Welcoming a new baby is a beautiful experience for the entire family, especially for siblings who are adjusting to their new role. Including siblings in a newborn photoshoot not only enhances the family story but also helps foster a sense of connection and belonging. In this blog post, I’ll share tips and ideas on how to make siblings feel special during a newborn session, along with creative ways to capture the sweet bond between them.


1. Preparing Siblings for the Session

When involving siblings in a newborn session, it’s helpful to prepare them ahead of time. Let them know they’ll get to take pictures with their new baby brother or sister and how exciting it is to capture these moments. Giving them a sense of responsibility can make them feel important and involved.

If the sibling is very young, I’ll keep things light-hearted and fun, encouraging them to hold hands, give gentle kisses, or simply lie down next to the baby. For older siblings, I may even ask them to “help” during the session by holding a blanket or picking out a prop, which can help them feel connected to the process.


2. Choosing the Right Time and Setting

I often start the session with sibling shots, especially if they’re younger. Toddlers and young children may have shorter attention spans, so capturing their photos first ensures we get those sweet moments before they’re ready to run off and play.

For the setting, I like to create a cozy, intimate environment where the sibling can interact naturally with the baby. Whether it’s a fluffy rug, a soft blanket, or a warm bed, the right setting helps siblings feel relaxed and at ease, creating a comfortable space for genuine interactions.


3. Capturing Simple, Sweet Moments

When it comes to posing, I keep things simple and let the moments unfold naturally. Here are a few ideas I love for sibling and newborn shots:

  • Holding Hands: A sibling gently holding the baby’s tiny hand is a timeless and heartwarming pose that captures the bond between them.
  • Kisses on the Forehead: I might ask the sibling to give the baby a gentle kiss on the forehead or cheek, which makes for a sweet and tender moment.
  • Snuggling Close: Having the sibling lie next to the baby or snuggle close on a blanket creates a cozy and intimate feel.
  • Whispering Secrets: For older siblings, I sometimes ask them to “whisper a secret” to the baby. This often leads to natural smiles and laughter, making for a fun and unique shot.


4. Involving Props and Personal Items

Props can add a layer of creativity and fun to sibling and newborn shots. For example:

  • Favorite Toy or Blanket: Including a beloved toy or blanket can help the sibling feel more comfortable and engaged.
  • Matching Outfits: If the family has chosen matching outfits or complementary colors, this can create a unified and polished look in the photos.
  • Books: A sibling reading or holding a storybook next to the baby adds an element of storytelling to the shoot. It also creates a sense of shared activity that can make older siblings feel more involved.


5. Encouraging Connection and Interaction

The goal of a sibling and newborn session is to capture the genuine connection between them. I often let siblings play or interact freely with the baby to capture unscripted moments. This could be a tickle, a gentle touch, or even a curious look. By letting siblings engage with the baby in their own way, we can capture unique expressions and gestures that reflect their personalities and bonds.


6. Celebrating the Sibling’s Role

During the session, I make sure to celebrate the sibling and their role in the family. I’ll often take a few solo shots of the sibling to make them feel special, acknowledging their important role in the family’s new chapter. This can help them feel included and valued, which comes through beautifully in the photos.


7. Be Ready for the Unexpected

Working with siblings, especially younger ones, can bring surprises. Sometimes they might want to interact in their own way, whether it’s playing peek-a-boo or suddenly giving the baby a big hug. These spontaneous moments often result in the most memorable photos, so I always stay ready to capture whatever comes naturally.


8. Making the Session Fun and Enjoyable

To keep the sibling engaged, I incorporate fun elements into the session, like letting them choose a prop, asking them to make silly faces, or playing their favorite song in the background. A relaxed, fun atmosphere helps the sibling feel at ease, leading to authentic smiles and interactions.