Tips for a Successful Toddler Photo Session
- Sarah Ayers
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
Let's talk about toddlers. Toddlers can be...challenging. I know. I have one of my own at home. But they can also be fun, joyful, curious. The key to having a successful session with a toddler is to embrace the chaos. Let their personality shine by allowing them to direct the session. They are the boss for the hour and we go along for the ride. I understand it can be nerve wracking to let go of control, but this is the way to get the best photos of your toddler. It serves to help create a fun environment that will let your toddler shine and make the hour a core memory for you all to look back at fondly. I've created a list of tips to help you prepare for your session with your toddler.
So what can you do to help make your session with your toddler goes as well as possible?
Bring some props.
Books, toys, bubbles, stuffies. Anything your child loves that will keep their attention is great! This will get them to slow down, maybe even sit for a few minutes. It's also a good time capsule and helps document a special toy or interest they have at this age.
Bring a treat.
Let's have a little picnic on a blanket. I recently had a family bring a birthday cake. It made for messy, but cute candid photos.
Interact with the environment.
Look at flowers
Search for bugs
Throw leaves in the air
What can you do to help prepare yourself?
Adjust expectations.
Posed, clean, smiling photos...we might get them and we might not. But running, playing, candid, fun photos...we can definitely get those. If your kid doesn't want to stay still or listen or pose, that's ok. We will work with them to capture candid photos. Candid photos do a wonderful job of serving as a reminder of the chaos and absolute joy of having a toddler.
Try your best to not stress too much about your child's behaviour during the session.
While your kid is ignoring you or trying to run away....we can get a photo of them running and smiling with you in the background yelling at them to "stop that" or "stay still" or "listen" etc. OR we can get a photo of them running and smiling with you laughing in the background or chasing them. The goal is to have fun. Trust me when I say as a parent of a toddler and a family photographer, I would never judge your child's bahviour and I have seen it all.
Be prepared to play games and act silly.
Do anything you can to help your kid smile or laugh! Lift them in the air, chase them, tickle them, spin them around. Let's get those genuine laughs and smiles.
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