Preparing Your Older Children for Sibling Photos During Your Newborn Photography Session with Elizabeth Lang Photography

At Elizabeth Lang Photography in Surrey, near Vancouver, I absolutely love capturing those sweet moments of sibling love during newborn photography sessions. Sibling portraits are such an important part of documenting the early days of your growing family, and while they can be beautiful, they can also present some unique challenges. Older siblings, especially young ones, can be a bit unsure of what’s going on, and it’s important to keep in mind that they’re adjusting to some big life changes.

In this blog post, I’ll share some helpful tips for preparing your older children for their sibling photos during your newborn session so that everyone feels comfortable, relaxed, and ready for their close-up.

1. Rest is Key

Ensuring that your older children are well-rested before the session is one of the best ways to set your photography session up for success. Well-rested children are more likely to be in a good mood, more cooperative, and willing to participate in the photos. Try to keep the morning of your session as calm and relaxed as possible—no rushed mornings or tight schedules. If possible, let your little ones have their nap or quiet time before arriving, especially if they’re younger and still take naps.

2. Feed Them Before the Shoot

A hungry child can quickly become cranky, and that’s the last thing we want for sibling photos! Before the session, make sure your older children have a healthy snack or meal. A full tummy can make a big difference in their attitude and energy levels during the shoot. Additionally, bring along some snacks and drinks for them if needed during the session. If you’re planning a longer shoot, it’s good to have something on hand in case we need to take a break. Please help yourself to light snacks and drinks I have available for you.

3. A Gentle Approach

When it comes to posing your older children with the newborn, a gentle, calm approach is essential. For younger siblings, such as toddlers or preschoolers, I always encourage a slow, patient approach. We want them to feel safe, comfortable, and not rushed. During sibling photography, I’ll gently guide them into poses without forcing them, which makes the experience a lot more enjoyable for everyone.

4. Rewards and Incentives

Incentives can be a helpful tool for encouraging younger children to participate in the session. Whether it’s offering a reward after the photoshoot, bringing a small toy or something familiar, or simply reassuring them about how great they’re doing, it’s helpful to keep their spirits high. For older kids, a little praise for doing well can go a long way! Sometimes the promise of a special treat or an outing after the shoot can motivate them to engage in the process.

5. Take Siblings Out After the Shoot

Shooting sibling portraits can sometimes feel like a long process, especially for younger siblings who may grow restless. Once we’ve finished the family and sibling portraits, it’s a great idea to have a family member take the older children out for a special treat or activity, like a trip to the park, a museum, or an ice cream outing. This gives them something to look forward to and helps prevent any boredom or frustration during the session.

6. Typical Poses for Younger Siblings

When it comes to younger siblings, there are several great poses we typically try to make the session both enjoyable and safe for everyone. Some common poses for little ones include:

  • Laying down with the newborn: A sibling can gently lie next to the baby, with both of them looking at the camera. This works well for younger children who may not be ready for more complex poses.
  • Sitting near a prop with the newborn: Siblings can sit beside the newborn in a prop like a basket or crib. This is a great option for toddlers who are still getting used to the idea of a new sibling.
  • Holding the newborn while seated: For children who are a little older and can sit up on their own, they can gently hold their newborn sibling while seated, creating a tender moment.
  • Standing and holding the newborn: If the older sibling is comfortable, they may be able to hold the newborn while standing. This pose can highlight the sibling bond in a more dynamic way.

7. More Complex Poses for Older Siblings

Older children (School age and up) are usually more capable of participating in more complicated poses. We can have them interact with the newborn in various ways, like holding them, giving them a kiss, or even creating fun interactions based on their interests. The key is to ensure that the poses feel natural and true to their personality, so they look relaxed and engaged.

8. Keeping Personality in Mind

Every child is different, and some may need a bit more time to warm up to the idea of sibling photos. Whether your child is shy or outgoing, I’ll make sure the session is tailored to their personality. For example, if your toddler is a bit more reserved, we’ll keep things simple and low-pressure, aiming for some natural shots of them interacting with their new sibling. If you have an older sibling who’s more energetic, we can work with that to capture their enthusiasm!

9. Understanding the Emotional Changes for Siblings

Welcoming a new baby is a huge life change for older siblings. Even if they’re excited about the new arrival, it’s important to acknowledge that there may be a lot of emotions involved—feelings of jealousy, confusion, or simply adjustment to a new family dynamic. Emotional outbursts are common, and it's completely normal! I always strive to be patient and understanding of the process. If there’s a moment when a sibling needs a little time, we’ll take it in stride and work together to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Sibling photography is a wonderful way to capture the bond between your children during your newborn session. At Elizabeth Lang Photography in Surrey, BC, I’m committed to making the experience enjoyable and stress-free for your older children. By keeping these tips in mind, you can prepare your family for a successful and memorable sibling photo session. After all, these images will become cherished family keepsakes for years to come.

If you’re ready to book your newborn photography session or have any questions about sibling portraits, feel free to reach out. I’d love to capture these precious moments for your family!


YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY