Planning on a session with your toddler or young child? I am here to help!
So, you've planned a photo session with your toddler. Congratulations! Now you may be wondering what to expect and how to get your child to smile, to behave, and to be content. Luckily for you, I am here to assist! Read this article before your session and take away any pointers that you feel may help you.
In order to have a successful photo session with your toddler, it is important to make sure they are well fed and well rested before meeting with your photographer.
Keeping your child busy and moving during a photo session is important!
Tell your child(ren) about your photographer before the session
Before you even meet with your photographer, tell you child about them. Make sure you use your photographer's name and talk like photographers are your friends (because we are)! Talk like you are taking them to a fun event (because you are)! Photo shoots should be fun and stress-free, which leads me to my next tip...
Leave the stress behind and Plan on having fun!
To me, this is the most important tip of all. Photo sessions are supposed to be fun, care-free, and exciting! Going into the session stressed out because you're worried about how your toddler is going to behave is not the best idea. Kids pick up on the energy from their parents and tend to mirror how their parents are feeling/reacting. Do not go into a session with negative expectations! Go with the flow and let kids be kids. You'd be surprised at how many genuine smiles we can get out of a session if you embrace the chaos and just have fun.
Leave the hard work for your photographer
Let the photographer handle making your child smile and look at the camera, especially when snapping a photo of everyone looking at the camera. There have been countless photos I have had to throw out because a parent is, or both parents are, looking at their child. Many times the child is smiling, but the parent(s) is/are looking away from the camera. Try to avoid this by letting your photographer take charge. Most of the time I bring my husband and child to photo sessions to assist me in getting those genuine smiles from your toddler. Sometimes you will be prompted to interact with your child(ren), and in this case, this tip does not matter as much.
Some of the best, most genuine smiles happen when you (the parent) interact with your child during a session!
It is important to show up to your session stress-free and without high expectations from your child.
Be prepared to make it fun and all about your child!
Show up to your session 5 minutes early
Showing up to your session 5 minutes early allows for the photographer and child(ren) to properly meet. This gives the child time to warm up and meet the photographer. It also gives the photographer a chance to show your child(ren) the camera so that they do not feel as intimidated by something that they are unfamiliar with. Your photographer may even allow your child(ren) to press the shutter button!
Let your photographer know your child(ren)'s interests
Upon booking your session, some photographers will send you a questionnaire that you should take some time to complete. This is just to get to know you and your family a little better as well as your wants and needs from the session. This is also a chance for you to let your photographer know what your child enjoys and/or what gets him or her to smile. These can be things such as videos, songs, a particular toy that you can bring, dancing, etc. Keep in mind the toy may end up in some photos, so make sure it is something you do not mind seeing in the photographs. We also have to be careful when taking this toy away from your child because he or she may get a little upset. Your judgement as the parent is best in this scenario.
Make sure your child is well rested and well fed before the session
A well fed and well rested child is a happy child! This one is pretty self-explanatory. Feel free to bring snacks/drinks, but keep in mind that it is hard to make anyone look good in photos while they have a mouthful of food. Snack breaks are always welcome, but make sure the snacks/drinks are mess free and do not stain your child(ren)'s mouth(s).
Props/toys to make your child happy can be used briefly to get them out of a "funk."
Let your child wander and explore the photo session location.
If it is cooler out, be sure to bring blankets/warm clothes to warm up your child in the middle of shots.
Be prepared to play games and act silly
Children tend to love playing games and acting silly! Games include: peek-a-boo, ring around the rosie, tickle fight, Simon Says, red light/green light. These are all fun ways to snag some genuine smiles from everyone! Prepare for some silliness coming from everyone!
Dress your child(ren) comfortably
If your child is not comfortable in their outfit, chances are this is going to show. That goes for anyone of any age. I always let my clients know that if they are not comfortable, it will definitely show through the photos. If a tag is sticking in your child's side, they may express this through crying and we may not be able to pin point why! Pay attention to this when getting your child dressed for the photo session. Visit this article for tips on how to dress for your session.
Check your own expectations
This goes with leaving your stress behind! Raising the bar too high will cause unnecessary stress from the start. Toddlers will be toddlers. Remember that they are human, too, and they do not have the emotional intelligence that adults have quite yet. Do not get stressed about their emotions. Console them how you can and we can wait a couple of minutes during the session to let them calm down. No need to panic! We will work together to achieve an amazing photo session with your child(ren)!
Other quick tips:
- Make it all about them!
- Don't force your child(ren) to do a certain pose, especially if they're not feeling it.
- Do not bring candy that is going to change the color of your child's mouth!
- Pick whether or not you want to use bribes for your child. You know him/her better than I do.
- Use your phone to take photos of them during the days leading up to the photo session.
- Most of all, have fun! Photo sessions are for creating special memories and capturing those memories so that they will last a lifetime!
I look forward to capturing beautiful memories with you and your family!
-Caroline
