Photographing Toddlers: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest concerns the families I work with have when it comes to planning a photo shoot is whether or not their children, especially their toddlers, will “behave”.

I totally understand this concern!

When you book a family portrait session you are investing both time and money and you want it to be as perfect as can be!

There is no perfect

But after 24 years working as a professional photographer, this is what I’ve learned!

There is no perfect!

And being “perfect” is over rated anyway!

What I love about photographing toddlers

As a portrait photographer, my goal is to create images that capture the person I’m photographing as they truly are in this moment in life.

I work really hard to see the “real” because I find that beautiful.

As a mother, I want to look back at photos of my children and remember them as they’re authentic little selves.

The gift of toddlers is that they ONLY exist in “the real”. They haven’t learned to pose yet. They don’t have a rehearsed “picture face”. You will never get a fake smile from a two or three year old!

And that is why I LOVE working with them so much!

So what do I do is your child doesn’t want their photo taken?

When you and your child come into the studio, the first thing I do is make sure your toddler feels comfortable. Young children are often a little bit shy at first, so I give them time to warm up.

We talk and play for a few minutes, then we move into pictures.

If they are still feeling unsure, I’ll start with mom or dad sitting with them.

We play and sing songs!

I make it fun.

And I always bet something beautiful!