7 simple tips for a smooth session with a toddler

It can be difficult to get kids to cooperate in the best of circumstances! Many times they may feel uncomfortable with a photographer they don’t know well especially if we are in an unfamiliar place. Here are some tips for preparing toddlers for a photoshoot.

1. Prepare

Let your child know in the days ahead that “our friend Ms Lynette will be coming to take our pictures!” Tell them that I love to play and I have something special for good listeners! Let them take pics on your phone and let them know that I will show them how to take a picture on my camera too!

2. Eat

Make sure your toddler is well fed and rested before our session. Try to avoid snacks during the shoot unless your goal is to have a yogurt pouch in every shot.

3. Get Cozy

Make sure the outfit you pick for your toddler is comfortable. That is easy for indoor sessions but if our session is outside on a hot fall day, don’t try to get your toddler to wear a wool sweater. Maybe bring the sweater along and we can get a few shots with it and then change back to more weather appropriate clothing. Same is true for those freezing fall shoots. Consider buying a cute coat instead of a new outfit for your toddler. A cold toddler is the quickest way to ruin your photoshoot!

4. Stay Positive

Sometimes toddlers are overwhelmed during the photoshoot. That’s normal! If that is the case with your little one then instead of trying to get them to sit down and smile at the camera, try starting a tickle fight, play chase, swing them around or toss them up. If that is too much energy for your child then give some snuggles and kisses. Don’t worry about looking at the camera. Focus on looking happy instead!

5. Bribe

Just bribe them. No worries…all parents do it.

6. Don’t Say “Cheese!”

Let me work on getting a natural smile. I have a bunch of tricks up my sleeve to get those candid shots. Just sit back and relax and let me make a fool out of myself to get those true smiles.

7. No Sick Kids!

I cannot stress this one enough! Your child will not be happy to be there if they are sick! Things like this are out of our control and nobody wants to spread sickness. Please reschedule if someone isn’t feeling well!

8. Bonus tip for parents, SMILE!

NEVER.STOP.SMILING. It only takes one second to get that great shot. It’s horrible when we finally get the kids to smile only to see later that the parents look miserable!