If you’ve been putting off family photos because your toddler is in a stage where sitting still is practically impossible, I promise you’re not alone! I hear from parents all the time who worry that their little one won’t cooperate, won’t smile, or will spend the entire session running in the opposite direction. And while I completely understand wanting beautiful family photos, I also want you to know that your toddler doesn’t need to be on their best behavior for us to capture them.
Family photos with toddlers are some of my favorite sessions because there’s so much personality at this age. Every child is different, and I’ve learned that the best approach is to give them a little room to be themselves while I guide your family through the session. You can leave the photography to me and enjoy spending time with your little ones, even if that means we have to get a little creative along the way!
First of all, I don’t expect them to! Toddlers are naturally curious, and asking them to sit in one spot and smile at a camera for an extended period of time usually isn’t going to be very successful. I’d much rather work with their personality and attention span than spend our entire session trying to convince them to do something they aren’t interested in doing.
Depending on your child’s age and personality, we might incorporate a little movement, have you hold them for a few photos, or give them an opportunity to explore before bringing everyone back together. Sometimes a toddler who has absolutely no interest in looking at my camera will happily laugh with Mom or Dad, and those interactions can lead to some of my favorite photographs. I’ll still guide you throughout your session and work toward those beautiful DFW family portraits you’re hoping for, but we have plenty of ways to get there.
I know how tempting it can be to constantly remind your toddler to smile, look at the camera, or stand next to their sibling. You want your family photos to turn out beautifully, especially when you’ve spent time getting everyone dressed and ready. But one of the most helpful things you can do during your session is allow me to take the lead so you can focus on enjoying your family.
Children are incredibly good at picking up on our emotions, and when parents start feeling frustrated, little ones often become frustrated right along with them. If your toddler needs a few minutes to warm up or suddenly decides they would rather be held, we’ll work with that. I’m paying attention to their mood throughout our time together and adjusting my approach when needed, so you don’t have to spend the entire session worrying about what they might do next.
And if we need to take a little break? That’s perfectly fine, too!
A little preparation can make a big difference when you’re planning family photos with young children, although I wouldn’t recommend making the session into a huge event that your toddler needs to worry about. Instead, talk about it casually beforehand and let them know that your family is going to spend some time together while I take pictures. You can even show them a few family photos so they have an idea of what to expect.
On the day of your session, try to keep your normal routine as much as possible. A well-rested toddler who has had a good meal is generally going to have an easier time than one who has missed their nap or is getting hungry. I also recommend bringing along a favorite snack and anything else that might help your little one feel comfortable if they need a break.
Another thing to consider is clothing. I help my families coordinate their outfits and offer a client closet with options for moms, dads, and children, so you won’t have to figure out everyone’s wardrobe on your own. When we’re choosing clothing for toddlers, I want them to look adorable, of course, but I also want them to be able to move comfortably. An itchy dress or uncomfortable pair of shoes can quickly become the biggest problem of the day, and that’s something we’d all rather avoid!
One of the things I love about the experience I offer my families is that you don’t have to spend hours researching photography locations or trying to figure out where your children will photograph best. I choose the locations for my sessions because I know what I’m looking for when it comes to beautiful light, the season, and the overall look of your family portraits.
When you’re already juggling nap schedules, getting everyone dressed, and making sure you haven’t forgotten anything on your way out the door, having one less decision to make can be a huge relief. I’ll take care of choosing the location and help you prepare beforehand so you can arrive knowing that those details have already been handled.
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about family photography is that you should wait until your children reach an age when they’ll be easier to photograph. I understand the temptation, especially when you’re in the middle of a particularly challenging toddler stage, but there are so many wonderful things about this age that you’ll want to remember.
The way your little one reaches for your hand, insists on being carried, or bursts into laughter when Dad does something silly won’t last forever. Even the child who spends most of the session exploring everything around them is showing us a little piece of who they are right now. As a photographer, I love having the opportunity to capture those details alongside the traditional family portraits that parents are excited to hang on their walls.
Before you know it, the toddler who couldn’t sit still will be a big kid with an entirely different personality and a whole new set of interests. I want you to have beautiful photographs of all those stages, including the wonderfully busy years when your children are little.
If you’re looking for a Fort Worth family photographer and wondering whether your toddler is ready for family photos, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels comfortable for everyone. From helping your family with wardrobe to choosing our location and guiding you through the session, I’ll take care of the details so you can enjoy this time with your children.
Your toddler doesn’t need to suddenly become a child who loves sitting still and smiling for the camera. Bring them exactly as they are, and we’ll have a wonderful time capturing your family during this sweet stage of life!
Paula Goforth is a Fort Worth-based photographer specializing in family, newborn, and maternity portraits. Serving Fort Worth, Keller, Southlake, Dallas, and surrounding areas, she creates timeless, heartfelt images that beautifully capture life’s most precious moments.
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