How to Incorporate Siblings into Newborn Sessions | Chicago Illinois newborn photographer

Newborns

Newborn photography is such an adventure and every session brings on a new set of challenges.  Each baby is so unique and every family has a different dynamic.  I absolutely love incorporating siblings into newborn sessions and showcasing their special bond.  Is there anything sweeter than a big brother with his new brother or a big sister singing gently to her new baby sister?  In this blog post I am going to show you how to incorporate siblings into newborn sessions!

How to Incorporate Siblings into Newborn Sessions

I would love to share some easy ways on how to incorporate siblings into newborn sessions seamlessly.  Upon arrival I ask mom or dad to dress the big brother or sister into their outfit of choice and have them ready at all times.   Throughout the session, I incorporate both parents and siblings and sometimes siblings naturally go to the baby and I can capture those candid moments.

If the baby comes to the studio asleep I start with them immediately.  I try to get one or two backdrops before I call the big brother or sister over.  I have them gently kiss the top of the baby’s head and then move them to the baby’s feet.  If the sibling is younger, or doesn’t want to kiss the baby, I hide one Smarties candy next to the baby’s head and I ask mom and big brother or sister to find the candy.  Most of the time brother or sister gets real close to the newborns face and it’s just the sweetest scene.

Later in the session when baby is starting to wake up, I will swaddle them, and have the siblings hold them or lay gently next to them.  Safety is always my biggest concern and I will never have a young sibling hold baby.

In this image, this big sister was so nurturing to her baby sister and loved holding her.  There were so many sweet moments between the two of them.

Six months later this same big sister carried her baby sister in a field during our family session together.  They have such an incredible bond.  To see more from this family lifestyle session, visit a recent blog post about this gorgeous family.

I hope you found this blog post informative and helpful.  I will be offering mentoring to a small group of photographers in 2018.  Contact me for details!

About Laurie

Laurie Baker, photographer behind Elle Baker Photography is a Chicago based newborn and family photographer.  She services the south suburbs including but not limited to Naperville, Burr Ridge, and Hinsdale.  To read more about her, visit her ABOUT page!  If you are interested in booking your session, simply CONTACT her and she will be in touch!