How to Include Siblings in Newborn Shoots
When one becomes two, one tends to feel a little left out. Let’s make sure they don’t!
Odds are you’re already navigating the nuances of sibling jealousy with a newborn at home. If this is making you nervous about booking a newborn shoot with me, that’s totally normal. And also, I’ve got you covered!
1. Go with the (mood) flow.
I work with your kids' moods and not against them. Being a mom myself definitely helps me here, but the aim of the game is to tailor the session towards how the older sibling(s) are experiencing the shoot. If they’re feeling like being centre stage or if they need a break, we work around it and remove any pressure on anyone to perform.
2. Routine matters, mom.
Let’s schedule the session around your routine. This goes for all shoots, obviously, but in this particular case, I’d focus on the oldest child’s routine. The best time to shoot is when they’ve had something to eat and aren’t tired. I find mid-morning generally works best, but this is always a case by case scenario.
3. Lights, camera, big sibling in action.
The main point of a newborn shoot is to not only show off the little one, but to also capture the family. And in doing so, I prioritise taking a photo of the big sister or bother, too. This way, they don’t feel left out, and they have their own moment to shine, which reminds them that they are still so loved. It’s also incredibly important to get snaps of the newest little with the OG little, so they are seen as a unit, rather than one getting all the attention.
BONUS: Timing is everything.
Sometimes kids can get overwhelmed by having a new baby in the family and it can take them a little while to adjust. If that’s the case, I generally recommend scheduling our photoshoot for when your newborn is around the 6 week mark. The whole reason we want to include siblings in a newborn shoot is to capture the bond growing between them and this helps me celebrate that bond authentically.
I could go on with this list, not only because I’ve got years of experience to draw on, but because I really love what I do and capturing the love between siblings is a magical experience every time.
If you want to book your shoot with me, my inbox is always open!