Timeless storytelling through thoughtful photography.
How to prepare a toddler for a family photoshoot (without the meltdown)
To prepare a toddler for a photoshoot, prioritise their schedule over the ‘perfect’ light or time of day for a photoshoot. Ensure they are well-fed and napped, and arrive with zero expectations for them to ‘behave’ or look at the camera. Using a ‘play-first’ approach allows the photographer to capture authentic expressions through movement rather than forced posing.
Lower the Stakes
If you walk into a session stressed about how your toddler will act, they will feel it. I tell all my parents: I don’t need them to sit still. In fact, I’d prefer they didn’t. We aren’t here to manufacture a perfect moment; we’re here to document the beautiful, messy reality of your family right now. If they want to run, we run. If they want to hunt for ‘dinosaur eggs’ (rocks) in the grass, we hunt.
The “Golden Rules” of Prep
- The Full Belly Rule: A hungry toddler is a ticking time bomb. Bring mess-free snacks (think: things that won’t stain their outfit or teeth).
- Comfort First: If they hate the itchy lace collar or the stiff shoes, they will be miserable. Choose soft, breathable fabrics that allow them to climb and jump.
- Timing is Everything: We work around their nap, not just the sunset. A well-rested child in ‘okay’ light is 100x better than a screaming child in ‘Golden Hour’ light.
My Technique
In my journalism days, I learned that the best stories happen when you stop ‘interviewing’ and start observing. I apply that here. I don’t start the session by pointing a big lens in their face. I start by talking to you, the parents. I let them see that I am a friend. Once they feel safe, the ‘camera’ becomes invisible, and the real smiles, the ones you recognise from home, start to come out.
I remember a family photo session on Crickley Hill where two toddler siblings refused to even look at me for the first fifteen minutes. Instead of forcing it, we decided to walk and explore, and play a game where I lifted them up in a blanket and I swung them like they were in a hammock. After each sprint or in between each game, I prompted them with a quick question or light direction. The result was a happy gallery full of life and movement, as well as those quiet, frame-worthy portraits that only happen when a child finally feels confident enough to be still.
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