I love all the little squishy babies, but I also adore every unique and amazing older sibling!
I can’t even count the number of newborn sessions where, not long after, I get a message from the parents telling me their older kids were asking when they would get to take photos again or even if I could babysit them sometime. Haha! While, I might not be the best at tooting my own horn, there’s one thing I know I excel at: connecting with little kids and helping them come out of their shells.
The Secret to Connecting with Older Siblings
During newborn shoots, I always make it a point to be most aware of the older siblings. This is a major life transition for them, and I understand how it feels from their perspective. Of course, as a newborn photographer the parents and the newest member of the family are top of mind, but the baby is often blissfully unaware that they’ve rocked the family’s world. As adults, while this is a huge transition, we can move through it in ways that little ones aren’t capable of yet.
Embracing the Chaos
I come prepared and completely unfazed by tantrums, meltdowns, refusals to be near the new sibling, and even a few “Take the baby back” statements. My approach is rooted in understanding, compassion, and a sense of humor. I make it my mission to become buddies with the older siblings, ensuring they know they’re still a top priority. I want them to feel that I’m there for them just as much as I am for the baby.
Balancing Big Emotions and Love
Now, if you’ve gotten this far and thought, “Great, my older kids are going to hate the new baby,” that’s not my goal at all. I want you to know that little kids can show big feelings, while also loving their new sibling more than they can express. It’s perfectly normal for them to have mixed emotions during this time.
Capturing Genuine Connections
All of my sessions include moments of siblings connecting, even if it’s just for a brief moment. These moments matter. They are the ones your children will look back on when they are adults, reminiscing about their childhoods and how their bond grew from those early days into the best friends they are today.
Why These Moments Matter
My favorite part of being a documentary style newborn photographer is that I captures real, unposed moments. It’s not about forcing a smile or a perfect pose; it’s about capturing the genuine connections and emotions that make your family unique. When your children look back at these photos, they’ll see the love and the bond that started from the very beginning.
Final Thoughts
In the end, my goal is to create a relaxed, fun environment where every member of the family feels seen and valued. Whether it’s making silly faces, telling jokes, or simply being patient and understanding, I strive to make each session a positive experience for everyone involved.
So, if you’re worried about how your older kids will react to the new baby or how they’ll behave during the photo session, rest assured that I’ve got it covered. Let’s create some beautiful memories together that your family will cherish for years to come.
Click HERE to book me as your family’s newborn photographer!
