Preparing your whole family for a photo session is not easy. Planning, shopping, deciding what everyone will wear and putting it all together can be really stressful. Add a toddler or two into the mix and that stress can double. Now you have to worry about what happens if your child(ren) will cooperate, have a meltdown, or even smile.

Here are five tips that will help you prepare you and your child for your upcoming shoot.

Communicate With Your Photographer

Start here! During the booking process, you should have ample opportunity to talk to your photographer. I can’t tell you how important it is to discuss things beyond the “where & when” of the shoot. Communicating your concerns directly with your photographer can help ease your mind drastically. If you think there is a chance your child may misbehave, tell them. If your child is shy and has a difficult time around new people, share this. Your photographer should provide you with their strategies for dealing with these type of scenarios. If you are working with a seasoned photographer I can promise you that they have probably dealt with similar situations. You hired your photographer for a reason, put your trust in their ability to manage any challenges thrown their way!

Choose Comfortable Clothing

As cute as that five piece suit and tie is, if your child absolutely hates it you are setting them (and your entire shoot) up for failure. Trust me when I say that toddlers care much more about the way they feel than the way they look. Choose clothing that they are comfortable in! Shop around and try to find clothing that is both comfortable and stylish (like my favorite Miou Kids).

Top three items to avoid: Scratchy sweaters, stiff shoes & large hair bows (unless your child is used to it).

Bring Your Toddler’s Favorite Item(s)

A photo session may be a new situation for your toddler. If they have a favorite toy, stuffed animal or blanket BRING IT! Anything that provides comfort will be much appreciated and can create some great photo opportunities too!

Most popular items I’ve used: Blanket, a lovie/doll, a small ride-on-toy.
Tip: Leave the cell phone in the car. While toddlers do love to watch videos on phones, do not rely on this for your photo session, it works against capturing authentic expressions and moments.

Set Expectations….and lower them

This is probably the most important tip, and it’s not for your toddler, it’s for you. Toddlers are unpredictable. They have tons of energy and could really care less about getting a pretty picture. In other words, they are going be in charge of how the session goes, so you need to be prepared to roll with it.

Go into your session with absolutely no expectations for specific shots (leave your pinterest ideas at home). Be okay with your toddler being 100% themselves and allow them to do so. A good photographer will know how to work with them and let them lead the session. You need to let go and let the photographer manage any situation that comes up.

DO NOT BE EMBARRASED. Toddlers are not easy and any family photographer understands!! Once again, you need to trust your photographer to find the perfect moment in nailing that killer shot. Most likely it will happen when your child is running around just being themself.

Enjoy The Moment

This is my number one tip. View your session as a time to live in the moment with your family. Snuggle, giggle, run and play. The more relaxed and authentic you are the more your toddler will respond and cooperate. A photo session is not the time to worry, scold and yell. Let your child be who they are - you just enjoy this time when you can sit back and take it all in one moment at time.

And remember….even the most unhappy moments can create pretty amazing photos that will be talked about for years!