My secrets and best tips for photographing toddlers

Be patient

I mean this is an obnoxiously obvious tip but seriously, store up all your zen for this moment. 😆 It will take a hot minute to get the photo you are picturing in your head, and you actually may not get that far. Try to go into the photo session with loose expectations. Probably the worst thing you can do is find a photo on Pinterest you want to recreate because you will probably end up disappointed. Just remember that your toddler did not sign up for a photo session, and be as patient as you can muster.

Also a related sidebar: It is kind of a shame that on social media we generally only see the best of the best because sometimes there is so much beauty in those photos that aren’t “perfect.” I keep blurry photos of my daughter all the time just because I love remembering the moment they were happening, or because I can still see her smile even though I missed focus. All photographers miss focus occasionally, no matter how experienced or professional they are. Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t. I also often prefer the photos where she isn’t looking right at the camera. Embrace the chaos and blurry photos for what they are.

Pick the right time of day

I know a lot of photographers will say golden hour or sunrise are the ONLY times to get a good photo but CAN YOU IMAGINE photographing your kids at those times? Sunset is literally the witching hour at our house, lmao. Instead, plan on not having the most beautiful and amazing lighting in exchange for a MUCH happier kiddo (and still beautiful and amazing photos). Mine does best after an hour or two after any wake window ends. So either an hour after she is up for the day or an hour after a nap. Any other time is a nightmare for us to try and take intentional photos unless they are photos where I am just documenting what we are doing. You know your kiddo best and when they are happiest during the day. If you need tips on how to handle different lighting, my Manual Mode for Moms course may be a good fit for you!

Ditch the sit and smile expectations

No, really. Get ready to move! Children are not programed to sit still. They are curious and have way too much to explore to just sit for a photo. If you only take one of my tips for photographing toddlers away, let it be this one! I know it probably sounds like I keep giving them a cop-out for being naughty but I cannot stress enough that asking your children to take “nice” photos is actually a big ask. So anything you can do to make it easier on both you and them is worth repeating.

You really have two avenues for this: keep them engaged in the photosession/interested in the camera, or give them something to do that you can document. Ways to do both of those things include playing a game, acting silly or dancing, asking them to do something with/for the camera, surprising them, or giving them something to do that you photograph.

This reel with my very best tips for photographing toddlers went viral, and you can probably see why! Sometimes the best solutions are right under our noses (and very simple)! This is my #1 tip when I want to be in the photo with my daughter. I did it when she was tiny too, bouncing her up and down on my hip or in my lap, and it is what I ask my clients to do when they have little ones. It is a LOT easier than tossing them in the air and trying to get a good photo.

The other technique I tell clients to do is quickly run out of the frame and back in when their toddler is on their hip. Saying something like, “let’s see how fast mom/dad can run! Can you help me cheer for them?”