Wondering what it's like to have a newborn session with other kids? Let me walk you through my process for a newborn session with siblings.
All of my newborn sessions are calm. More kids doesn't really change that. They may be talkative, energetic, or even have a meltdown, but to me the session is still calm. That's because I have no expectations for how you child will or should behave. It's one day for 1 1/2 hours. Knowing how your children will be feeling for that time is hard to predict. So if your kid is not in the best mood or wants nothing to do with the session, no need to apologize. I understand. And if they are in the best mood ever and want to be in every single photo, that's okay, too.
I don't expect your kids to participate in the entire session, either. An hour and a half is a long time for a kid. When they are in their own home, surrounded by their toys and other means of entertainment, they can get distracted pretty easily. It's also harder for them to distinguish between "we're having our photos taken now" with their normal routine. So, I fully expect to let kids come and go as they please.
Making photos fun is always a great way to convince kids to join in. Jumping on the bed is always a crowd pleaser. (Since I don't have a model release for the dad, those images are not pictured here.)
I don't have a set flow for my newborn sessions because it what pictures are taken when will depend a lot on baby's mood. For newborn sessions with siblings, this only slightly changes. When there are siblings, my only set flow for photos is that we attempt a family photo in the very beginning. With the family photo done, we can then take whatever photos flow naturally depending on how all the kids are feeling.
For example, if baby is sleeping and siblings still want to be a part of the action, then we could move onto siblings with baby photos. But if siblings are already over having their photo taken, they may leave the room and we'll focus on parents with baby. If you kids are too little to be left unsupervised, we can do one parent at a time, or baby by themselves.
I am totally flexible!
A lot of times, when a child is told they don't have to be a part of the photos or that "we're only doing Mom's photos right now" they suddenly want to be involved. And I let them. I'll finish taking the photo of Mom and say "alright, snuggle up with mom!" If we didn't get those sibling shots earlier, I'll then ask Mom to step out of the shot.
There were several times during this session we had to ask the girls to hide behind the bed or step out of the doorway or come stand next to me so they weren't in the photo. And that's a good thing! I loved that they were interested in watching as well as participating. In the end this family's gallery included a lot of variety.
My newborn sessions are 1 1/2 hours long to allow for extra time that may be needed to work around diaper changes, outfit changes (both baby and parents), feeding (I will only photograph breast feeding if asked and will not post these), and meltdowns that need extra soothing time. But, this longer time is also great for siblings, too. It means we do not have to rush during your session. If your kids are not in the best mood in the beginning, they may be in 30 minutes. If they want to show me their favorite toys and enjoy a spot of tea before we begin, then there is time for that, too.
My goal for all of my sessions, not just newborn sessions, is that they are stress free.
Are you expecting a little one soon? Book your in-home lifestyle newborn session now! The best time for lifestyle newborn sessions are when your baby is between 14 days and 3 months old.
Have questions? Email me at ohtannenbaumphotos@gmail.com