The Best Tips for Easy Newborn Photo Sessions with Kids
We all know getting kids to sit still and smile can feel impossible – but it doesn’t have to be the determining factor for success during your newborn photo session! Easy photo sessions with kids - especially when a new baby is involved - take a bit of planning, patience, and perspective. (Do you like the three “Ps”? ) Let’s get started! My goal for every family that walks through my photography studio door is to have a relaxed and joyful session resulting in memorable and authentic photos. As their photographer, preparing them before the session is key for a successful experience! Providing them with tips for making siblings feel special is part of the planning process.
Make it Fun!
Before the Shoot:
If you were a kiddo and your parents just brought home a new baby which seems to be taking up a lot of their time and attention, what would make you feel better? “We are going to a photo shoot for the baby and I want you to listen, smile nice at the camera, and hold your baby sister/brother nicely?” OR “We are going to celebrate our family today! We will have a special play time together, give each other lots of hugs, and even have cuddle time while Ann Marie takes our pictures. Can you show baby how to cuddle when we are there? The best thing is, when we are all done, you get to choose what kind of treat we will have!” How parents frame what a newborn session is going to be like is key to helping siblings want to participate in a joyful way. Presenting their newborn photo shoot as something fun while at the same time empowering and motivating big sister or brother will have positive results. It will become an experience the whole family enjoys rather than a “photo shoot” they suffer through!
At the Shoot:
I always lay out toys, books, and snacks before every family arrives! I welcome them at the door and my immediate attention goes to siblings. I greet them at their level, giving them space if they are shy, introduce them to my stuffed animal friends, show them the space, and invite them to feel free to play! While they start settling in, momma and baby get ready.
Although I talk about my newborn photography sessions being “baby led,” the direction I take is also led by big brother and sister. I will often begin with a group family picture. If this is going well, I will transition to an image of baby alone with mom and dad and have a sibling “help me” take a picture. I want them to feel special and empowered and kids generally love to “take pictures.”
I will encourage parents to approach every moment with no expectations for perfection and with lots of patience. Often the most memorable images are those which literally happen in two seconds! As the photographer, I have to be constantly at the ready and shoot quickly. I tell parents we will invite kiddos into an “activity” i.e. kissing baby, a big cuddle, or even reading a story with momma and baby, and then we will let them run off and play. I call this “shoot and run.” I have designed the studio space to be a safe space for young kids to explore. So, even if mom and and are in the midst of a shot with baby while a sibling has run off to play, they can feel confident that they are safe! After they have played for a few minutes, we invite them in again for another “activity.” This may feel like a lot of back and forth, but it works and the results are priceless.
Reading books to their new brother or sister is the perfect way to bring about some sibling interaction!
Do Not Aim for Perfection!
We all have this idea of the perfect image in mind, but focusing too much on getting your kids to create the “perfect” shot can cause stress for you and for them resulting in a lost opportunity. The opportunity lost is your family’s unique story and characteristics! Whether it’s a silly face or a spontaneous hug, or a funny song you sing together, allowing these moments into your session results in the most memorable photos. Even better, if we allow the real moments of life into the lens, we will truly be blessed with preserved memories that are above and beyond any “perfect” shot we saw on Pinterest.
How do we accomplish this? I often encourage playfulness, laughter, and games in my newborn sessions. In the midst of these times of connection and play a beautiful moment will often arise. Most importantly, stress will have no place here and your entire family will have a wonderful time.
What to Bring
If your child has a special lovey or toy, bring it! Although, I will have snacks available, if your child has a favorite snack, bring it along. If your family has a favorite book you like to read together, bring that too and a family read along will be had! I will take care of all the other details. From styling for your whole family to special outfits for mom, kiddos, and new baby, your stress is truly a minimum! Your newborn session is meant to be a time of celebration. Allow me to take care of the details so that you can relax and focus on what is most important: your beautiful, growing family!
Conclusion: Planning, Patience, and Perspective are the Key to Connecting with Siblings!
With a little bit of planning, a whole lot of patience, and a fresh perspective on what is most important in this moment, your newborn photoshoot with kids can be an incredible experience for everyone — photographers and families alike!
For other tips to help you have the best photo shoot as possible, check out my other helpful tips:
The Benefits of Activities During Family Photo Sessions
