So, you probably found this post wondering either “what can I can do to prep myself with photos with my toddler” or “how to make this as painless as possible?” You’ve come to the right place! As a mom myself, I’m right there with you with daily negotiations with my small humans. And I work with a lot of families in all life stages, especially those with toddlers. Often I get new clients are worried about their experience with this life stage because frankly, the 3-year-and-under crowd can be unpredictable.

Here are few tips and tricks I have to help make this easier for you and your toddler(s) for photoshoot.

1. SOME PREP GOES A LONG WAY. Give your toddler a heads up that they are going to be photographed. Whether you’re working with me or some other photographer (we’ve got a lot here in Seattle), talk to your toddler about meeting this “new friend” and what will happen. I generally ask all my clients to pull up my homepage and my family photo to show their toddler that “you’re going to meet AV.” Also it can help to have your own “photo session” at home. Practice with them taking photos with your phone or have them pretend to take pics of your family.

Finally, if you have any time and ability, go visit the site of your photos session or arrive 10-15 minutes early, so that your toddler can get the lay of the land. And run around a bit!

2. BE FLEXIBLE. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from photographing people, especially small humans, and having my own kids, flexibility is key. Toddlers are in stage where independence is key. From my experience with working with hundreds of families is that many times the best photos come from just embracing that moment. I generally try to take of the “posed” requests at the beginning so kids can really be themselves for the session. I often forget myself that this stage is one you don’t want to forget, it goes really fast. So instead, why not embrace it try to capture it in photos? What does this mean for you? Let go a little bit! Part of this process is also asking what your toddler would like to do and make this photo session really enjoyable for them.

3. LET ME DO YOUR DIRTY WORK. I know we’re still in pandemic times (meaning no contact and me communicating through a mask). Have you ever noticed that your kid cooperates with better strangers more often than they do with you? I HAVE.This is one time to use this to your advantage. Most toddlers will not get into a power struggle with the photographer…because they are not their parents/caregivers. I always make it a point to check-in with everyone at your photo session, especially kids. There is a much greater chance that they will both listen and cooperate (at least a portion of the time) if the request comes from the photographer – particularly if you have already prepared them to interact with this person, as outlined in item #1.

4. DISTRACT WHEN NECESSARY. I also recommend bringing a few items with you in case we need to refocus attention. These things can be: small toys, food, phone, keys, etc. What I do ask is not dangle anything in front of them that you do not want in your photo. If you offer up your car keys to get cooperation, you should plan on having a million photos with your car keys in them. Secondly, please save the “big guns” for last. If you start out with the preferred loud squeak toy and your child loses interest in 15 minutes, then you have no “go to” item for the end of the session. As mentioned above, I like to spend the beginning of a session letting the child get to know me so I’m not a complete stranger. Even kiddos that are slow to warm up will do so eventually. Most of the time, once a connection is made, those distracts items are not needed. Your kid will probably be too busy having fun with the new friend that they just made.

5. LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Kids pick up on vibes. If you’re stressed out, they’ll know. So try to relax and let go a bit. Your kids will see that you’re having a good time and they probably will, too.

Letting toddlers be toddlers. Be sure to bring hand sanitizing wipes for after your time outside. :)

Any great family photographer will have some solid tips and tricks up their sleeves to make every person in your family has a wonderful experience. Be sure to ask them how they work with kids, how they deal with stressful situations, and if they have any tips to put you at ease.

If you have any questions, I’m here to make this easy for you. If you haven’t already, head over to learn more about Goodsell Photos Family + Milestone Sessions. Let’s get work on gorgeous photos together.

Share this post and comment below if you have any thoughts or questions about these tips! I’d love to hear from you.

Tips on Family Photos The Way of the Toddler