Newborn Photo Shoot With Siblings
Why newborn family photography?
Okay, so let’s be honest! Newborn, sibling, family photography can be a bit of a challenge. When a new baby arrives in a family you really don’t know how the older siblings are going to respond. Sometimes they love them and can’t get enough of the new baby and sometimes they don’t want to be anywhere that new baby that is taking time and attention away that they are used to having. The ones that really keep you guessing the siblings age Two and under! I always warn parents that it could get interesting and not to hang on to hope that this will happen. And then many times I surprise myself when I have my ways and we get perfect newborn and sibling photos.
What’s important for newborn & sibling photographs
One of the most important things to remember for newborn sibling family photography is that many times we just have to let kids be themselves and not push it. I always aim for two different poses with siblings. It’s awesome when we get both but often you just need one perfect image and all is right in the world. My favorite is always if baby and big brother/sister will lay facing up on a beautiful flokati rug. I love this because they can get more cheek to cheek and this is much easier than a toddler trying to hold the baby and keeps baby safe. This is most helpful if the older sibling is okay with being close to the new baby.
It’s also important to make sure that you’re fully prepared for your session ahead of time.
Options for newborn sibling poses
If not, we go with plan B. I love doing a sitting photo and make sure that baby is nice and swaddled with head and neck support. I have big brother/sister sit criss-cross-apple-sauce and then we can have baby upright in their lap with arms folded for support. Most important is that mom or dad is sitting aside for a quick grab if needed!! And of course this all comes complete with playing peek-a-boo and singing all those favorite baby songs.
Posing and styling tips for sibling photoshoots
Posing siblings for a photoshoot can be a fun and creative process. It’s all about capturing their unique personalities and the bond they share in a natural and authentic way. Sometimes my favorite sibling images is with the older siblings expressions. I love when they are looking at me with a straight face as much as a smile or cheeky grin. Here are some tips to help you achieve stunning results:
- Encourage interaction: Instead of having the siblings pose stiffly, encourage them to interact with each other. This could be through a playful game, a secret whisper, or even a simple hug. Capturing these genuine moments of connection will bring out the true essence of their relationship.
- Mix up the poses: Instead of sticking to the traditional lineup, experiment with different poses and compositions. Have the siblings stand, sit, or lie down in various arrangements. This will add variety to the photos and showcase the different dynamics between the siblings. Many of my clients like to line them up in birth order if they have more than three kiddos. But I do like to mix it up so that we can get some surprise reactions as well.
- Capture individuality: While the focus is on the bond between siblings, it’s also important to capture their individual personalities. Allow each sibling to have their moment in the spotlight by taking individual portraits or capturing their unique interests and hobbies. This is a great way to get a child who is shy. I like to play some peek-a-boo and they usually loosen up. After this, they seem to be ready to “play” with their newborn sibling.
- Use props and accessories: Props and accessories can add an extra layer of creativity and personalization to the photoshoot. Consider incorporating items that hold sentimental value to the siblings, such as a favorite toy, musical instrument, or sports equipment. These props can help tell a story and create a more meaningful connection in the photographs. I also keep little stuffies on hand. They are small enough to hold but they don’t distract from the photos. Sweet and simple and they do feel special when they get to hold something that baby does not.
- Pay attention to body language: Body language speaks volumes in photographs. Encourage the siblings to lean on each other, hold hands, or even playfully push each other. These subtle gestures can convey the depth of their bond and create visually striking images. I try not to go overboad with this if possible. Sometimes it can end up in rough housing and then we kinda have to start over.
Remember, the key to a successful sibling photoshoot is to create a relaxed and enjoyable environment where the siblings can be themselves. Let their natural interactions and personalities shine through, and you’ll capture the essence of their family love.
Props and accessories to enhance the photoshoot
A siblings’ photoshoot is an opportunity to showcase the unique personalities and relationships between brothers and sisters. To enhance the overall aesthetic and add a touch of creativity, props and accessories can be used.
- Vintage-inspired Props: Vintage props such as suitcases, old books, or antique furniture can add a nostalgic and timeless feel to the photos. These props can be used to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, capturing the essence of sibling love. Several of my clients will incorporate a speical blanket that was made which is a great touch.
- Nature-inspired Accessories: Incorporating natural elements like flower crowns, flower petals, or even a simple picnic setup can create a whimsical and ethereal ambiance. This can be particularly effective for outdoor photoshoots, where the beauty of nature can be used as a backdrop.
- Coordinating Outfits: Dressing siblings in coordinating outfits can create a sense of unity and harmony in the photos. This can be done by choosing colors that complement each other or by opting for identical clothing pieces. Matching outfits not only create a visually appealing composition but also symbolize the bond and connection between siblings. If matching, keep the print/pattern in lighter tones so that it doesn’t distract from the photo.
- Personalized Props: Using props that hold sentimental value can add a personal touch to the photoshoot. This can include items such as childhood toys, favorite books, or objects that represent shared hobbies or interests. Incorporating these personalized props can help tell a unique story and evoke cherished memories. One of my favorite personal props was a blanket that was made from their grandpa’s shirt. The front side had the snaps and pockets and the backside was soft minky fabric. Their grandpa passed away so that was for sure a special nod to him.
Remember, the goal of using props and accessories is to enhance the overall theme and story of the photoshoot. It’s important to strike a balance between creativity and simplicity, ensuring that the focus remains on the siblings and their bond.
In today’s busy world, family bonds are more important than ever. And what better way to capture the love and connection than through a siblings’ photoshoot?
From playful laughter to tender embraces, the siblings in these stunning photographs embody the true meaning of unconditional support and camaraderie. Each image is a testament to the unbreakable bond that siblings share, a bond that lasts a lifetime. Even if they don’t realize it immediately they will learn to love and appreciate their siblings. I’m an only child and always wish I had a sibling to live life with.
Featuring a variety of poses and settings, this siblings’ photoshoot showcases not only their individual personalities but also their collective strength as a unit. When they are simply sharing a quiet moment, the love between siblings radiates from every frame.
With a skillful photographer behind the lens, this photoshoot captures the genuine emotions and genuine connection that exists within this family. It serves as a reminder to all of us to cherish and celebrate the bonds we share with our own siblings.
Well, and let’s be honest again…having adorable kids helps too. But they are all adorable and keep in mind that sometimes you just have to let them be themselves. That may not feel perfect at the moment but when they are grown and gone these photos will give you a wonderful memory of how they were as tiny humans. The pictures I have of my very own kids when we did their sibling photos are some of my all time favorites and I can just picture how they were at the stage, attitude and all! So don’t be nervous just let it happen 🙂 Don’t sweat the photography session, we will help check that off your list!
If you are looking for a skilled newborn photographer in the Austin area, be sure and contact us here and we can chat about options with siblings. Thank you so very much!
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