supporting each one
• Avoid elevated surfaces that the babies could fall off of. The safest position is at ground level looking up.
• Focus on simple side-by-side positioning rather than complex arrangements
• Have your partner help – twin photography is definitely a two-person job

Unique Posing Ideas for Twin Newborn Sessions

Classic Newborn Twin Photography Poses That Always Work

Side by Side: The simplest and safest approach, placing babies side by side on a soft blanket or in a large basket with individual support.

Head to Head: Positioning babies so their heads are touching, creating a heart shape with their bodies. This works beautifully for showing their size comparison and connection.

Individual Portraits: Never underestimate the power of individual portraits of each twin. Parents treasure these images showing each baby’s unique features and personality. I love to photograph twins in coordinated colors without being 100% matchy matchy.

Creative Setups for Boise Families

Themed Arrangements: We love incorporating elements meaningful to Boise families – perhaps subtle nods to our beautiful foothills or outdoorsy lifestyle through props and colors.

Size Comparison: Twins are often different sizes, and parents love images that show this sweet difference. Using similar poses for each baby highlights their individual characteristics while celebrating their twinship.

Family Integration: Including parents and siblings creates beautiful family portraits that show the complete picture of your growing family.

Managing the Challenges of Newborn Twin Photography Sessions

Extended Session Times

Here’s what I’ve learned after photographing dozens of twin sessions: expect everything to take longer. While a standard newborn session runs about 90 minutes, twin sessions easily stretch to 3 hours. Why? Baby A might eat perfectly on schedule while Baby B decides they’re not hungry for another 30 minutes. Then when you finally get both babies settled and ready for that adorable side-by-side pose, one inevitably needs a diaper change.

I always tell twin parents during our consultation that patience is our best friend during these sessions. Each baby deserves individual attention and individual portraits, which naturally extends our time together. The good news? This relaxed pace often results in better images because we’re not rushing anyone.

Temperature and Comfort

Just like singleton newborn sessions, the studio needs to be warm for twin photography. I set our entire studio temperature between 75-80°F. You can also use heating pads and space heaters to supplement warmth, but make sure that heating pads are never directly on baby – always remove them from the setup before placing the baby there. Similarly, don’t point space heaters directly at the babies.

With twins, I often have a parent cuddle the second twin while my assistant and I get the first twin positioned. This keeps both babies comfortable while we work through individual portraits and setups. There’s nothing quite like getting one baby perfectly positioned only to have their twin wake up because they got chilly during the wait.

Parent Involvement and Support for Newborn Twins

Twin parents arrive at our studio in a completely different state than parents with one newborn. They’re often running on even less sleep, juggling twice the feeding schedules, and honestly, they’re a bit overwhelmed. I’ve found that longer consultation calls before the session help tremendously – we discuss timing, set realistic expectations, and I make sure they know this session is about working with their babies’ rhythms, not against them.

During the session, I keep snacks, coffee, and comfortable seating available. I like that tell parents that they’re welcome to hover and watch or just check out and mindlessly scroll their phone for a bit. Sometimes parents need to sit down and just breathe for a moment, and sometimes their worry for the babies keeps them close. I’m comfortable with both! I’ve even had dads fall asleep on our studio bed during longer sessions, and that’s perfectly fine too. We’re all here to support each other through this process.

Investment Considerations for Newborn Twin Photography Sessions

Why Some Twin Sessions Cost More

Many photographers charge extra for twin sessions because they require significantly more time and often bringing in additional help they don’t usually have on hand. The extended session time, need for an extra assistant, and more complex editing work naturally increases their costs.

Our Approach at Glean & Co

At Glean & Co, we don’t charge extra for newborn twin photography sessions. However, we do highly recommend booking our luxury session so that we have the most time possible to work with both babies’ schedules. We already have a safety assistant present for all of our shoots, so you’re not paying extra for that essential support.

The luxury session also includes a same-day ordering appointment, which means you don’t have to make the trek back across town with two babies in tow just to view and select your images. After a 3-4 hour session, the last thing new twin parents want to think about is scheduling another appointment and getting both babies ready for another outing.

Can You DIY Twin Newborn Photography?

Finding the Right Newborn Twin Photographer in Boise

Questions to Ask Potential Photographers

• How many twin sessions have you photographed? Experience matters significantly with twins.
• Do you have newborn safety certification? This is non-negotiable for safe twin posing.
• Will you have an assistant for the session? Twin sessions require multiple hands for safety.
• What’s your approach to twin posing? Look for photographers who prioritize safety and use composite techniques when appropriate.
• Can I see a complete twin gallery? This shows their full range of twin photography skills.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Photographers without specific twin experience
• Studios that don’t mention safety protocols
• Unrealistic promises about session timing
• Non-newborn specialists – this isn’t the time to hire your wedding photographer, even if she was amazing.

Preparing for Your Newborn Twin Photography Session

For Parents: Session Day Success Tips

Feeding Strategy: Try to coordinate feeding times so both babies eat about 30 minutes before your session start time. Assume that babies will want to eat more frequently- modeling is hard work!

Bring Backup: Extra diapers, wipes, bottles, and comfort items for both babies. A lot of studios (ours included!) have supplies on hand too in case you forget something.

Dress Comfortably: If you’re nursing you’ll want to be able to have easy access and the studio is hot! We recommend layers, particularly for dads who tend to run warm. Bring your photoshoot clothing separately and change when it’s time for family photos. (Or use your photographers client closet! Ours is full of postpartum friendly and beautiful photoshoot ready options.)

Manage Expectations: Understand that twin sessions require patience and flexibility. There likely will be some crying, but that comes with the territory. If you’ve hired a seasoned professional with twin experience they’ll have plenty of tricks to settle babies and get great shots, even if there is a little fussing involved.

For Photographers: Professional Preparation

Pre-Session Consultation: Spend extra time discussing the session flow, timing, and parent expectations. Make sure you have amazing communication leading up to the babies’ arrival as well as before, during and after the session.

Studio Setup: Prepare multiple setups in advance to minimize transition time between poses. I always have a general idea of the shots I’d like to accomplish but am realistic in knowing that sometimes babies have ideas of their own and we need to pivot. With twins in particular its incredibly helpful to practice baby-led posing to optimize your time and make sure you’re getting beautiful images of both babies individually and together.

Assistant Briefing: Ensure your assistant understands twin safety protocols and their role in the session. Have them help you keep on track with your shot list and that you have even amounts of images of both babies.

Equipment Check: Double-check heating equipment, backup props, and safety gear. Have extra batteries on hand for your camera, strobe and flash trigger. Also make sure your phone has plenty of space to get behind the scenes videos! Social media loves a twin shoot.

Why Twin Photography Matters to Families

Photographing twins means capturing two individual babies and their connection from day one. These sessions often become some of our most valued work because we’re documenting the start of a relationship that will shape both children throughout their lives.

The early weeks with twins can be exhausting, but having professional portraits from this time becomes increasingly meaningful as the years pass. Parents consistently tell us how much they treasure having these images on their walls.

Whether you choose to work with a professional photographer or try some simple shots at home, the goal is straightforward: document these two new lives and your growing family. In Boise’s community of families, twin photography helps parents preserve memories from a time that feels overwhelming in the moment but becomes precious in hindsight.

Ready to schedule your twin newborn session? Contact us at Glean & Co Photography to discuss how we can create safe, beautiful portraits of your twins. Our newborn safety-certified team has extensive experience with twin photography and can help you document this important time.

Paige McLeod is the owner of Glean & Co Photography in Boise, Idaho, specializing in luxury newborn and family photography. With over 25 years of photography experience and newborn safety certification, she has photographed hundreds of newborns, including many sets of twins, in her custom lifestyle studio.