Tips for Preparing Your Toddler for a Photography Session LA Photographer’s Guide
I know how exciting it can be to have family photos yet the process leading up to the session can be stressful. Especially when it comes to your toddler, you almost want to cancel the session at the thought they won’t comply, and you would waste money and time. I want to share some simple tips I give my clients to help make the process as enjoyable as possible and make their photography session less stressful.
I do want to give a little disclaimer the tips I’m going to share are not a one size fits you’re your toddler might need a few extra things to prepare them. As for the tips below, I find them to be super effective and have worked for many of my clients over the years.
TIP 1: Set your expectations …. Make them as realistic as possible
You and I both know that toddlers won’t care if you bribe them with their favorite treats or toy for a smile. They will do whatever they want and that will be the end of it. That's why it is important to set realistic expectations for these little humans. Don’t be embarrassed if your toddlers are not cooperating. As a photographer we let the tiny humans lead the session and be playful so that they feel comfortable. I don’t like to push toddlers for a perfect smile instead I ask them to play, and I just follow with my camera. During my sessions I can easily tell when toddlers are done and want to be left alone. When this happens, I communicate with the parent, and we see if by giving them a short break does the trick. Again, my expectations for toddler session are always low and yours should be to.
TIP 2: Practice at home
This will be helpful especially if this is their first-ever shoot. Pretend play with your toddler. You can be the photographer and be silly and playful so that they can engage in the play. This will also help them be excited about the session. You can tell them a little about the photographer like their name and a little about how the session will be like. I even offer to zoom call before the session that way they are a little more familiar with me. I like to offer this to parents who say they little one is super shy. You can also show them some behind the scenes videos of toddler sessions on YouTube so the can get the idea of what it looks like.
TIP 3: Make sure the session is not around nap time!! (Don’t let them sleep in the car)
Make sure to arrange nap time around the session. Let’s be honest, we all know how toddlers get when they miss nap time. Also as important, do not let them sleep in the car. You don’t want them to wake up cranky or half asleep. Toddlers may need some adjustments to their surroundings and being pushed into a session may not be an ideal situation. So make sure to bring some distractions for the car if the drive to the location is long. With that being said you know your child best. If you feel like they are always ok with taking a nap in the car and it can actually make the session better, I say feel free to do so.
TIP 4: Don’t over encourage or over bribe!
Ok this one is totally optional like in the last tip you know your child best. Going based on pasted experiences this is what I found works best for bribes. With this being said, bring something they enjoy to the session in some cases bribing is needed. I say this just in case because you might not need it if the photographer is following the toddler’s lead there’s no need for a bribe. Second, don’t over encourage a smile. The last thing you want is for them to get fed up with you and be completely done with the session. Don’t get me wrong it’s ok to be silly and have them crack a smile. Just don’t expect to force one out of them. You will hear me say look at the camera smile but I do so in a natural way where it’s never forced.
TIP 5: GET INVOLVED
This is a big one often I will ask mom or dad to hold kiddos’ hands and pop in a few shots especially in the beginning as they warm up and get more comfortable. Trust me these make the best photos. Genuine interactions are the most beautiful memories. Therefore, even if the session isn’t for you come prepared to jump in as needed. Getting the whole family in for a shot won’t hurt. It makes the session more fun even if doesn’t seem like something you want to do at the moment.
LASTLY, RELAX DONT PUT PRESSURE ON MAKING THIS A PERFECT ENCOUNTER. YOUR TODDLER IS FULL Of CUTENESS AND LOVE. THEY WILL LOOK AMAZING REGARDLESS.
