Including siblings in your maternity shoot is one of my favourite things to do. Here are some ideas for making it work really well.
Bringing an older child into your maternity session can feel a bit unpredictable – but that’s usually where the best moments come from. I’ve worked with plenty of wriggly toddlers and shy school-age kids, and I know how to get something lovely out of even the most uncooperative participants.
1. Let them share the news A little chalkboard saying “Big Sister in Training” or “Promoted to Big Brother” gives your older child something to hold and a role to play. It works really well as an opener while they’re still warming up to the camera.
2. Just let them be close Some of the nicest sibling shots are simply a child with their hand on the bump, or leaning in for a listen. You don’t need a pose – just proximity and a bit of patience.
3. Bring their favourite thing A beloved toy, a stuffed animal, something they carry everywhere. It gives them something to focus on and keeps them grounded in the session. It often ends up in the shot too, which is lovely to look back on.
4. Think about outfits together Coordinating doesn’t mean matching. Neutral tones or soft colours that complement each other work really well in the studio. It’s worth having a think about this one in advance rather than leaving it to the morning of the shoot.
5. Let them be silly Peekaboo around the bump, funny faces, a bit of a giggle – some of the most-loved images from sibling sessions are the ones where nobody was taking it too seriously. I’ll always make space for that.
If you’re planning to bring an older child along, just mention it when you book and we can have a quick chat about what tends to work well for their age. It’s much more relaxed than most people expect.
