Photography Sessions with Toddlers & Little Ones: What to Expect & How to Prepare



If you're booking a photography session with your toddler or young child, first of all—yay! These are the fleeting, magical, messy years worth capturing. And while photo sessions with little ones can feel a bit unpredictable (okay, a lot unpredictable), they’re also full of authentic, joy-filled moments that make for the most beautiful memories.

Family walking together on a forest trail surrounded by golden fall foliage.
A joyful autumn moment with falling orange leaves in the background.
Children standing on a leaf-covered path with adults visible in background during autumn.

 

Here are a few things to keep in mind during your session...

 

Come ready to play and interact with your child


This isn't about stiff poses and saying “cheese.” It’s about genuine connection. Be ready to snuggle, tickle, swing them in the air, or play peekaboo. The more you engage naturally with your little one, the more we’ll capture those sweet, real expressions that make your heart melt.

Skip the snacks during the session

It might be tempting to use food as a bribe for cooperation, but in reality, it usually leads to photos of them eating—or worse, pouting with a mouth full of crackers. Let’s keep their hands and faces free for the camera. If you must bring snacks, save them for after the session.

Warm autumn portrait featuring bright smiles and white clothing against fall foliage.
Family portrait with everyone wearing matching white outfits against a natural fall backdrop.
Intimate family moment captured outdoors with everyone wearing coordinated white outfits.
Sweet moment of affection captured outdoors in warm evening light.

I’ll bring the fun—promise!


You don’t need to worry about coming up with ways to keep your kid entertained. I’ve got a whole toolkit of silly, engaging prompts designed to hold their attention and keep them giggling. Whether it’s pretending to be animals, racing mom and dad, or dancing like crazy, your child will be having so much fun, they’ll forget we’re even taking photos.


NO PROMISES OF PRIZES

We know it’s tempting to say, “If you smile, we’ll go get ice cream after!” But this often makes kids hyper-focused on finishing the session as quickly as possible, rather than being present in the moment. Let’s keep the vibe relaxed and pressure-free.

Let go of the idea of “perfect.”


Toddlers have their own plans—and that’s okay. If your child isn’t in the mood to sit and smile for a picture-perfect family portrait, don’t stress. Don’t yell, plead, or bribe. Just roll with it! Some of the most magical images happen during the “in-between” moments when no one is trying too hard. That’s where the real gold is.


YOUR CHILD DOES NOT NEED TO SIT STILL


Seriously. I will happily chase them, spin with them, crouch behind trees, and roll around in the grass if that’s what it takes to get the perfect shot. Your job is simply to relax and enjoy your little one being their quirky, energetic self. That’s where the magic lives.


Tender family moment captured in golden sunlight during autumn.
Family sharing an intimate moment outdoors during golden hour in autumn woods.
Family wearing red and beige outfits poses together on an autumn path surrounded by golden foliage.
Child in floral dress runs on forest path during autumn with golden leaves in background.

At the end of the day, these sessions aren’t about perfection—they’re about preserving this sweet, wild chapter of life in a way that feels true to your family. So show up ready to laugh, play, and just *be* with your child. I’ll take care of the rest.


Photographer in red shirt and jeans sits cross-legged with camera against white background.

 

Book your session!

 

Let me help you capture the little moments with your children :)

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