Hey mama! With sibling photos it’s not all about getting them to sit still and smile—that is definitely worth photographing, but what really makes sibling photos awesome is the LOVE they have for one another. Sure, siblings fight. A lot. But it’s worth photographing the moments where their unconditional love for one another shines through.
Sibling photos should be about Connection. If you have read my guide, 3 Things You Must Know to Take Insta-Worthy Photos of Your Kids, you know Connection is an important part of the puzzle. If you haven’t, you can download it for free here—I chat about using Connection, Composition and Environment to make kick-a photos! Connection is worth practicing time and time again, I want it to become second nature to you when you are photographing your kiddos.
Physically touching is the easiest way to get your kids connected in photos! Have them play ring-around-the-rosy, helping the baby walk, snuggling a newborn, run and hold hands, tag or wrestle, give huge hugs…
If you are taking a photo of your kids looking at the camera and smiling, have them touching one another to achieve Connection. It can be as simple as their shoulders touching, or wrapping a hand around their sibling’s shoulder. I tell my kids to “smush in close and pretend like they like one another”. Have your camera ready for giggles and eye rolls from that one!
Don’t forget eye contact as a form of connection. It’s my favorite way to achieve Connection! Physical connection can feel empty if one of your kiddos is looking off into the distance, so try to get at least one of the kids to look at the other. I love asking them to tell one another a secret or a joke. Check out these examples with (at least) one kiddo looking at the other—can’t you just feel the love and admiration they have for their sibling?!
And bonus if you can get physical touch and eye contact from your kiddos! The more Connection the better! Here are a few examples below…
Think of your kids’ personalities… which of these ideas resonate with your family?
Have you walked in on any amazing sibling moments recently that you said “Oh man, I wish I had my camera on me!”? Perhaps your oldest was helping his younger brother tie his shoe? Do your girls love to whisper to one another? Is your kids’ favorite Fall activity throwing leaves at one another? Recreate these moments when you are ready with your camera.
Jot down 2-3 ideas and try them with your kids this week. You can do it! Tell your story.
