When you welcome a new baby into the family, the love you feel is multiplied by every person who already adores them. Grandparents especially carry a special excitement, and including them in your newborn photos with grandparents session is one of the most meaningful ways to honour that bond. Over the years, I have had the joy of capturing countless families in my Calgary studio, and I can tell you that the images featuring grandparents often become some of the most cherished keepsakes. In this post, I am sharing my tried and true tips for making grandparents feel comfortable, confident, and connected during your newborn session, so you walk away with timeless generational portraits.
Why Grandparents Belong in Your Newborn Session
The first few weeks with a newborn are a whirlwind of sweet chaos and tender moments. Grandparents are often part of that story from the very beginning, whether they are helping with siblings, bringing meals, or simply holding space for the new parents. Including them in your newborn session is not just about getting a pretty photo, it is about documenting that circle of love that supports your growing family.
The Emotional Value of Generational Portraits
As a photographer, I have watched grandparents tear up the moment they hold their grandchild in the soft studio light. These are the images that end up framed on mantels and shared across the country. They show your baby not just as an individual, but as part of a lineage. When your child grows up, they will see how deeply they were loved from day one, and that is a gift no digital file can replace.
A Calgary Photographer’s Perspective on Comfort
I have photographed many sessions where a grandparent arrived feeling a little nervous, worried they might disturb the baby or look awkward in front of the camera. But my style is gentle and relaxed, and I guide everyone through simple poses that feel natural. By the end, they are often surprised at how much fun it was. If you are wondering whether grandparents can be included, the answer is always yes. For more inspiration, Newborn And Family Photos With Grandparents from a fellow photographer echoes the same sentiment: these moments are precious and completely worth doing.
Wardrobe and Styling for Newborn Photos with Grandparents
One of the most common questions I receive is what grandparents should wear. The key is to coordinate without being matchy-matchy. I always recommend neutral, soft tones such as cream, taupe, blush, navy, or dusty blue. These colours complement the baby’s delicate skin and keep the focus on faces rather than clothing. Avoid large logos, busy patterns, and stark black, which can create harsh contrast against the baby’s subtle colours.
For grandmothers, a soft cardigan or a simple blouse works beautifully. For grandfathers, a classic button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up adds warmth and a relaxed feel. I also suggest bringing a second outfit option just in case, especially if they will be holding the baby directly against their clothing.
Posing Ideas for a Grandparent in a Newborn Session
With Both Grandparents
One of my favourite poses is having both grandparents sit together on a posing bench or a soft sofa, with the baby lying across their laps or cradled in their arms. This creates a lovely, grounded composition that shows the baby surrounded by love. I will adjust the baby’s position so their face is visible and their little hand rests on a grandparent’s finger for extra detail.
Solo Grandparent with Baby
Whether it is Grandma holding the baby close to her chest or Grandpa cradling the newborn while looking down, solo shots are intimate and powerful. I always capture both a close up of their hands gently supporting the baby and a wider portrait that includes their full torso to give a sense of scale. Grandparents often like to whisper to the baby or sing softly, and those candid moments produce the most genuine expressions.
Three Generations Together
When we add new parents into the frame, the portrait becomes a true family heirloom. I arrange the grandparents seated or standing behind the parents and baby, creating a layered composition. The parents can hold the baby while the grandparents rest a hand on their shoulder or back. This pose works wonderfully in my studio’s natural light setup, and I always make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Timing and Logistics for a Smooth Session
A newborn session is carefully paced around the baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule. When grandparents are involved, I recommend either scheduling their portion at the beginning of the session, right after the baby has been fed and is drowsy, or at the end, after we have captured all the solo newborn shots. I will work with your family to create a timeline that keeps everyone relaxed.
I also ask grandparents to bring a snack and water, and to arrive a few minutes early so they can settle in and meet the baby without rushing. The studio is climate-controlled and stocked with everything we need for a comfortable experience. If you have other children who will be joining, I suggest looking at my portfolio page for more details on how we handle siblings and family members together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grandparents in Newborn Photos
Can we include both sets of grandparents in the same session?
Absolutely. The studio space is large enough to accommodate up to six adults comfortably, and I simply stagger the groupings so that each couple gets their time with the baby. This way we capture individual shots, couple shots, and one large extended family portrait at the end.
What if a grandparent is not comfortable being photographed?
That is completely normal. I spend a few minutes chatting with them before we start to put them at ease. I also avoid overly posed or unnatural positions and instead guide them into gentle, relaxed interactions with the baby. Many grandparents tell me afterwards that they were surprised how effortless it felt. The goal is to document genuine connection, not perfection.
Do you have props or outfits for grandparents to use?
My studio is fully equipped with wraps, swaddles, hats, and headbands for the baby, but I encourage grandparents to bring their own clothing that makes them feel confident. I also recommend coordinating colours with the parents so the whole family looks cohesive.
If you are ready to include your loved ones in this beautiful experience, I would be honoured to be your photographer. I specialize in luxury newborn, maternity, and cake smash photography at my Calgary studio, and I pour every ounce of care into making your family feel welcome. Whether you want a simple grandparents + baby session or a full extended family affair, I have the expertise and the heart to create images you will treasure forever. Visit my website at Amanda Dams Photography to view my portfolio, explore session details, or reach out with any questions. I look forward to meeting your family and capturing this sweet season of life.
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