Newborn Photography Ottawa | Play. Getting siblings to participate in a newborn session can feel a bit like trying to photograph a hummingbird. They are fast, unpredictable, and often have their own ideas about how the day should go. That is exactly why I build play into every Newborn Photography Ottawa session. Instead of asking kids to sit still or smile on command, I invite them into little games and interactions that feel fun and natural. Before they even realize it, they are engaging with the baby, settling into poses, and giving me the kind of genuine expressions parents love.
Kids love games so when older siblings arrive for their newborn session, I start by engaging them in simple, silly activities. Maybe I ask them to help me “find the baby’s tiny toes”. Maybe I pretend I can’t remember how to count and need their help. Sometimes I ask them to show me their best dinosaur impression. While they are busy having fun, something wonderful happens: their smiles become real instead of the classic “cheese” face that every parent knows too well.
Because they are focused on interacting with me, they don’t even realize they are sitting close to the baby or gently leaning in for a photo. The posing happens naturally. No pressure. No tension. Just genuine connection.
Of course, not every sibling is ready to snuggle up with a newborn. That is completely normal. In those cases, I use a little photographer trick. I pose them with an empty prop first and then I photograph the baby separately in the same setup. Later, I blend the images together so it looks like they were photographed side by side. It keeps everyone happy and avoids forcing a moment that doesn’t feel comfortable.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that older siblings have a positive experience. When they feel good, the photos show it and those natural, joy filled moments are always worth it.
