As a Mum myself, I totally understand the worries of any parents when thinking ‘how are we going to keep the older toddler sibling happy during a peaceful newborn session?’

The main aim of all my photoshoots, particularly newborn sessions with an older sibling, is to keep it as relaxed and pain-free for the parents as possible. The great element of a shoot at my studio is that it’s a very homely space, you’re welcomed to relax and make yourselves at home, I have lots of fun simple toys and books to help distract toddlers and they really do just relax into the space. It’s absolutely fine for them to explore and with myself as a new fun face, you tend to find they’re quite engaged in what I am doing when posing the newborn and end up wanting to get involved, much to every parents surprise!!

I am totally guided by the children in the session, I read who needs what and when and I adjust the schedule and shot set up accordingly, I never force a toddler to do anything they don’t want to. My shoots are all about gentle encouragement and fun….plus I have a few little tactics with them which work really well.

Some photographers may dread an unruly toddler at a newborn session but I take it as a challenge!!

There is nothing better than when you achieve even one lovely shot of the toddler with the newborn, it’s so heartwarming for everyone and such a beautiful part of my job.

The main things I would say for parents to bring along for a the older sibling are snacks, possibly easy ones that aren’t too messy. Even if you do bring messy ones along don’t panic! Plus maybe a favourite toy/book/teddy that your toddler absolutely loves in case of emergencies.

Most parents tend to bring along the best outfit then change the toddlers when they arrive, although you know your toddler best so it’s absolutely fine for them to arrive fresh and ready to go.

If you’ve seen the previous videos on my studio location you can also see that we’re based on a beautiful farm site, it’s no longer a working farm but we have chickens, ducks, a beautiful view and a few areas that you can explore. If I feel an older sibling needs to blow off abit of steam, then they can simply go on a quick walk with a parent whilst I do some of baby on their own, or whilst baby is having a feed. They’ll then feel so much more refreshed and ready to have a little cuddle when they get back in.

When parents leave the studio they tend to be so thrilled that it’s gone much better than they ever expected and they maybe even enjoyed it!! ha ha!!

Then a few days later I send through the online gallery for you to go over in the comfort of your own home. I’m always at the other end of a quick message if you have any queries on the photos and I can also take on extra requests.

With additional airbrushing, I am actually able to adjust faces from previous shots so if you really love the facial expression of siblings in 2 different photographs, I can work some photoshop magic on combining the two to make one perfect image.

If you have any queries in the build up to a newborn session just let me know, my mummy wardrobe is also available for any new mums struggling with outfit choices, so feel free to ask about these too!

Thanks for reading and hopefully I’ll speak with you soon!

Charlie x