How I handle newborn photos with older siblings // Columbus, Ohio newborn photographers
Those quiet, peaceful first days home with your newborn baby…yeah, not so much!
Did you go to a photography studio with your first baby, and have a quiet, cozy, EASY experience? But now your second, or third (etc etc) baby is here and you can’t even imagine packing up all of the things and convincing your older children to get in the car and then act natural in an unfamiliar space and get your partner excited for it too?! It’s too much effort, amiright? Fortunately there’s another way. A way truer to your story and much easier on your family.
Have you ever considered having a newborn photography session from the comfort of your home? Let me tell you how my approach to newborn sessions with older siblings creates the perfect experience for your whole family. Let’s face it: if the kids are happy, we’re all happy.
The details of your photography session are planned in advance…
…so that when I show up you are not stressed out. Remember that your kids will reflect your vibes right back to you. If you are relaxed, they are more likely to be relaxed. Prior to your session, we will come up with a color palette that works with your home so that you can figure out clothes well ahead of time. I have a style guide I send to each family, as well as pinterest inspiration boards and my own swaddles/blankets from home that I’m happy to lend. I’ll also do a virtual walk-through of your home to determine the best light and rooms we’ll be using. This way you don’t need to clean the entire house - just have one or two spaces ready for photos.
I treat big brother and sister like they are the stars of the show
Everyone has been fawning over baby, and whether you intend to or not, you can’t help but give the new baby more attention than older siblings - it’s necessary for their survival. But the new baby doesn’t need MY attention, which means I can lavish it on your older children. When I walk in the door, I treat them like the stars of the show. I ask them to give me a tour, show me their rooms, their pets, their favorite toys. I bring them a little gift. Once they feel seen and comfortable, they’re more likely to trust me when I make suggestions with regard to the photos.
Taking a break
This is when I can turn my attention to the new baby, and get some solo images of just her, and her with each/both parents. The older kids can have a break in the comfort of their home - grab a snack, watch a show, play outside, whatever makes sense for your family and will allow them to recharge. And then when your baby is ready for a break (to eat, change a diaper, etc), I can see what big brother and sister are up to and catch them in their natural environment. This makes for really fun candids!
What baby is up to while the kids are getting a break
Let’s regroup
Towards the end of the session everyone is usually very comfortable, they’ve gotten their wiggles out, baby is sleepy, and we can get some sweet and snuggly photos before I leave. At this point the kids have decided they like me and are open to my suggestions for poses, etc. Often my very favorite photos are taken in the last few minutes of a newborn photography session, which was the case with this family playing on their bed.
