Welcoming a new baby into the family is a special milestone, not just for parents but for siblings as well. Including older brothers and sisters in your in-home newborn photography session can result in heartwarming and memorable images that celebrate the bond of family. As a Concord newborn photographer, I have these tips for making the most of these moments and ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved.
1. Plan Around Their Schedule
Young children have limited attention spans and their best moods often depend on the time of day. Scheduling the session during a time when siblings are well-rested and fed can help create a more cooperative and cheerful atmosphere. Morning sessions are often a great choice for this reason.
2. Prepare Them Ahead of Time
Talk to older siblings about the session in advance. Let them know how special it is to welcome their new sibling and explain what will happen during the photoshoot. Let them know the photographer is a friend so they can feel more comfortable. You can even show them examples of sibling photos to build excitement.
3. Keep It Simple and Fun
Children respond well to simple instructions and playful environments. Incorporate activities that make them feel included, like reading a story to the baby, cuddling on a cozy bed, or gently kissing the baby’s forehead. This keeps the session lighthearted and produces authentic, loving interactions.
4. Let Them Be Themselves
Encourage siblings to express their personalities. Whether they’re full of energy or a little shy, capturing their natural behavior leads to genuine moments. Some of the best photos come from candid interactions rather than perfectly posed shots.
5. Create a Comfortable Space
Having the session at home is already a big plus for comfort, but you can go further by setting up cozy and inviting spaces. Use a favorite couch, a big bed with soft blankets, or even the floor for a relaxed vibe. Let siblings bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal if it helps them feel at ease.
6. Be Patient and Flexible
Working with young children requires patience and adaptability. Some siblings may need breaks, reassurance, or time to warm up to being in front of the camera. Build extra time into the session to accommodate their needs without feeling rushed.
7. Capture Individual and Group Moments
While the focus is on the sibling-baby connection, don’t forget to photograph each sibling individually with the baby, as well as all the children together. These combinations create a variety of images for families to treasure.
8. Celebrate Their Role as Big Brother or Sister
Make the older siblings feel proud of their new role by giving them special attention during the session. Praise their efforts, thank them for being such great helpers, and make it clear how important they are to the story of their growing family.
9. End with a Reward
Consider ending the session with a small treat or activity that the siblings enjoy. This leaves them with positive memories of the experience and makes them more likely to cooperate in future photoshoots. Including siblings in a newborn photography session not only adds depth and warmth to the images but also creates a meaningful experience for the entire family. By planning thoughtfully and embracing the joy of siblinghood, you’ll capture moments that families will cherish for a lifetime.
Book your Concord Newborn Photographer
Visit Laurie LaPorte Photography to book your Concord, New Hampshire area in-home newborn session.
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