I meannnnnn… You just might not. And I am here to say that is OK. That probably wasn’t the answer you were looking for, was it? Toddlers will be toddlers. Now I am not saying they will never participate! I have worked with many many many wonderful children. Some of them will sit for pictures, take direction, snuggle, do whatever you ask. Others are just excited to be outside or have a time to be in the spotlight. There are also some who absolutely do not want to be there and they might be so sad. So I wanted to give some tips for all 3 kinds of kiddos and to let you know whatever category your kiddo falls in its completely alright!
- Before your session, tell your kiddo what to expect. Not just we are going to have your picture taken so please smile. But, instead let them know who is taking their picture. Show them a picture of me, if I am your photographer. Ask them what are some poses they really want to do with you all and make sure it happens no matter how silly it may feel at the time. I am also no above bribes. Feel free to have a special reward for them saying thank you for doing this special thing for us and now here is something special for you
- The child who takes amazing direction–embrace it! love it! Dance with them, hug them, throw them high. Do whatever special things you love to do with them at home and let me capture that moment for you. Remind them how wonderful they are!
- The child who just seems to be running around like a chicken with their head cut off-embrace it! Have fun with them! Yes, be their parent and you can tell them hey let’s sit and smile a minute but the best photos are the ones when you are interacting. Treat them the same as the child who takes amazing direction. If you want them to smile at the camera then you just smile and I will look like a crazy person to get them to look at me and laugh. Just relax
- Lastly, does your child have stranger danger? Maybe your kiddo is just so sad and it feels like the entire session was spent crying and you are so stressed out because you just really want them to be happy and it seems like nothing is working. During moments like this I want you to just stop and breathe with them. Hold them or sit with them, rub their back, be in the moment. Do what you would do if you were not in the middle of the photoshoot. I promise you THESE will be the photos you cherish. The raw moments of you loving on your kiddos and them loving on you
I could go on and on but I know it would be way too long for anyone to read! Your toddler is perfect just the way they are. This is why I love being a Lifestyle Photographer. Yes, we will do some poses and make sure you are all facing the camera at some point but I love seeing you interact with your family. These are the moments you will want to grab out of your memories and hold onto forever.
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