In-home newborn sessions are some of the most beautiful photo shoots.
There's no question about that.
But they can come with a certain level of stress when we add the element of young siblings to mix.
Adding a new baby to your children's lives can come with some many different emotions for them. They feel joy, excitement, confusion, frustration and maybe a little jealousy.
These are all completely normal emotions that they experience.
The following post aims to help guide you through prepping your toddlers (and yourself) for your Huntsville AL in-home newborn session.
The first important thing is PREPARATION.
With any new experience we all appreciate a good prep guide or run through of what to expect and what's expected of us.
Involve your young child in the discussions about your photo shoot. Tell them what they're going to wear.
Walk them through what makes this photo shoot so special (hint: emphasize that it's them-they are making it special).
Tell them what their role is in the shoot-to gently love on their baby brother or sister, to have some special pictures with mommy and daddy, to show what a great big brother or sister they are, etc.
Build them up and offer lots of encouragement before hand.
Also, snacks. Always snacks. Because no one wants to take pictures on an empty stomach.
The next thing that will make a huge difference is to temper your EXPECTATIONS.
I always tell my mamas not to come into your session with specific shots in mind for your other children with baby. Toddlers are unpredictable and they are processing a lot of emotion. That can sometimes come out in a bit of aggression or fidgety-ness during the session. The safety of your newborn is my top priority and I will never compromise that for the sake of the perfect pinterest sibling shot. If your child does not want to hold their sibling, or lay next to their sibling without you-I promise that is ok. Right now, the focus should be the connection of you as a family. And documenting that this season was important and beautiful. I have plenty of ways to help include brother and sister.
Close ups of them touching babies feet while you hold them are just one example.
Trust that the day will be documented and be open to whatever that may look like.
Lastly, just have FUN.
You are tired mama.
I get it.
I have a newborn at home myself and I know how hard it is to even get out of bed and put clean clothes on.
We are in the midst of beautifully hard times.
But, having older children as well, I know this isn't going to last.
This is such a small blip the radar and we can get lost in the search for perfection. Missing the beautiful chaos that is right in front of us.
My aim is for this session to be as relaxed as possible.
No fussy poses and intricate wraps (while those are beautiful, they aren't my focus as a lifestyle newborn photographer).
Just you + your partner + your babies. That's it.
Do your older kids like daddy to read to them? Perfect. Let's document you rocking baby while daddy has some play time with your other children.
Do you all love sitting at the table together, eating breakfast? Great. Let's document that and give mama a cup of coffee while we're at it.
Whatever love and comfort look like in your home, that will be my focus. Trust me, the most ordinary moments are often the most beautiful.
Tiffany Crenshaw is a lifestyle and documentary photographer in Northern Alabama. She specializes in newborn and family storytelling sessions.
Reach out to secure your Winter 2024 newborn session or your Spring 2024 newborn or family session.
Also, mention this blog post for a super deal on a hospital Fresh 48 session in the new year.
Questions about your lifestyle session? Let's chat!
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