how to photograph toddlers

My secrets and best tips for photographing toddlers

Ready for all my best tips for photographing toddlers?! Toddlers are notorious for being unpredictable and challenging to photograph. 😆 If you’re just learning photography, it can be frustrating to try and figure out how to get a good photo of them (+ you) while also maneuvering your settings and paying attention to your lighting. Heck, it can be frustrating even if you AREN’T new! We love them SO much, but they really bring it sometimes. They just don’t know that mama desperately wants a picture of (and with) them! 📷 This means we just have to embrace their big little hearts, welcome any chaos, and find joy in it! 🥰 Ths post will serve you whether you are taking photos of toddlers, or trying to get in the photo with them! My original reel with this info is below, and details are expounded below that.

Be patient

I mean this is an obnoxiously obvious tip but seriously, store up all your zen for this moment. 😆 It will take a hot minute to get the photo you are picturing in your head, and you actually may not get that far. Try to go into the photo session with loose expectations. Probably the worst thing you can do is find a photo on Pinterest you want to recreate because you will probably end up disappointed. Just remember that your toddler did not sign up for a photo session, and be as patient as you can muster.

Also a related sidebar: It is kind of a shame that on social media we generally only see the best of the best because sometimes there is so much beauty in those photos that aren’t “perfect.” I keep blurry photos of my daughter all the time just because I love remembering the moment they were happening, or because I can still see her smile even though I missed focus. All photographers miss focus occasionally, no matter how experienced or professional they are. Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t. I also often prefer the photos where she isn’t looking right at the camera. Embrace the chaos and blurry photos for what they are.

Pick the right time of day

I know a lot of photographers will say golden hour or sunrise are the ONLY times to get a good photo but CAN YOU IMAGINE photographing your kids at those times? Sunset is literally the witching hour at our house, lmao. Instead, plan on not having the most beautiful and amazing lighting in exchange for a MUCH happier kiddo (and still beautiful and amazing photos). Mine does best after an hour or two after any wake window ends. So either an hour after she is up for the day or an hour after a nap. Any other time is a nightmare for us to try and take intentional photos unless they are photos where I am just documenting what we are doing. You know your kiddo best and when they are happiest during the day. If you need tips on how to handle different lighting, my Manual Mode for Moms course may be a good fit for you!

Ditch the sit and smile expectations

No, really. Get ready to move! Children are not programed to sit still. They are curious and have way too much to explore to just sit for a photo. If you only take one of my tips for photographing toddlers away, let it be this one! I know it probably sounds like I keep giving them a cop-out for being naughty but I cannot stress enough that asking your children to take “nice” photos is actually a big ask. So anything you can do to make it easier on both you and them is worth repeating.

You really have two avenues for this: keep them engaged in the photosession/interested in the camera, or give them something to do that you can document. Ways to do both of those things include playing a game, acting silly or dancing, asking them to do something with/for the camera, surprising them, or giving them something to do that you photograph.

This reel with my very best tips for photographing toddlers went viral, and you can probably see why! Sometimes the best solutions are right under our noses (and very simple)! This is my #1 tip when I want to be in the photo with my daughter. I did it when she was tiny too, bouncing her up and down on my hip or in my lap, and it is what I ask my clients to do when they have little ones. It is a LOT easier than tossing them in the air and trying to get a good photo.

The other technique I tell clients to do is quickly run out of the frame and back in when their toddler is on their hip. Saying something like, “let’s see how fast mom/dad can run! Can you help me cheer for them?”

Use the appropriate settings

Did I mention toddlers are wiggly and wild and love to move? Make sure you use a fast shutter speed to help avoid blurry photos (unless you are going for an artistic, intentionally blurry photo, then ignore me). I also suggest using continuous autofocusing (AI servo or AF-C depending on your brand), so your camera is constantly watching for movement to capture. You can also use a continuous drive (shooting) mode so that as you hold your finger on the shutter, it continues to take photos until you release it.

If you are using an iphone, try using live photo! This setting captures 1.5 seconds before and after you take the photo. Then you can select the best “key frame” or cover photo from that clip! See this and this reel for more.

Let your child hold a comfort item

My kiddo has a favorite dog stuffed animal that has been her lovey since she was about 5 months old. Now why on earth wouldn’t I want Dog to be in photos?! He is a huge part of our life, I literally look at him all day long and he has been all over the world with us! Sometimes, allowing our children to hold these familiar comfort items is all they need to feel a little more agreeable, especially if the camera is a novelty. More on why you should let your child bring a toy to your photo session, here. To top this tip off, I don’t even need to tell you to ALWAYS have snacks. I know you already walk around with a backpack full of every type of snack out of your pantry because that is how we survive as moms, lol. If it bugs you to see snack containers, find neutral or aesthetically pleasing snack containers like this one (amazon affiliate link). On worst case scenarios, I do indeed bribe with food because I am personally okay with goldfish smiles.

Respect their boundaries

I always try to emphasize this point with both clients and students. Taking someone’s photo is a very personal act. Sharing those photos are even more personal. Respect the boundaries your child is setting for you. When they are done, let them be done, don’t push them for a few more photos. Build in breaks if you know you need a longer amount of time. Keeping photography a light, fun, and respectful activity is the best way to ensure it’s longevity in your life and avoid having a family full of people who “hate having their picture taken.” Do not sign that poor baby up for an hour long photo session unless you know that photographer is going to keep it REAL fun and relaxed. If you DO want them to sit the best option is to give them an actual seat or lap or place to sit.

Posts related to tips for photographing toddlers

For info on the settings to take these photos and how to prepare your toddler for a photoshoot, check out these other posts and reels!

 

 

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