You’re frantically searching the house for that blush tutu and your mind goes blank. In the midst of gathering the girl’s wardrobe, you may find yourself overlooking a few key items. Never fear Super Mom. Simply follow these super easy tips on How to Prepare for a Sibling Photography Session.
The Essentials of Sibling Photography
Sibling Photography is one luxury that parents adore. These are your babies and we want nothing more than at least one great shot of them together. On that note, lets think of your kids. Photo’s can be scary. Its a new place, a new person (if you have not previously met your photographer) and you expect them to be happy.
The first thing to consider before any sibling photography session is age. Depending on how young your little ones are makes all the difference. For this reason, start with the basics. If you have an infant, what items would you take with you on a trip to the store? Obviously the diaper bag and snacks. Check!
Now plan for the unexpected. Lets say, a full blown break down from your two year old. What makes her calm? Is it her favorite blanket, or perhaps a teddy bear. Grab it and bring it with. Now, what makes her smile? You would like to see that sweet grin in her sibling photos correct? Snatch up a few items you know will make her laugh.
Sibling Photo Ideas
Once you have the basics down and grabbed your gear for instant smiles, its time to think about the session. For this super girly and sweet sister sibling photography session, we gathered soft colors and flowers. Consider the style of session you would like. The possibilities are endless. Be sure to convey your wishes with your photographer so that they can create a set just for the occasion.
Sibling Photography Session Checklist
For this sibling photography session, we transitioned from one soft backdrop to the next. Later we added some holiday cheer with a winter theme for the upcoming season. This is the time to take advantage of the moment. If its close to a holiday and you know you have a card to make, consider making time for a set specific for that time of year.
Extra, Extra, Extra
If you have your heart set on one specific outfit, don’t dress your kids in them until your in studio. Too many things can go wrong, especially with whites. Yes, your photographer can fix it later. However, why risk a potential disaster? It only takes one stumble on the grass to create a big green stain. For this reason, have several outfits on hand. Then you can mix and match them in the studio when you have a chance to see how the colors will look with the sets.
Enjoy the Moment
I cannot stress this one enough. When you are stressed out, your kids are stressed out. Keeping calm, cool and happy will reflect on your child’s faces in the photos. The best strategy for sibling photography is to “just go with it”. You never know how some kids will react. They may be upset or shy and that’s ok. Give them time to warm up to the situation.
Forcing your little one to sit on a set that they are not comfortable with will not result in great sibling portraits. Patience is key. Take your time and pull out your arsenal of happy stuff. That cuddly blanket, or tickle me Elmo. Get those smiles going with a little loosening up.
WANT TO SEE ANOTHER GIRLY PHOTO IDEAS? CHECK OUT THIS MOTHER NATURE MILK BATH SESSION!
14 Comments
These pictures are so gorgeous! Love the outfit tip of not dressing until you get there. Great tips!
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
What great tips! I feel like coordinating multiple people for shoots is so hard, but this post is so helpful.
I agree. Multiple people can present a challenge. Especially with the little ones. Keeping it fun is key for sure.
Oh my goodness, the photos in this post are divine!!! I love them! Great tips 🙂
Wow! These photos are stunning! I need to get some sibling photos done with my boys at some point. Great tips!
Definitely Momma! They grow so fast, before you know it they are off into the world. Snap a few photos while you can
My most treasured pictures are of the siblings together. Your photography is stunning!
Thank you so much! I too just love the portraits of my children together. They grow so fast *tear*
Great tips from a seasoned photographer! My children actually do better when they are having their picture taken together. A nap and a full tummy do wonders for picture taking!
Yes, planning around nap time is essential! Great tip from the fellow photog! Thank you!
Beautiful photos! Hopefully one our sweet girl will have a sibling so we can take photos like these!
Keeping calm is essential, Kids feed off your energy. Thanks for the suggestions and the beautiful pics!
I wish I had seen this before our last newborn family session! I was so focused on getting specific shots that I ended up stressing out the toddler. When I finally just relaxed and went with the flow, we got some great unexpected shots!
I completely understand, Momma. I’ve done it too with my own children, lol. It really does make all the difference when we take a deep breathe and just go with it.