If there’s one thing that people told me when I first had my son, it was to make sure we took pictures. And boy, do I do that.I already have so many photos for memories, but as Little David has gotten older, I’ve noticed that it’s a challenge to master your family photos with a toddler. Once kids hit the toddler stage they’re full of energy, bouncing around off the walls, start their temper tantrums, and you just can’t be sure of what their mood will be. Luckily as a content creator I’ve had many family photo shoots so I’ve got experience! Whether you’re ready to have a family photo session for holiday greeting cards, to commemorate milestones, or just because, I have some great tips to help you master your family photos with a toddler.

If you have a toddler, check out these tips for family photos!

Plan around their schedule.
The first mistake you can ever make is not planning your family photos with a toddler around said toddler. The last thing you want is a baby who is hungry, cranky, or that just straight up cries until they fall asleep because you chose to take pictures during their nap time. Always plan right after their sleeping and eating times to get the happiest and most cooperative toddler you can.
Allow yourself enough time.
I usually plan my family photo shoots down to the tee. I have an excel spreadsheet that lists outfit changes, possible poses and candids, and who will be in the photo. I have all outfits in an assembly line and make sure everyone is dressed and ready as soon as the photographer arrives and we begin promptly. I always schedule for an hour to allow for multiple looks and account for mini tantrums, or anything else, that may get us off track for a couple of minutes. Plus, an hour seems like the magical amount of time for my son to start getting totally over anything.
Keep their outfit changes simple.
I like to have multiple looks for our family photo session, so I plan for a few outfit changes. My hack is that I don’t change my toddler’s bottoms, I change shoes that easily slip on or off, and then I change out a shirt/jacket and maybe add or takeaway a hat or other accessories. That’s it! Remember, they’re little. They don’t need the extra.
Use props.
I love using props to make a great picture come to life at any moment, and props will definitely get you great family photos with a toddler. Depending upon the season and any holidays, think about what will really help add dimension and creativity to your photo. For example, if it’s a holiday photo for your Christmas cards, santa hats are a great prop. It’s something that’s sure to get your toddler’s attention and maybe even make them smile!
Do an activity.
If you know your toddler, you definitely know some of their favorite things to do. I know Little David loves playing with balls, so that’s an activity we do to to help him loosen up for photos. Sometimes we even capture it in the photos. Bring an activity into the mix to keep it interactive and natural during your family photos with a toddler.
Capture candid photos.
Candids are my favorite. There’s nothing like catching a natural smile or interaction between you and your toddler. My favorite way to capture candids is to just be you. Behave the way you normally would as if the camera wasn’t even there. Playful hugs, playing peek a boo, or even tag when outdoors is a great way to capture natural candid images.
Bring someone along to help.
An extra hand at any point if you have a toddler is never a bad idea, but when you need really great photos it’s the best idea ever. That “someone” to help can even be your photographer, especially if they’re already really familiar with your family. You can bring along someone else in the family or even a close family friend that can get your toddler in the right mood for great pictures. You can use the extra help to get your toddler ready to smile before picture time playing with them and being silly. Your helper can even stand behind your photographer by making silly faces, or showing your toddler some of their favorite videos or toys that are sure to make them smile.
Play music!
It’s no secret that all toddlers love music, and most of them also love to dance. To get them in a smiling mood, or even capture a really great candid photo, it’s never a bad idea to play some of their favorite songs and have a little dance party. You’ll definitely score some adorable smiles, and even get some laughter captured on the camera.
Give them their favorite things.
Hands down, one of my little guys’ favorite things is Elmo, and I know just mentioning Elmo’s name will make him crack the biggest smile you’d ever see. Whatever your toddler’s favorite thing is, use it to your advantage and get those moments captured in images!
Let them lead the way.
A lot of times, toddlers just kind of do what they want to do and that’s actually not necessarily a bad idea. If you just go with the flow and let them lead the way, you’ll actually notice that you’ll get lots of great candids that way too. It’s really an art to learn to mold yourself around whatever your toddler is doing for great pictures, but it can be done. Just follow their lead and let things flow naturally.
Keep calm.
Last but certainly not least, make sure you keep yourself calm. If you have a toddler then you’re already accustomed to the fact that things will not always go as planned and you have to tailor your needs around theirs first. That’s just what comes with the territory. At the end of the day, know that your photos will come out great regardless because you’re capturing the natural essence of your little one right now, and these are days that you’ll look back on and cherish forever!

Family Photoshoot Poses with a Toddler

I hope these 11 tips to master your family photos with a toddler really work and get you the images you want to share with your friends and family, plus add to your life long album of photos.

Do you have a toddler? If so, how do you master your family photos to make sure you get great images? Comment and let me know!

SMOOCHES!

Onteria

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