Welcoming Stykeman Triplets: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Once-in-a-Lifetime Newborn Session
As a professional newborn photographer, each session I photograph is a unique and special experience, but photographing newborn triplets is a rare and extraordinary honor. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to capture three brand-new lives, just a few days old.
Photographing one newborn requires a high level of training, experience, and skill. But a session with triplets? That takes everything to a whole new level.
Safety First—Always
Above all else, safety is the absolute top priority. When handling three delicate newborns at once, every move must be intentional and cautious. Each baby must be supported and monitored at all times, which is why no image is ever captured without at least one or often two trained assistants just outside the frame. Posing triplets requires a deep understanding of infant physiology, gentle transitions, and constant awareness of circulation, temperature, and comfort.
Every assistant on set are skilled and trained in newborn handling and positioning. We worked as a team, moving slowly, communicating constantly, and keeping the babies’ well-being at the forefront. Nothing was rushed, and no pose was forced. If a baby needed to pause for a feeding, cuddle, or diaper change, we did exactly that—because comfort comes before any photo.
Planning Is Everything
Triplet sessions are not something you “wing.” From the very first consultation with the parents, we discussed expectations, timelines, feeding and sleep schedules, and comfort items. We planned out color palettes and prop combinations that would complement each baby while keeping the overall setup cohesive.
Before the session, I spent hours prepping the studio: warming the space to a safe and cozy temperature, setting up each pose station with safety padding, and staging props so that transitions between setups would be seamless and gentle.
Photographing Triplets (Multiples) vs. A Single Newborn
While a typical newborn session focuses on tuning in to the needs of one baby, triplet sessions require careful attention between three distinct personalities and rhythms. Some moments called for capturing them all together—entwined in a way that mirrors how they were in the womb—while others called for individual portraits or sibling pairings. The challenge is finding harmony in the differences.
Timing, patience, and flexibility are crucial. It’s not unusual for one baby to be alert while another is asleep, and so we adjust the flow accordingly. It’s a slower process, yes, but it’s also deeply rewarding.
The Joy in the Complexity
Despite the complexity, there’s nothing like the joy of photographing triplets. Seeing three perfect little faces snuggled together in a peaceful moment is pure magic. And for the parents—often overwhelmed and sleep-deprived—it’s a deeply emotional gift to see their babies captured beautifully, safely, and lovingly.
I’m grateful for the trust that families place in me and my team. Sessions like this are why I do what I do—to preserve the most fleeting moments of new life with artistry, safety, and heart.
With the right training, a solid plan, and a trusted team, sessions like these are not only possible—they’re unforgettable.
Thank you to the Stykeman family for trusting me with your precious babies. Also, I big THANK YOU to Stacey Ash of Stacey Ash Photography for all her help. Here is a look at some behind-the-scenes, video highlight, and a few final images from their session.
