Toddlers Misbehavin’

As a Bay Area family toddler photographer, there are a few statements that I seem to get over and over again when prepping parents with small children for their family portrait session. A few are:

• My toddler won’t sit still for a photography session.
• My toddler acts crazy. He never stops moving and won’t smile for the camera.
• My toddler is so shy and it is hard to warm up.
• How are we to get toddlers to cooperate for pictures?

As a mom myself, I get it! You are stressed about how the session will go and if your kids will listen to anything I say.  First, I promise I don’t care if your toddler is less than enthusiastic about the session and would rather bang a stick against a tree. Families that book with me want to capture those candid, humorous moments vs. contrived, cheesy pictures. I never expect a young child to sit politely and smile at the camera. You are looking to create images that tell the authentic story of your family and as a toddler photographer, I will do just that.

Let’s keep it fun and light! This simply means engaging with your children and I will take care of the rest. 

Check out these tips on why you don’t need to worry about your toddler’s behavior.

Let your toddler be a toddler

I am a lifestyle photographer and my goal is to capture and celebrate a child’s current developmental stage. As we all can attest to, little ones are unpredictable, feisty and curious. Capturing moments of them exploring and learning about the world is a much more authentic representation than a perfect smile. You will even laugh at this stage one day, I promise! Your kids should have the freedom to be themselves during your session because that’s how we get genuine smiles and true emotion. Their individual personalities can shine through when we don’t try to change who they are.

Set Realistic Expectations

When we set unrealistic expectations about a specific portrait session, families can often feel the pressure and look for specific outcomes. My goal is to capture genuine moments between family members, not coerced smiles. In my 25 years as a photographer, I have found that my clients love the photos that make them laugh or remember a phase in their family’s lives. I recommend coming to a photoshoot with a sense of adventure and a big sense of humor. 

Start on a Positive Note

The day before the photo session or the morning of, let the kids know you are going to have a special experience. No need to tell your kids that they “have to behave” or stay clean. I do suggest bringing a small treat, like a Smartie Candy, to surprise them with during the session to bring extra joy. They don’t stain and a small bit of sugar can go a long way. It’s best to start the session on a full tummy and leave the messy, sticky food for much later. As a toddler photographer, I know they get hungry fast so if snacks are a must, keep them simple.

Offer them a sense of independence

Young children are grasping for independence and will test adults at every turn.  This is another reason why standard studio sessions often don’t suit families. Having to sit still and look at the camera is rough for kids because they are constantly being told what to do.  A relaxed outdoor photoshoot where children can lead the adults by the hand, laugh at jokes and be themselves helps them to feel in control and enjoy the experience. During a photo session, I will often have families play games and get silly to bring out the best. Young children forget about the camera and feel in their element when we make interaction the focus.

Book your relaxed and silly family photography session with me in the San Francisco Bay Area, I can’t wait to hear from you!