Keeping Big Siblings Comfortable During Your Newborn Photography Session
Creating Legacy Portraits With Stephanie Lozano
Big siblings are an important part of your newborn session! Aside from newborn portraits, I would guess family and sibling portraits are top favorites. And when you see photographs of your babies together, it will melt your heart! But sometimes getting siblings on board is not always seamless.
Especially if an older sibling is still young themselves, there can be lots of emotions surrounding another baby. If there is a particularly hard adjustment, or they are just not ready for photos, creating those forever memories you have in your head can be challenging. Not to worry! Having three kid of my own, I get it. All of the feelings are completely normal.
The first thing I remind families is to stay patient. Sometimes they may not be ready for photos right when I get there. That is ok! When I arrive, I try to read the room. Some siblings are super excited to see me and take pics (often ones I have met before!) If I pick up on this energy, that is where we will start. If I sense any hesitation, we really just ease into everything without any agenda or expectation.
For parents, if you think a sibling may be shy or nervous, it never hurts to prepare them a bit for me. This helps them feel a little more connected with me when I get there. Also, I always try to talk to siblings right away- I ask them questions, and get to know them. When they sense that they are not being asked to “perform,” they open up so much more.
Some siblings have never held their baby yet, while others are super comfortable. I take cues from what you as the parents say, and the energy that the sibling is giving off. I have “poses” and ways to get magical portraits for a variety of comfort levels. It is not just holding- it can be sitting or lying next to, holding hands, or simply just looking at them.
However your other kids choose to be, it is perfect! Remember these photos are not meant to show something that is not there. They are a snapshot of a real and honest moment. And however that moment goes, it is absolutely magical and your own.
