Tips for preparing for your newborn photo session with older siblings
Bringing a new baby home is an adjustment for everyone, especially older siblings and pets, and there are a few tips I have to help prepare everyone and set some expectations.
As a Lancaster newborn photographer who has worked with countless families over the years, I have seen it all. Despite your home not being perfectly clean or everyone not being on their best behavior, rest assured we will capture some precious photographs of your family in this new season of life.
During your in home newborn session we always take our time and follow baby’s lead. If baby is fussy and needs a pause for a feeding or diaper change, that’s totally fine! If your toddler melts down and needs a snack or some quiet time, no problem! If you’re not quite ready when I arrive, please don’t stress. I’m a mom of three and I’ve been in your shoes. If you need me to hold your baby or play with your toddler for a moment while you finish getting ready, I am all for it!
I always make sure to introduce myself and allow everyone to warm up to me before I start taking photos. Usually I’ll ask siblings to show me around or give me a tour (and it’s helpful for me too so I know which spaces we’ll be taking photos in). I may even let them take a photo or two of their new baby sibling with my assistance :)
Beforehand: Don’t hype up the session too much but mention it in casual conversation so you can help set expectations. “In a few days a photographer will come to take some special photos of our family with your new baby brother/sister. Let’s look at some photos of you when you were a baby.”
Talk About It: A few days beforehand let them know about the session and talk about how exciting it is to be a big brother or sister.
Let Them Choose: Give them outfit choices. Or perhaps set aside a few outfits for baby and let them choose which one baby will wear first.
Give Them a Job: Tell them they are the helper of the photographer and if they want they can give a tour of baby’s room or the rooms where we might take photos.
Set Expectations: I’m not opposed to a bribe or reward after the photo session. Explain that they can have a special treat (perhaps a snack, activity, toy, or game) after photos.
Bring a Helper: While it’s not required, I’m very open to having a grandparent or family member present for the session as a helper. If it helps ease stress and make things easier for you to be present for your session, I’m all for it! And I’m always happy to snag a couple photos with Grandma or Grandpa too.
Pets Welcome Too: I know that pets are a part of your family too and if you’d like to include your dog or cat in photos, I’m fine with that! The only thing I ask is if at any point your pet seems distressed or anxious about my presence I would suggest moving them to a separate space for the duration of the photo session. I never want to risk anyone’s safety, and I completely understand how a pet might not be comfortable with a stranger in their home and could become uneasy or protective of the new baby.
During the session: We go with the flow, usually starting with family & sibling photos and take breaks as needed. I emphasize presence, comfort and connection over posed perfection.
Be Flexible: Every kid is different and while some might be super proud to show off their new baby sibling, others may not be interested at all. We will let them take their time to warm up. If something isn’t working, we can pause or have the sibling take a break with dad while I take photos of mom and baby by themselves or vice versa.
Give Them a Task or Activity: Ask them to get a swaddle for baby or show them a favorite stuffy. Maybe they can help brush or comb baby’s hair or help give them a pacifier or bottle. Perhaps they have a favorite song they could sing for baby. Snuggle up and read a book together or let them play with their favorite toys.
Take Sibling Photos First: Usually I’ll try to take photos of the whole family together first before toddlers get wiggly and lose interest. Depending on the age and number of siblings, sometimes I’ll have them lie down together to compare sizes- “How much bigger is your hand/foot than baby’s?” or I’ll have them show me how they hold and cuddle baby (with assistance from mom and dad).
Try to Avoid Screens: In my experience, allowing a toddler to be on a screen usually backfires and creates a meltdown if they are asked to turn off the screen at any point. I’m ok with playing music on a phone as long as they aren’t tempted to watch the screen or think it means viewing a video.
Timing is key: I schedule newborn sessions mid-morning around 10 a.m. when babies and toddlers tend to be happiest. If possible make sure everyone’s belly is full beforehand to help avoid hangry kids.
Embrace the chaos: Don’t worry if everyone is not on their best behavior. I am extremely patient and the goal is to capture the beauty of real, genuine, candid moments as they unfold. If one idea isn’t working, I am great at redirecting attention and switching gears if needed.
Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family, maternity, newborn and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA and beyond. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!
