Your new baby is finally here (congratulations!!) and all you want are some gorgeous images of your eldest child with your new bundle of joy. But you have some concerns about how this will work
I hear you, Mama!
I often get asked if it is a good idea to bring the eldest child to the newborn shoot or not to bother trying.
I completely understand these concerns but if that image is one that you dream of then it is always worth trying, surely.
During my newborn shoots I always try to include older siblings as much as I can. First starting with getting them used to the environment, and then asking them to be my little helper for the morning.
If they feel needed and that it’s not all about baby then they tend to want to help.
Once they have watched me grab some shots of baby on their own I then ask if they’d like to join in for some photos of them both together.
Sometimes this might take a bit of persuasion, some gentle encouragement, or even some bribery treats from the parents 🙈.. but as long as it is not forced they usually start to relax and join in
I have lots of other tips and tricks to encourage them to join in… so don’t put pressure on yourself
Here are just a few more simple things to keep them happy on the day of your photoshoot:
Studio toys to keep them happy - I have plenty of toys that they can play with if need be
Making them feel needed - We all want to feel included, so ask them to help, pass you things and they should soon join in
Breaks and snacks - A little breather, break and snack will be needed so bring snack with you
Showing them the back of the camera - When they understand the purpose of what we are doing, and can see something tangible as a result then they want to get involved
Comfortable settings - Reassuring the that they can just sit on the floor with a pillow or on the beanbag to hold baby is ok. Just taking off that pressure to 'perform' helps a lot
Parents stay close - Of course they will be looking for you, and wanting to stay close, so letting them know that you will be right there will help them feel at ease
Mama, just go with the flow on the day.
The answer is yes, it’s always worth including them ❤️
Author: Annie Allen
Professional Photographer specialising in maternity, newborn, baby, birthday and family photography.
Postpartum body confidence motherhood blog
Aldershot Hampshire based (covering Guildford, Farnham, Camberley, Woking, Reading, Basingstoke and Bracknell areas)
Comments