We’ve all been there as a parent… scrambling through a photo session while the hubs huffs in the background because the toddlers are mid meltdown and absolutely refuse to smile or (heck) even look at the camera! Sometimes it gets chalked up to the young age and the hope that they’ll grow out of it one of these days. But as the chaos ensues, it just feels like nothing can go right. If you’ve ever felt the defeat of this kind of photo session, here are a few tricks I would try with your toddler before your next family photo session!
Talk About the Session in a Positive Way
Leading up to your session, tell your kiddos you are going to have family photos taken and spin it as a fun adventure. Create positive anticipation with phrases like “we’re going to play at the park” or “we get to explore nature”. By crafting a fun atmosphere before photos begin will have everyone arriving to the photo session in a good mood ready for anything!
Make Sure They’re Well Rested
Nothing derails a session faster than a tired kiddo! Try to avoid scheduling too many activities for the day, especially leading into your session. Make sure they get their nap. Let them have quiet time. Give yourself plenty of time for getting ready so no one feels rushed or frantic as you head out the door. You can arrive rested and relaxed which usually results in a much happier toddler!
Feed Them Before Photos and Bring Snacks
Hungry toddlers rarely enjoy having their picture taken. And hangry toddlers can get everyone frustrated faster than you can say “snickers”. Fuel their energy with a filling meal and plenty of water while avoiding sugary treats before the session so they don’t crash right as the camera is about to click. However, DO bring snacks for bribes and to keep the energy going! Some of my favorite options are cheerios, goldfish, or crackers. And if you want to give them a sweet treat, PEZ and mini marshmallows are always a great option because they aren’t super messy and they can hide in your toddlers hand!
Dress Them in Comfortable Clothing
Toddlers are meant to explore and need to be dressed in a manner that allows movement so their genuine personality can shine through. If they’re constantly tugging at itchy fabric, stiff shoes, or uncomfortable accessories they’ll be focused on that instead of having fun. Some of the best images happen between the “posed” moments so let them run, climb, and cuddle while being comfortable. That will almost always lead to happier expressions overall!
Stay Calm and Trust the Process
Parents often worry and start to fret when it feels like nothing is going according to plan and toddlers are incredibly good at picking up on their parents’ emotions. If you’re stressed because your kiddos aren’t listening, they’ll often become more upset. But experienced photographers know how to work with toddlers. So trust your photographer… laugh through the chaos and remember the goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection!
The biggest piece of advice I can give? Lower your expectations... in the very best way. It's easy to picture everyone smiling perfectly at the camera for every photo but the truth is, that's rarely what makes the images you'll treasure most. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for connection. A tight hug around your neck, a burst of giggles while running through a field, tiny hands reaching for yours, or your little one snuggled safely into your arms tells the story of this season of life far better than a perfectly posed portrait ever could.
The toddler years are wonderfully unpredictable and that's exactly what makes them worth remembering! Trust your photographer to embrace the chaos, follow your child's lead, and capture the moments you may not even realize are happening. Years from now, you won't remember whether your toddler smiled at the camera every time but you'll be so grateful you have photos that remind you of exactly who they were in this season.
If you're thinking about updating your family photos, I'd love to help make the experience fun, relaxed, and stress-free for everyone! You can book your family session today by getting in touch or join my email list to be the first to hear about upcoming mini sessions, photography tips, and exclusive offers. I can't wait to help you document this beautifully messy stage of life when I see you on the other side of the lens!
