Tips of newborn photo session with older sibling- Winnipeg family photographer

To capture within one frame, a newborn with older sibling can be tricky especially if the older sibling is younger than 5 years of age. Photographers have to use a number of tricks to get the five year olds attention while holding the newborn in their arms and there is no same rule that fits all.

For some older siblings it comes naturally how to hold and pose with a newborn baby and for some it has to be modified so the safety and fun can be maintained during the newborn photo session and capture some wonderful memories.

My first setup for new born baby with older brother or sister starts with sitting on a rug. This gives me an idea how for the older sibling is comfortable holding his/her newborn brother/sister. 

If the newborn is two months and older, he/she is already starting to hold up the head. It is then easier for the older sibling to make the baby sit in their lap, holding comfortably.

Older baby are also aware of their surrounding, sight and sound. Parents can be a great team player during the session playing music from their device or ratting small toys that make noise to get baby's attention towards the camera. I also encourage the parents to talk to the baby or older sibling to both can synchronize for the capture.

This allows some wonderful poses with an alert newborn and the older sibling looking straight at the camera.

For newborns under 4 weeks, my go to is swaddle wrap for the baby. This helps to position the baby not only securely and comfortably but also is easy to pose the newborn as needed. Older sibling is able to hold the newborn with confidence and there is minimal chances of the newborn to slip from the hold.

Another posing tip that I practise quite frequently especially when the older sibling is not comfortable holding the baby. I will position the newborn in a prop where the baby is securely placed and the older sibling is strategically positioned either is a sitting position of lying beside the newborn.

Photos taken can either have the newborn with eyes open and closed and older sibling can easily follow the instructions to pose or look at an angle suitable for the capture.

Last but not the least, short attention span of 5 year old and younger kids- I try to get as many captures within the first 30-45 minutes. That's when the kids are happy, more alert, engrossed with the camera, new studio environment and tend to follow instructions by the photographer very easily.