How I approach siblings during lifestyle newborn sessions
We scheduled your family newborn session at your home. You’ve found the perfect outfit, decluttered your house, fed your tiny infant, and think everything is ready to go. Then, out of nowhere, your 2-year-old has a tantrum and refuses to take family portraits.
As a mom myself, we all know that toddlers can have intense emotions and “moments.” It is natural for their age, especially when they are experiencing significant changes, such as the arrival of a new sibling. However, as a mom and a newborn photographer, I do know these meltdowns can be avoided with some simple tricks and proper planning.
Below are a few of those things I do as a newborn and family photographer to ensure we walk away with good family photos and sibling shots during an in-home newborn photo shoot.
Schedule your newborn session at a time that suits your toddler.
When you book a newborn photoshoot with me, I will send you a questionnaire to complete. This helps me get to know your little family well before our session. If you have older children, I need to know their ages and if they have nap time. We then schedule the session at a time that makes sense for your toddler, ensuring they are well-rested before I arrive.
Your toddler is the star of the show.
Yes, they are, and I will ensure they feel this way every single time. When I come into your home, the first thing I do is introduce myself to your toddler and get to know them. I ask them all sorts of questions about their favorite foods, toys, and what they think of their new sibling. I take photos of them by themselves because they are just as important as the new baby. Adjusting to new changes at home can be complex and confusing for a big brother or sister, so I must approach our photoshoot by including them as much as possible.
Start with siblings and family portraits first, well maybe…
This always just depends, and I always have to go with the flow, but I do try to take photos of siblings and family first. I never want your toddler to feel like they are just waiting around and then getting bored. If they are not feeling it at first, then we skip it, but I always try to right away, plus it is always about the sibling, so we have to get those photos!
We Play, Dance, Sing. . .
Sometimes, kids don’t want to say ‘cheese’ and smile at the camera, and even if they do, they only do it for a brief moment. We play instead. I always have prompts to get your family moving and interacting with each other. I never want a session with me to feel like a task or a drawn-out photoshoot. I would rather capture the real moments and emotions. When fun happens, magic candid moments happen.
Allow your toddler to be my helper.
I always call them my little helpers during our session, because they are! Siblings can always be a huge help during a newborn photoshoot. I have had several sessions completely turn around when I allow the older sibling to help me. All of a sudden, they feel important, empowered, and proud. I am happy to have them take some photos, show me around the house, pick out outfits for the new baby, or have them help me get a blanket for the baby. The goal is to get them involved and make them feel valued in any way possible.
Take Snack Breaks
Toddlers get fussy when they are hungry, so I always encourage my families to take breaks and have a snack. There is no rush to our sessions. As a mom myself, my toddler eats small snacks all the time! It is so important for kids to take breaks, rest, and eat!
As an Austin newborn and family photographer, it’s essential that my clients feel at home during their newborn lifestyle sessions. Every single family is unique, so during our session, we take our time, take breaks, and go with the flow. The session should feel natural and just another day at home. I would love to be considered to tell your story and get beautiful portraits of your family.
I offer newborn photography services in the Austin area and throughout Waco, Texas. I am a family and newborn photographer based in Belton, Texas.
-Malinda Sloan
Newborn and Family Photographer in Central Texas
