Planning Your Photoshoot With Little Ones

Family

Photography Sessions with Toddlers & Little Ones: What to Expect & How to Prepare

If you’re booking a photography session with your toddler or young child, first of all—yay! These are the fleeting, magical, messy years worth capturing. And while photo sessions with little ones can feel a bit unpredictable (okay, a lot unpredictable), they’re also full of authentic, joy-filled moments that make for the most beautiful memories.

Here are a few things to keep in mind during your session…

Come ready to play and interact with your child

This isn’t about stiff poses and saying “cheese.” It’s about genuine connection. Be ready to snuggle, tickle, swing them in the air, or play peekaboo. The more you engage naturally with your little one, the more we’ll capture those sweet, real expressions that make your heart melt.

Bring small quick snacks for during session

What kid doesn’t love snacks?! If you plan to bring along food bribery, just be sure they are small and quick treats to sneak in between photos! You don’t want anything that will fill their entire mouth, make a mess on their clothes, or they will have to chew for a long time.

I’ll bring the fun—promise!

You don’t need to worry about coming up with ways to keep your kid entertained. I’ve got a whole toolkit of silly, engaging prompts designed to hold their attention and keep them giggling. Whether it’s pretending to be animals, racing mom and dad, or dancing like crazy, your child will be having so much fun, they’ll forget we’re even taking photos.

Try to keep mention of prizes till the end

We know it’s tempting to say, “If you smile, we’ll go get ice cream after!” But this often makes kids hyper-focused on finishing the session as quickly as possible, rather than being present in the moment. Let’s keep the vibe relaxed and pressure-free.

Let go of the idea of “perfect.”

Toddlers have their own plans—and that’s okay. If your child isn’t in the mood to sit and smile for a picture-perfect family portrait, don’t stress. Don’t yell, plead, or bribe. Just roll with it! Some of the most magical images happen during the “in-between” moments when no one is trying too hard. That’s where the real gold is.

Your child does not need to sit still

Seriously. I will happily chase them, spin with them, crouch behind trees, and roll around in the grass if that’s what it takes to get the perfect shot. Your job is simply to relax and enjoy your little one being their quirky, energetic self. That’s where the magic lives.

At the end of the day, these sessions aren’t about perfection—they’re about preserving this sweet, wild chapter of life in a way that feels true to your family. So show up ready to laugh, play, and just *be* with your child. I’ll take care of the rest.

July 28, 2025

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