2020

This was one of my favorite senior portrait sessions ever. Why? Well, first… Jake and Owen are twins. Second, Jake and Owen are AWESOME. And third…. The whole Morrison family is the BEST and they jumped in for some impromptu family photos as well!

I love families that love to have fun. And the families that you just KNOW they really do like each other. This Tustin senior portrait session will go down as maybe the most fun I’ve had on a senior shoot!

Jake is off to Alabama (Roll Tide!) and Owen is off to UC Santa Barbara. Good luck boys!

And keep reading for what I’ve learned about photographing siblings!

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH SIBLINGS

Photographing siblings is a wonderful way to capture the unique bond and dynamic between brothers and sisters, brothers and brothers and twins! Whether you’re a parent wanting to document your children’s relationship or a professional photographer capturing sibling portraits, these images hold immense sentimental value. Let’s explore some tips and techniques to help you capture beautiful and authentic photographs that showcase the special connection between siblings. Let’s dive in!

1. Encourage Playfulness and Interaction: To capture genuine moments and expressions, encourage siblings to interact and engage with each other during the photoshoot. Plan activities or games that bring out their playful nature and allow their connection to shine through. This could include playing with toys, sharing a laugh, or engaging in a shared hobby. Candid moments of laughter and interaction often result in the most heartwarming images.
2. Consider Individual Personalities: Siblings have unique personalities, and it’s important to capture their individuality while showcasing their bond. Take the time to understand each sibling’s interests, preferences, and quirks. Tailor the photoshoot to incorporate elements that reflect their personalities, such as props, outfits, or locations that are meaningful to each child.
3. Let Them Wear What They Want: Siblings need to maintain their individualism. Oftentimes, that means choosing clothing that is the opposite of what their sibling is choosing. Let that be okay! You’ll want to remember their uniqueness at every stage!
4. Explore Different Poses and Compositions: Experiment with various poses and compositions to add variety to your sibling portraits. Have siblings stand or sit close to each other, capturing their physical closeness and connection. You can also explore poses where they interact, such as hugging, holding hands, or even piggyback rides. Additionally, try capturing their expressions from different angles and perspectives to create dynamic and visually interesting photographs. But also be okay if they DON’T want to interact!
5. Use Props and Sentimental Items: Incorporating props or sentimental items can add depth and meaning to sibling photographs. These props could be toys, books, or objects that hold significance to the siblings’ relationship or shared memories. Props can help create a story within the photographs and enhance the connection between siblings.
6. Find the Right Location: Select a location that complements the desired mood and aesthetic of the photographs. It could be a park, a beach, or even their own backyard. Consider a location that holds sentimental value for the siblings, such as a favorite family spot or a place where they often engage in activities together. The right environment can evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort, leading to more relaxed and natural photographs.
7. Patience is Key: Photographing siblings can be a delightful but sometimes challenging experience. Be patient and allow the siblings to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Avoid forcing poses or expressions. Instead, create a relaxed atmosphere where they can be themselves, and let the moments unfold naturally. Patience and flexibility will lead to authentic and heartfelt photographs.
8. Capture Individual Moments: While capturing the bond between siblings is important, don’t forget to take individual portraits of each child as well. These portraits allow you to highlight their unique personalities and qualities. Encourage them to express themselves and pose in ways that feel natural to them. Individual portraits alongside the sibling shots create a balanced and well-rounded collection of photographs.