Including an Older Sibling in Your Newborn Session: Tips from a Cincinnati Newborn Photographer
Including an Older Sibling in Your Newborn Session:
Tips from a Cincinnati Newborn Photographer
Hello, lovely families! I'm Tracie Maglosky, your trusted Cincinnati Newborn Photographer. Today, we're diving into one of the sweetest aspects of newborn photography – incorporating an older sibling into your newborn session. As a professional newborn studio photographer, with over 15 years of experience, I've seen firsthand the magic that happens when siblings share those first precious moments together in front of the camera. Let's explore how to make this experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
1. Preparing the Older Sibling
Preparation is key to a successful newborn session involving an older sibling. Talk to your older child about the session in advance. Explain what will happen and emphasize how important their role is in welcoming their new sibling. This helps them feel valued and excited about the process.
2. Scheduling Wisely
Timing is everything, especially when working with young children. Schedule your session during a time when your older child is well-rested and fed. Avoid naptime or meal times to minimize the chances of crankiness. Here at our Cincinnati newborn photography studio, we prioritize flexible scheduling to accommodate your family's needs.
3. Creating a Comfortable Environment
A comfortable environment is crucial for capturing genuine smiles and interactions. Our studio is designed to be a warm, welcoming space where children feel at ease. Familiar toys or comfort items from home can help your older child feel more relaxed during the session.
4. Safety First
Safety is always our top priority. We'll guide your older child on how to hold or pose with the newborn safely. Poses are chosen to ensure the safety and comfort of both siblings, and we always have an assistant nearby to lend a helping hand if needed.
5. Engaging the Older Sibling
Engagement is key to capturing those precious moments. We use age-appropriate techniques to keep your older child entertained and focused. From playful prompts to gentle guidance, we make sure they enjoy the experience. As a Cincinnati newborn photographer, I love seeing the genuine interactions and bonds between siblings.
6. Patience and Flexibility
Children can be unpredictable, and that's perfectly okay. Patience is a virtue in newborn photography. We allow extra time for breaks and understand that not every moment will go as planned. Flexibility ensures we capture the best possible images without stress.
7. Capturing the Connection
The goal is to capture the natural connection between your children. Whether it's a tender kiss, a gentle touch, or a shared giggle, these moments are priceless. We strive to document these interactions authentically, creating memories you'll cherish forever.
8. Involving the Whole Family
Sometimes, involving parents in the session can help the older sibling feel more comfortable. Family photos that include everyone can ease any nervousness and create a beautiful family portrait. After all, the arrival of a new baby is a celebration for the entire family.
9. Create Ownership for Your Eldest Child.
Older siblings are often confused by what’s happening having to share Mom & Dad with a new sibling. When you arrive at the studio, we interact with your eldest child first asking them to introduce us to their new baby. Throughout the session we will do our best to make sure your first baby or babies feel special & important.
10. Post-Session Praise
After the session, praise your older child for their participation. Highlight how their involvement made the session special and express how excited you are to see the photos. This positive reinforcement builds their confidence and makes them feel appreciated.
Including an older sibling in your newborn session is a beautiful way to capture the beginning of a lifelong bond. As your dedicated Cincinnati newborn photographer, I'm here to ensure the experience is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable for your entire family. Let's create stunning, heartwarming images that celebrate your growing family!
If you're looking to book a newborn session or have any questions, feel free to reach out. I can't wait to work with you and capture these precious moments.
Warm regards,
Tracie Maglosky
Cincinnati Newborn Photographer
