Photographing toddlers & children
There's nothing more joyful than a smiling toddler! I enjoy photographing young children because of their authentic expressions and the challenge of capturing their fast-moving play. Read on to learn more about my approach.
For families with little kids, I recommend booking a half session. You can view an example client gallery here.
What's a session like with a toddler or young children?
We start with the "Christmas Card" formals, which may only last 5-7 minutes — all I need for a handful of posed portraits. Then we move to everyone's favorite part: Games!
Family fun time creates the best opportunity for candid, documentary-style moments, which are often my clients' favorite images. We'll weave in posed and prompted photographs as we go. Instead of trying to force a 2-year-old into a certain look, I'm flexible enough to capture authentic moments as they unfold.
What if our kids won't pose?
Taking family photos for the first time can be nerve-racking for kids. Instead of forcing them to do something, we'll circle back to it later in the shoot when they're more comfortable.
This works most of the time. For example, one toddler didn't want to let go of her stuffed bear, and that's understandable. Once we started moving through activities, she got more comfortable and forgot all about her need for tangible comfort.
What if our toddler won't let go of her toy?
If your child doesn't drop their stuffed toy, we'll embrace it. Sometimes these momentary frustrations become our favorite memories.
For all we know, she might bring her lovey to her senior photo shoot as a last reminder of childhood. And how lovely would it be to have these two images with the same stuffed bear on either side of childhood?
My approach is to drop the rigid expectations of family photos and just embrace the family you have today: Loving, joyful, playful, and fun!
What if our kids won't wear what we picked out?
My husband once got one of our boys into a suit and tie by letting him wear a Superman T-shirt underneath. When I look at this photo, which is currently hanging on our wall, you would never know — and it's become a fun family story.
It's a trick worth trying! Just check to make sure that the Superman T-shirt doesn't show through. Select darker clothes to cover it and have your kid twirl around in a bright space or with a flashlight to check that it's covered.
What advice do you have for preparing our kids?
Talking about the photo shoot like you would a fun family outing: "We're going to a park! We'll take a few photos and then play!"
I know how stressful it is to get kids ready and out the door. I've been there. I also know that your tone and attitude will set the mood. As best you can, reframe the photo session as a fun family adventure.
And maybe offer a little ice cream after for good listening. I mean, whatever works, right?
