The thought of wrangling your older kids for a newborn session might seem like a lot, but I promise you, it’s just as easy to get beautiful images of them with their new baby, as it is for any other session type. Here’s how I photograph siblings in a newborn session!
When I have older siblings for my newborn sessions, I always start with some family photos of everyone first, and then move on to photos of all of the kids together. I like to get these shots done quickly before anyone can get bored, and since they’re pretty important photos, we wont have to worry about not having them if it doesn’t work out later. Usually by the time I get through these sets of images, everyone is comfy and things start getting silly- which I love. Gotta let those little personalities shine through! There will come a time during the session, where the older kids need a break from having to sit still, so I like to give them as many as they need.
While the older kids go play, I begin my shots of the baby with mom, dad, and the baby on their own. Having a grandparent or aunt/uncle around for these sessions is a great idea because they can help with the other kids while we work with the new babe! *Bonus- we can also get photos of the grandparent with the kids/baby. These always turn out so special!
At the end of the session, after I’ve gotten all of my must have shots, I’ll bring everyone back together again for a few more family/group shots, and then I try to snap some of the kids playing.
For this particular session, we had warm weather, so we got to go outside for some of the group photos. This family was so sweet, and the kids did amazing. At one point, their youngest (or second to youngest now) needed some extra entertainment while mom and dad were taking care of the others, so we sat down and read a quick book together. It made her so happy, and I think it helped her warm up to me a little bit more. Taking a quick break for any reason, is completely okay with me!
So here are some quick tips to help prepare for your newborn session with older siblings:
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This is always my first piece of advice for any session- don’t stress. I got this! I have my own young kids, so I am very familiar with keeping them happy and engaged. Plus, if you’re stressed, your kids will feed off of that, and if they’re anything like mine- they’ll turn into wild animals and rip all of your blankets off of your bed 🤣
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Have a back up activity for your older kids. Something like a coloring book or a new movie work great! This way, they’ll have something to keep them entertained and happy while we work with the baby alone.
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Snacks. So many snacks. Although you probably already know this. I’m not above bribery either, so if this is as much a part of your usual arsenal, as it is mine, go for it! (Just try to avoid anything that will stain their lips, cheeks or clothes).
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Because my newborn sessions tend to happen around noon (which is usually right around nap time), try not to worry about delayed/missed naps. I’ve never had a sleepy toddler not cooperate for sessions, because I always try to keep if fun for them. Kids always run my sessions, and I think that helps a ton. Worst case scenario, they crash right after I leave, and it’s only one day of a different nap routine. I promise you, the photos will be worth it!
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Have fun! I like for my newborn sessions with older kids to be just as fun and free as my family sessions. Tickles, snuggles, laughter, play. That’s what it’s all about!
I have to add this in- this family was my favorite. It was my first time meeting them, and it felt like we had all known each other for years. At the end of our session, the two oldest gave me a bouquet of flowers and I almost cried right then and there. It was the sweetest thing! I loved being able to document all of the special little things that make this family who they are. At the very end of our time together, we went back outside to play, and it was so fun taking photos of them in their element- scootering around, loving life! And maybe picking a nose or two 🤣
