How to Keep Toddlers Engaged During Family Photos
Every parent knows the challenge: you’ve booked the perfect photographer, coordinated the outfits, and now comes the trickiest part—keeping your toddler happy during the photo session! After being a Northern Virginia family photographer for many years, I have learned a few tips. Instead of a stressful experience, you CAN have a FUN family photo experience! Here are ways to keep toddlers engaged during family photos (or newborn photos).
BEFORE THE SESSION
Choosing the best start time
Choosing the right start time can make a big difference. Ideally, you want to book your session during their most energetic and happy part of the day. This is often morning, but it can be different for each kiddo. For outdoor sessions, we can do early morning or an hour and a half before sunset. For the studio, sessions are offered between 10 AM – 2 PM. Also, make sure you schedule AROUND your toddler’s nap time, not through it.
Choosing the right location
When thinking about location, choose one where your toddler can safely move around. Most kids don’t like to be held at this age (as you know), and giving them freedom is the best way to keep them happy and excited to be there. Locations with lots of nature features such as parks, gardens and open fields are often the best choice for outdoor photos. Avoid places with safety concerns such as traffic or parked cars, or ones where you’ll need to drive a long distance to get to. We can also take photos in your home if that’s where they’re most comfortable!
Avoid big changes to your routines
Big changes such as changing sleep schedules, having overnight guests, or big special occasions out can disrupt their routine. Then when the photo session day arrives, they’re already out of their day-to-day routines and will have trouble regulating. On session day, try to keep their routine and nap times as regular as possible.
Talk about the session in the days leading up to it
Tell the kids how much fun you’re all going to have as a family! Set it up in a lighthearted way – for example, tell them we’re going to see a pretty garden with Emily today, and we’re going to play some games and go exploring. It will be so much fun, and we’ll get some pictures too! They’ll even get to wear a special outfit. By doing this, kids can approach the session with excitement. It’s not something they HAVE to do – it’s a fun activity!
Pack your bag with the essentials
Bring snacks (more on that below), their outfits if you’re dressing them when you get there, neutral shoes in case they’re not going barefoot, and a couple of toys to play with when they’re not in photos. (Hide the toys though so they don’t know they’re there). For later evening sessions, you can even bring pajamas if you want them to fall asleep in the car ride home.
DURING THE SESSION
Bring ALL the snacks!
This is the best tip for toddlers. They love snacks, and having plenty on hand can make the experience better for everyone. First, make sure they eat before the session so they have full bellies. Then pack simple, mess-free snacks they can eat in single bits such as dry cereal, crackers, gummies, etc. Don’t tell them you have anything specific – we’ll wait to pull them out as needed. If they know they’re in the bag ahead of time, they might immediately want them.
During the session, we can use the snacks for breaks or as an instant reward. It really depends on the session, and sometimes we don’t need them. But having them makes all the difference! Just make sure you avoid bringing anything that can stain clothes or faces, such as chocolate, anything sticky, or large treats they have to sit down and eat like a whole granola bar.
Stay excited no matter what happens
Toddlers have a short attention span, so to keep them engaged, you also need to stay engaged! If you get frustrated or angry, they will sense that and refuse to participate. No matter what, just keep smiling and rolling with the punches. I’ll redirect us to a new game, activity, or give your toddler a little break. The important thing is to keep things going!
Stay connected with your toddler
I use guided posing, which means I’ll tell you what I want you to do for the photos. However, we leave lots of room for playing and snuggling. Your job is to find little moments of connection with your toddler through all of the prompts. Snuggle in, touch noses, put your hand in their hair, hold hands, etc. These little moments keep your toddler engaged, and will be a real (and beautiful) documentation of this time.
Leave room for play
After we get the main photos, we’ll switch to playtime for everyone. If your toddler needs to run around a bit to burn off some energy, that’s completely fine! Don’t stress about making sure every moment goes perfectly – we want those real, imperfect moments too.
Think about what makes your toddler happy before the session
In your planning questionnaire, share your toddler’s interests and personality with me. Think about any favorite songs your toddler loves, any family games you all like to play, and anything silly that makes them smile. Bring a favorite book (neutral covers are best if possible) or even a favorite stuffy (again, neutral and something you won’t mind in photos is best) can be pulled out at the end of a session if things are going downhill and they need some comfort.
Don’t worry about apologizing for toddlers being, well toddlers!
As a family photographer, I’ve seen it all. I’m used to toddler behavior, and I know it’s all part of this age. I’m used to being patient, waiting for those special moments, and rolling with the punches along the way.
FINAL THOUGHTS
After the session, have a special activity planned for afterward – maybe it’s some ice cream or a special treat, going out to breakfast or lunch, or even an activity at home. Talk about the fun moments you shared and thank them for doing a good job.
Toddlers can often be a handful, but it is so worth it to document these years. They go by in a blur, and you won’t regret taking the time to capture them! Sometimes the unplanned, messy moments make for the most treasured memories. Stay flexible, keep it fun, and trust that your photographer knows how to capture the magic through it all.
Interested in booking an outdoor or studio session with Emily? Inquire below to learn more!