Family Photography with a Toddler – it can be fun, I promise!

Does the idea of photography with a toddler fill you with dread?

All too often the first thing I’m asked by Mums looking to book a family shoot is ‘I have a 2 year old, will that be ok?’ this also tends to come with the caveat of ‘and she/he never lets me take their picture’.

Believe me, I get it

Who wants to spend money and time on the beautiful bespoke family shoot that you’ve been dreaming of, only to have your miniature Napoleon throw a full tanty mid session. Absolutely no one. (Oh the snot!)

And as we all know a toddlers prerogative is to do exactly what they want to do, when and where they want to do it. Irregardless of how much you have spent on their beautiful outfit or time planning a fabulous day out.

So what’s the solution?

Now this may come as a shock to you but it’s a really easy answer to perfecting photography with a toddler.

Let them be! That’s right, you read that correctly… just relax and let it all happen.

It’s funny that in most situations when dealing with children/behaviour you should do the exact opposite of what your instinct is telling you to do. I should know, I used to be a Primary School Teacher… but that’s for another blog post.

Now I’m not professing to be Super Nanny. For one thing there is no naughty step on location but from many past experiences shooting little people, hands down, the best way to get relaxed, fun and natural images with you and your toddler is to let them run wild and free.

The Power of Positivity

So they get a little muddy or sandy. This little guy was fascinated by the stinky seaweed and wanted to play in the wet sand. He had an authentic experience and it kept him happy.

So you have to carry them because they don’t fancy walking. We got some gorgeous up-close cuddle pictures. True connection between Mummy and child is photography gold!

So all they want to do is sing ‘5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed’. One of my absolute favourite images was taken when, backlit by the sun through the trees, a happy-as-can-be toddler gave us a rendition as we sat and relaxed on the grass. Fun!

Obviously the goal here is to stave off a full tantrum if we can. But if it does happen all is not lost! I have seen many sessions pause for a bit of a cry, a snack and a face wipe. And then hey presto we are good to go again.

Mums I got you!

Honestly, sit back and relax. As the photographer it is my responsibility to react to any situation you throw at me. Throughout the shoot I’m adapting to meet the brief, getting you those beautiful family shots that show true authentic connections. It’s what I love to do.

With my years of experience working with children and tonnes of tips, tricks and games to keep little ones distracted, your family shoot can be everything you dreamed of and more.

To check out some examples of successful photography with a toddler in tow head to my Newborn, Maternity and Family Portfolio’s.