Tempe, AZ Newborn Photographer: Why You Should Invite the Grandparents to Your In-Home Newborn Photo Session

So, you’ve just welcomed your sweet little bundle home, and now it’s time to capture all that new baby magic. You’ve booked your in-home newborn session (yay!) and you’re dreaming about cozy couch snuggles, tiny toes, and the occasional diaper blowout (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us). But here’s something you may not have thought about yet: inviting the grandparents to join in.

Now before you picture your entire extended family squeezed onto your living room sofa, let me explain why having grandparents at your newborn session can be pure magic.

1. Generational Love, Captured Forever

There’s something incredibly powerful about photographing three generations in one frame. Your baby nestled in Grandma’s arms? Grandpa beaming with pride as he gently holds those tiny fingers? Those are the kinds of photos that only grow more meaningful with time. Years down the road, when your little one is a lot less little, these images will tell the story of where they came from and who has loved them from the very beginning.

2. The Grandparent Glow Is Real

You’ve heard of “new parent glow,” right? (Okay, fine, it’s usually just sleep deprivation mixed with an over-consumption of coffee.) But the grandparent glow? That’s the real deal. Grandparents radiate pride, joy, and sometimes a little bit of mischief when they’re holding a brand-new grandbaby. It’s the kind of joy you can’t pose or fake—and I promise, it photographs beautifully.

3. Built-In Baby Calmers

Let’s be real: babies can sense when the spotlight’s on them. Sometimes they protest. Loudly. Grandparents, though, often have that magic touch that soothes even the fussiest of newborns. Having them around during the session can help everyone relax—parents included.

4. Memories for You, Too

These photos aren’t just for your baby’s future scrapbook. They’re also for you. When you look back on these moments, you’ll remember how Grandma cooed over those tiny eyelashes or how Grandpa sang the same silly song he used to sing to you. These are the kinds of memories you’ll treasure just as much as the posed baby-on-the-blanket shots.

5. Because Grandparents Love It

Let’s be honest—if you don’t invite them, they’ll probably ask why they weren’t invited. (And maybe remind you of it every Thanksgiving for the next decade.) Giving them the chance to be part of this milestone is a gift for them, too. And who doesn’t love making grandparents happy?

At the end of the day, your in-home newborn session is about telling the story of your family as it is right now—messy, sleepy, joy-filled, and overflowing with love. Grandparents are such a beautiful part of that story. So, if you’re on the fence about inviting them, consider this your gentle nudge (and your future self will thank you for it).

And don’t worry—I’ll make sure everyone looks good, even if Grandpa insists on wearing his favorite “World’s Best Grandpa” sweatshirt.

If you’re expecting and would like to plan for your own in-home newborn photo session, click here. I’d love to capture these precious memories with you.

Arizona In-Home Newborn Photographer | Shannon Ly Photography

To see more images from this in-home session with oh so snuggly grandparents, click here!