If you’re a parent of a toddler or have worked with toddlers, you know that cooperation is not their strong suit. When it comes to family photo sessions with toddlers, creativity and flexibility is key. You may have a toddler who is a bit moody or doesn’t want to take direction – all totally normal! Here are my tips for making the best of family photo sessions with toddlers so that everyone stays happy and you get some good photos.
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7 Tips for Family Photo Sessions with Toddlers
Try to make sure they’re rested
A tired toddler is a cranky toddler. If you have a late afternoon or evening photo session, try to make sure they get a nap or rest time in beforehand. Family photos after a long and busy day might not be the best, so try to keep the rest of the day low-key.
Snacks and more snacks
Avoid grumpiness by making sure your toddler has had a filling snack or meal before photos. If you need to pack snacks after they’ve changed into their outfit, make it something that is fairly clean so they don’t make a huge mess on themselves.
Prep them ahead of time
It might be a bit unnerving to a toddler to show up at a new place with a new person. Tell them ahead of time that you are going to take family photos, that there will be a photographer, and what the session might be like. The more detail and repetition, the better!
Let them be them
Toddlers can have a one-track mind – when they want to do something, they want to do it now! Sometimes it’s best to go with the flow and work around them. If they want to go off and inspect a flower, use it as an opportunity for a sweet photo. If they want to run silly around a tree, capture that moment of pure joy on their face. Bring the rest of the family over to them if they’re dead set on sitting on a log.
Give choices
You’ll likely get more cooperation if you give a toddler two choices. Do they want mommy to hold them or daddy? Do they want to get tossed in the air lightly or tipped upside down? Should we sit first or stand? This will help them feel like they have some power and toddlers love that feeling.
Keep it playful
Making things fun and silly goes such a long way with this age! If you want them to pose in a certain spot, make it a fun game and pretend to squash something with their bottom. Have them imagine that they’re an airplane pilot or a princess riding a unicorn. Tell jokes or play a tickle game. This is the best way to get some natural smiles!
Remember to be patient
Patience – a key word when working with toddlers! Remember they may take a little time to warm up, that they need a few more seconds than adults to process a request, and that pushing boundaries is what they do best.
Working with toddlers is right up my alley and I do my best to make family photos as fun and easy as possible. If you’re looking to book a session, please reach out!
I hope these tips for family photo sessions with toddlers was helpful! Here are some other posts on my blog you might enjoy:
- 5 Reasons Why Valley Forge Park is the Perfect Spot for Your Philadelphia Family Photography Session
- How to Choose the Best Family Photographer in Philadelphia for Your Family
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