Hi, I’m Zara—a full-time working mom living in the USA with my energetic little boy, Ethan. Like many moms, my days are a whirlwind of Zoom meetings, school pickups, meal preps, and bedtime stories. Amidst the hustle, I’ve come to realize how quickly time flies, especially when it comes to our children growing up. One day they’re crawling, the next they’re sprinting across the playground.
So when my sister had her second child and asked me to help with a sibling photoshoot, I jumped at the chance. Not only was it a beautiful opportunity to bond, but it also sparked my own desire to capture more moments of Ethan with his cousins—and someday, maybe, with a sibling of his own. Over time, I’ve learned how to make the most of these shoots, even with a jam-packed schedule and a million other things on my plate.
Here’s my heartfelt, firsthand guide to sibling photoshoots, sprinkled with real-life lessons, struggles, and practical tips to help you treasure these moments—without losing your mind.
1. Making Time When There’s No Time
Time is our most precious (and most elusive) resource. Between work deadlines and family responsibilities, it’s hard to carve out extra hours for a photoshoot. I used to feel overwhelmed even thinking about it. But here’s the trick: don’t wait for the “perfect time”—it doesn’t exist.
Instead, weave the shoot into your regular routine. For instance, Sunday mornings after breakfast became our go-to. The kids were fed, happy, and the light coming through the window was just perfect. If you’re scheduling with a photographer, aim for a short session—30 to 45 minutes tops. Kids have limited attention spans, and honestly, so do we moms.
Quick Tip: Block the time on your calendar like an important meeting. Treat it as non-negotiable—you deserve it.
2. Photoshoot Ideas That Feel Natural and Fun
Forget stiff poses and forced smiles. The magic happens when kids are just being themselves. Some of my favorite shots are of Ethan and his cousin making silly faces, reading books together, or chasing bubbles in the backyard. Here are some ideas to try:
- Storytime Snaps: Set up a cozy reading corner with books and blankets. Let them read to each other—or pretend to. It’s adorable either way.
- Pajama Party: Capture bedtime routines—brushing teeth, jumping on the bed, sharing a story. These everyday moments are treasures.
- Dress-Up Fun: Let them wear costumes or themed outfits. Ethan once dressed as a mini chef while his cousin played the customer at their pretend restaurant.
- Seasonal Vibes: Autumn leaves, snowball fights, spring flowers—each season offers a unique backdrop.
Pro Tip: Keep a few props handy—bubbles, balloons, stuffed animals—to make things playful and relaxed.
3. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Essential
I’ll be honest: in the beginning, I felt guilty spending time planning photoshoots or doing something “extra” when there were a thousand tasks still pending. But eventually, I realized that these creative breaks were actually a form of self-care.
Taking photos became a way to slow down and be present. I wasn’t just checking off another box—I was connecting with my son, creating memories, and capturing joy. And yes, sometimes I even made it into the frame myself. Moms, we deserve to be in the pictures too.
Gentle Reminder: You’re not just making memories for them. You’re making them with them.
4. Overcoming the Guilt Trap
Mom guilt is real. Working full-time while trying to be a present, engaged parent often left me feeling like I was falling short on both ends. But what I’ve learned is that being a good mom doesn’t mean doing everything—it means doing what matters.
A photoshoot isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. When I let go of the pressure to make everything Pinterest-perfect, I found more joy in the mess—the cookie crumbs, the wrinkled clothes, the unexpected belly laughs.
Mantra to Repeat: “I am enough. This moment is enough.”
5. Balancing Work and Family Without Burning Out
Work-life balance is a myth if you think it means doing everything equally well all the time. What’s helped me is thinking of it more like a dance—sometimes work takes the lead, other times family does. The key is staying in rhythm.
Here’s what worked for me:
- Set Boundaries: When I’m with Ethan, I try (not always perfectly) to be fully present. That means turning off notifications and resisting the urge to check emails during family time.
- Ask for Help: I used to think I had to do it all. Now, I delegate—whether it’s asking my partner to prep snacks or hiring a teen neighbor to assist with the photoshoot.
- Plan Ahead: I keep a shared digital calendar for work and family events. It helps me avoid last-minute chaos.
Mom Hack: Use the timer on your phone and set it to 10 minutes. Focus on one task at a time. It’s amazing what you can get done in short, focused bursts.
6. Editing and Printing: Don’t Let Them Sit on Your Phone
We all have hundreds of photos sitting in our camera roll, waiting for “someday.” My advice? Don’t wait. Pick your favorites and print them out. Create a photo wall, a family album, or even a photo gift for the grandparents.
I started a monthly ritual where Ethan and I pick our top five photos and create a little scrapbook page. It’s become a sweet tradition—and something I hope he’ll treasure when he’s older.
Easy Idea: Use online services like Chatbooks, Shutterfly, or even Walgreens Photo for quick, affordable prints.
Final Thoughts: You Are Doing Your Best
To every mom reading this: I see you. I know how exhausting, beautiful, chaotic, and rewarding this journey is. Whether you’re capturing a perfect shot or snapping a blurry picture in the middle of a meltdown, you’re showing up. You’re creating memories. And that matters more than anything.
Don’t worry about being perfect. Worry about being present. The messy moments often become the most meaningful memories.
You’re doing an amazing job, mama. So grab that camera, embrace the chaos, and keep capturing the love.
With all my heart,
I’m Zara Michell
