The Sibling shot - this is the one that everyone wants, but as some of my previous clients know, it's not always the easiest if the sibling won't play ball.
We all know how stubborn a toddler or young child can sometimes be and it's one of those things that just can not be forced if they do not want to do it!!
📸 Here are some tips to help prepare your older sibling to steal the show with willingness, smiles and a dash of adorable chaos 😅 🤣
1️⃣ BUILD EXCITEMENT - Talk to your child about the upcoming photoshoot, talk about how awesome it will be to get this photo of them both. Get them hyped up and looking forward to the day!
2️⃣ SHOW THEM PHOTOS - Show them some photographs of other children doing the sibling poses from my website (this page is a good start but there’s more in my main gallery here ). Have game of spotting the big brothers and sisters as the photos slide by and what are they doing - eyes closed, smiling at camera or kissing their new baby? Get them really thinking about these photographs. Show them how happy and proud the little girls and boys look & how excited YOU are to get the same photo to hang on the walls in your own home. It’s their time to shine next time!
3️⃣ PRACTICE TOGETHER - Spend some time practising gentle interactions with baby. Maybe even practise laying them down on their backs with baby snuggled in together under careful supervision.
4️⃣ SHARE MY NAME - Talk about who I am, along with my name and what a nice lady I am before the session (I really am a nice Karen unlike the meme!! 😄) this may help create a sense of familiarity and put them a little more at ease knowing a friendly lady is behind the camera. ( Here’s my mug shot to help them feel more familiar with me!) Let them know I’m there to capture these special family moments and to help them feel comfortable and happy.
5️⃣ ENCOURAGE QUESTIONS - Let your older sibling ask questions about the photoshoot. Answering their curious thoughts can help ease any uncertainties they might have. The more they know, the more comfortable they'll feel.
6️⃣ SHARE A SPECIAL MOMENT - Share a story or a memory and a photograph of when they were a tiny baby. Remind them how adorable and cherished they were, this helps create a connection their own babyhood and the new baby.
7️⃣ BE THE DIRECTOR - Allow them to suggest the next way they could place their arms or a funny face they could pull after we get the cute smiling one, we may not use this photo, but it makes them feel a little more empowered and involved.
8️⃣ BRING THEIR FAVOURITE TOY - Invite your child to bring their most cherished toy or teddy bear. It can act as a comfort item and help them feel more at ease, bringing a sense of familiarity to the studio. As an added bit of fun for them, I can capture an image of their beloved teddy next to their new baby brother or sister before their turn. I’ll share the back of my camera with them to show them the heartwarming photo! It adds another touch of fun and involvement, making the experience more memorable and enjoyable for your little one!
9️⃣ SNACK ATTACK - Bring along some favourite snacks (non messy for the face please or bring wet wipes!) These can be small rewards for their co cooperation. A little bribery with tasty treats never hurt anyone, right?!
🔟 PRAISE AND PATIENCE- Throughout the photoshoot offer lots of praise. Calm and positive reinforcement goes a long way in making the experience enjoyable for them! If your little one needs a break or just isn’t feeling the photo vibe at that moment, it’s okay, we can try again later or try something a little more candid. Sometimes the unplanned shots turn out to be the most heartwarming.
