If you’ve been following along with my journey and content for a while, you’ll know that photographing toddlers is my absolute favorite! As a mom of 4, and photographer for almost a decade, I’ve seen it all. Grumpy kids, shy ones, and more! And I love working with all types of young children to get beautiful photos of them, because I do know it can be a challenge to do on your own! I’ve prepared a list of tips to help prepare you for a successful family photo session with your toddler. I hope it’s helpful for you!
1. Talk about the session ahead of time
Set expectations early
Toddlers are often more willing to cooperate when they understand what’s going to happen. Before the session, talk to your toddler about the photo shoot in an upbeat way. Show them some of the photos of your photographer (maybe even some photos I’ve taken in the past!) to give them an idea of what to expect. Let them know it’s going to be fun! For example, “You’re going to get to play a lot of fun games with Miss Abby today!” This helps them see the session as an exciting adventure rather than something to worry about.
It’s also important not to focus on getting the perfect “cheese” smile. Instead, encourage natural expressions—play, giggle, and let your toddler be themselves. I’ll be there to guide them (and you!) through it!
2. Bring snacks that are not messy or staining
Easy, clean snacks
I know that toddlers can get hungry during a session, so bringing snacks is a great idea! However, try to avoid anything too messy or staining, which can ruin clothing and get stuck in teeth. Here are a few snack ideas that are easy to eat and won’t leave a mess:
- Crackers (like Goldfish)
- Apple slices or other fruit that’s easy to wipe clean
- Pretzels
- Granola bars (broken into small pieces) – watch out for chocolate chips!
- Rice cakes
- Mini marshmallows
Pack them in a small, easy-to-access container or bag to keep things simple. And make sure to bring some water to keep them hydrated!
3. Brainstorm a few fun activities you like to do together
Make it personal
Every toddler is different, and they often have their own special ways they like to interact with their parents. It can be super helpful to brainstorm a few activities you and your toddler enjoy together. These could be simple things like the way they like to be carried, certain games you play together, things that are funny specifically to them.
If you’re unsure, write a list of things your toddler enjoys, so you’re ready to go when it’s time to make those memories! These little moments of playfulness will help keep your toddler engaged and create some of the most precious shots.
4. Be well-rested
Adjust nap times as needed
A well-rested toddler is a happy toddler! If your session is scheduled for a time that’s usually close to nap time, try adjusting the schedule a little. For example, for an evening session, you might want to plan a later nap so your little one is well-rested and full of energy.
That being said, it’s also important to stay flexible. Toddlers can sometimes be unpredictable, so if they’re not in the mood to cooperate at first, don’t stress! We’ll work with their energy and mood to make sure they still have fun.
5. Arrive early and prepare for anything
It’s always a good idea to arrive a little early to your session so you can relax and let your toddler explore the location. If you need to change your toddler into their photo clothes, the car can be a great place to do that—especially if the location is a bit of a drive. Dress them in everyday clothes for the car in case of a mess, and change them on location.
If we’re heading to a location where they might get a little messy (like a beach, field, or park), pack a change of clothes just in case. It’s always better to have an extra set of clothes, and we’ll make sure to get some clean, gorgeous shots before any spills happen!
6. Let your photographer lead
Trust the process
As a Milwaukee family photographer who has SO much experience with toddlers, the most important tip is to relax and enjoy the experience. Let me lead the session and guide your toddler through different poses and activities. While we’ll get some posed shots, I want to focus on capturing genuine moments of connection and joy between you and your child.
Let go of any expectations of perfection. Toddlers can’t “mess up” photos—they’re spontaneous and full of life! Sometimes the best images happen when they’re just being themselves, exploring, and having fun with you. The goal is to show the love and connection you share as a family, and that doesn’t always involve perfectly posed smiles.
At the end of the day, every toddler just wants to be loved by their family despite their big feelings. Knowing this, and remembering it in what can feel like a high-stress situation, will be the make or break difference between a successful and not successful session.
I hope this is helpful as you prepare for your own Milwaukee family session! Preparing the best you can, choosing a photographer who knows how to work with toddlers, and enjoying the process is going to give you the best chance of beautiful photos.
If you’d like to learn more about what it is like to work together, I’d love to connect with you!
