Including Family & Sibling Photos In Your Newborn Photoshoot
Including Family & Sibling Photos In Your Newborn Photoshoot
You might be thinking of booking a photoshoot for your gorgeous newborn baby, but understandably, you're not sure if you can be bothered with the family or sibling photos with everything else you have going on. It's worth making the effort and in this blog, we'll explain why you'll be glad that you did and how we can make it easier for you.
Why family photos are important
Newborn photography isn't just about the baby—it's about the entire family. Including parents and siblings in the photoshoot allows you to capture the unique bonds and relationships that make each family special. These photos are cherished memories that families will treasure for years to come, offering a glimpse into a time when the new baby joined the family.
Why sibling photos are important
Including older siblings in the photoshoot helps to establish a bond between the siblings. Having a photo taken on their own with the new baby brother/sister is a big responsibility and gives them a sense of belonging and achievement. At a time when the new baby is getting a lot of focus and attention, it's an opportunity to shine the light on the older sibling and what an amazing big brother / sister they are.
What to wear
Considering what to wear ahead of your shoot is important so your family photos are all about your gorgeous smiles and you're not distracted by the person who turned up in the bright green football shirt 🙈. Our What To Wear Blog - gives lots of hints and tips to help you choose timeless outfits and make the photo all about your gorgeous smiles and your new baby.
Taking the family and sibling photos first
Ultimately we want your baby to be safe, warm, and comfortable - to make it perfect for them the studio is heated to a steady 25 degrees. This is lovely and cosy for the new baby who will be undressed at times or lightly wrapped. However.... it can be very warm for us adults so come dressed in layers so you can take them off as you need to and keep cool. This is also the reason for taking family and sibling photos first. While everyone is looking their best we get those all-important photos then you can sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the session while we photograph your gorgeous baby.
Keeping it simple
Typically, older siblings are 2, 3 years in age. At this age a photoshoot would normally be full of energy and fun, but with a newborn, we need to keep it calm and relaxed. We take the sibling photos really quickly, first demonstrating what's going to happen and even have a go at posing with a teddy in place of the new baby. This helps siblings to understand their role, gives us confidence that they will be comfortable and safe with the baby, and also puts the older sibling in the spotlight - best poser, best smile, best big brother/sister - then with just a few beautiful photos captured they're done and want to be on to the next more exciting thing, but we've got the shots we wanted - phew!!
Keeping big brother/sister occupied
Once the family and sibling photos are done, you are free to relax and enjoy some of the snacks and drinks we've provided for you. A lovely chance for parents to take a much-deserved rest, but as a 2 or 3 year old it's about to get very boring. We'd recommend that you bring books or toys, something to keep them occupied for the rest of the session. Not always possible but what always works well is if grandparents or a favourite Auntie comes and takes the older sibling for a fun play date - a nice reward for being so great during their part of the photoshoot. Looking for somewhere new for them to burn off some energy? Try Churwell Urban Woodland here in Morley, Leeds - just around the corner from our studio it's got fun things to climb on, secret corners to explore, a dipping pond and bird watching - hours of fun.
Drop me an email and ask me about capturing these memories for you and your family to treasure for years to come. Or, have a look at our package details and even more very cute baby photos.
Kate x