Newborn Photography With Siblings In Northern Virginia: How Does It Work?

Newborn

January 22, 2023

If you are searching for newborn photography with siblings in Northern Virginia, chances are that you are adding on to your family of three. My name is Stephanie, your professional and highly rated newborn photographer in Northern Virginia. I know how working with young siblings can be quite challenging, so it’s best to prepare yourself before the day of your newborn photoshoot.

As a former Au pair from Germany with lots of childcare experience and a mom myself, the following tips and tricks have helped make newborn photography sessions with siblings a success. Let’s dive in!

Chat With Your Photographer About The Siblings Prior To Your Newborn Photoshoot

If your goal is to have your newborn photography with siblings, you’ll want to chat through these ideas with your photographer prior to the day of the shoot.  As your full-service newborn photographer in Northern Virginia, I find it important to meet my clients prior to their photo shoot. Whether it’s through a virtual call or an in-person meeting over a cup of coffee, being able to get to know your family is the key to successful newborn photography with siblings session. Siblings always receive my full attention. Learning about their personalities, their favorite toys, and their teacher’s names can help me gain their trust and connect with them quickly.

A mother nursing her baby during an in-home newborn session in Northern Virginia

In this newborn photography with siblings session, Miss Maggie is the third baby girl in this adorable family who resides in Annandale, Virginia. Mom’s necklace showcases the first letter of each of her girl’s names. What a special way to hold them close (and a great gift from a husband to his wife/mother of his children).

A mother nursing in her living room during an in-home newborn session in Northern Virginia

newborn photography with siblings - featuring a mom breastfeeding her newborn

Start With Family Photos First

When working with newborn photography with siblings, I prefer to start with the family photos first. Your kiddos will still be curious about the “stranger” in their home, and I like to take advantage of it. This, however, depends on your schedule as well.

For families who have older kids in school, I wouldn’t mind starting with the newborn/parent photos first and having siblings join upon their return. The girls (3 and 5 years old) in the featured session stayed home the morning of their newborn photo shoot. Their dad took them to school as soon as I had finished photographing the entire family. Once they left, I put all my focus on Mom and Miss Maggie.

A family of five with a newborn and young siblings on a sofa during an in-home newborn photography with siblings in Northern Virginia

Young siblings holding their swaddles baby sister during a newborn photography with siblings

Two young girls cuddling with their baby sister during a newborn session with Stephanie Honikel Photography.

Always Focus On Safety

Keeping baby swaddled for newborn photography with siblings allows for an easy, adorable, and safe workflow in your newborn session. With the baby being snug like a bug, we don’t have to worry about arms and legs all over the place. This is especially important when working with toddlers, as they may not want anything to do with their new brother or sister and just push them away. I typically have siblings either sit up while leaning into a couple of pillows for more comfort and support or lay down on the floor with the baby in their arms. Safety always comes first!

newborn photography with siblings featuring two sisters holding their baby sister on a couch

A mother with her three young children sitting on a sofa during a newborn photography with siblings

A father with his three young children sitting on a sofa during their newborn photography session in Northern Virginia.

newborn photography with siblings featuring a dad kissing his newborn baby

mom, dad, and baby cuddling their newborn baby on the couch

A mirror image of a mom kissing her baby during a newborn photo shoot in Northern Virginia.

Mom smiling while holding her newborn baby

Dimples!!!!!

newborn baby laying on her mothers shoulder

tiny toes

newborn photography with siblings featuring a newborn baby girl laying on her side

A mother kissing her baby's feet during an in-home newborn session in Northern Virginia.

Conclusion: Newborn Photography With Siblings

Though including young siblings in your newborn session can be challenging, this absolutely doesn’t scare me. As your professional newborn photographer in Northern Virginia, I am eager to learn about your munchkins and capture sweet moments of and with your family. Whether you are looking for an in-home or studio newborn photographer, I’m here to guide you. I cannot wait to start planning your photo shoot. Contact me today.

Want even more resources? Check out some of my other posts below:

 

  1. Samantha says:

    What a beautiful in-home newborn session with siblings, Stephanie! The photos are all fabulous but I especially love those sweet baby toes: detail photos of my newborns like that are my most cherished.

  2. Beth Miga says:

    Such precious pictures with big sisters and so many great tips! The families you work with are clearly in good hands!

  3. Karla Vacek says:

    These are beautiful pictures and great tips for including siblings in newborn photos!

  4. Jasmyn says:

    I love this session! The cute baby toes really got me! I love including siblings…everyone is so excited to welcome new baby home!

  5. So sweet! Great tips to help prepare little ones for sessions! I love the mama and newborn photos! So sweet!

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