My approach to toddler photography

My approach to toddler photography

Every photographer has their own way of capturing their subjects. Over the years I have changed the way I work on my sessions many times. When it comes to photographing toddlers, I always was very careful and respectful of their presence. We all know toddlers can be very unpredictable so I knew that there was very little I could do on my end to ensure the session ran as smooth as possible. I like to keep it simple and to the point. Here’s how I approach photographing toddlers. 

Understand toddlers needs

Toddlers are very interesting little humans who are growing and discovering something new every day. They also have very little understanding of what they’re feeling much less how to control their emotions. They are so stinking cute, and they know it. Understanding them and being mindful when working with them is super important. A toddler doesn’t care about posing for the perfect photo. A toddler wants to do what ever they want and understanding this is step one. 

Setting my expectations

Like I mentioned before you don’t know what you’re going to get when it comes to working with toddlers. So, setting your expectations as low as possible the better. This doesn’t mean you have no faith in what you’re doing. It just means you know how toddlers are and are ok with not always getting the perfect shot. This will help the session flow better and make it less stressful when things maybe aren’t going as planned.  

Toddler lead session

The days I’m photographing toddlers I take my running shoes because I’ll be doing a lot of running around. I’m not the photographer that will have the toddler stay in one area the entire session. If they want to get up and walk around, I will follow. You’ll be surprised that all my best shots are of the little ones just playing in the grass or running around. That’s why I call it a toddler lead session because they lead, and I follow. They are so much happier this way and I get lots of cute smiling photos. It’s a win-win situation.

Make my sessions laid back

From the beginning I get down to the little toddler’s level show them my camera introduce myself in a gentle calm way. I’m a total stranger and that last thing I want is for them to feel intimidated or afraid of me. I don’t like to rush them if they need a short break, I allow for that to happen. I always remain calm, playful, and happy. I never force them to do any poses they don’t want to do or push them past their limits. 

The less props the better

I think toddlers are perfect as they are and don’t need all the extra fluff. I love to see them happy in their element. Since my approach is toddler lead a prop set up is pointless. Plus, I found that when I did work with props toddlers would get easily distracted by them. You would have to work extra hard to redirect their attention to you. They would start putting props in their mouths or throwing them everywhere and if you would try to take a prop away it would be the end of the session for sure. So I found removing props all together was the best idea for me and the work I like to do. 

Reflection

Toddlers are super smart and strong willed they will do as they want, and we are just here to witness it all. With respect and understanding I’m able to work in a way that both the little humans and I equally have a great time and get great photos at the end.