How to Prep Your Toddler For Family Photos | St. Louis Family Photographer

As a family photographer, one of the most common things I hear from parents before a session is, “I’m worried my toddler won’t cooperate.” And honestly? That’s totally fair! As a toddler mom myself, I get it. That’s why I wrote this post on how to prep your toddler for family photos!

The good news is that your toddler doesn’t have to smile perfectly, stand still, or even look at the camera for us to create beautiful images. Some of the most meaningful photographs come from letting little ones simply be themselves (trust me, the one of them running towards you with a flower is the one you’ll remember…ask me how I know!). 

With that being said though, there are a few things you can do to help prep your toddler (and yourself) for the session: 

1. Talk About the Session Ahead of Time

A few days before your session, tell your child about your session! And I mean, hype it up! Instead of saying, “We’re taking pictures,” try something like: “We’re going to the park to play, cuddle, and spend time together while my friend takes pictures, doesn’t that sound so fun?!”

This creates anticipation for the session and gets them excited to be there. 

2. Allow them to be co collaborators in prepping for the session

I don’t know about your kid, but mine has very strong opinions about what to wear. So instead of picking out their outfit, pick a few options you’re okay with and let them make the final decision. If you need some guidance on what to wear check out my blog post full of tips on what to wear to your session! You can also help them pick the location, if you need help deciding! 

3. Avoid Bribes (If You Can)

I know promising ice cream if they smile for pictures is a tempting thing to do, but I recommend trying to avoid that. Instead, hype up how much fun you’re going to have! Tell them you’ll play games, go exploring, race down paths, collect leaves, twirl, and snuggle! Your kids favorite thing to do is play with you so I’m sure they’ll be excited for that. If you’d like to celebrate afterward with a treat (which I definitely recommend), save it as a surprise rather than something they feel they have to “earn.”

4. Bring Simple Snacks

I know that I’m not my best self if I’m hangry so I always tell my families to pack a few non-messy snacks just in case (key word here: non messy!).

Some favorites include:

• Cheerios
• Goldfish/cheddar bunnies 
• Pretzels
• Fruit snacks
• Puffs for younger toddlers

Try to avoid brightly colored candy or chocolate that can stain little faces and clothes.

6. Let Go of Perfect

This one is for the parents and it’s my most important tip in this list. So much so that I have a whole section dedicated to it in my prep guide! Your kids will feed off of your energy so if you’re chill and having fun, they will be more likely to too! It’s my job to read your kids energy and direct it in a way that will make fun pictures! If they want to run, cool let’s run. If they want to explore and grab a flower, cool, let’s do that too!

All of the little moments are part of who they are right now. Years from now, you’ll remember the way they reached for your hand, wrapped their arms around your neck, or laughed when you chased them through the grass—not whether they looked at the camera every single time!

What If My Toddler Doesn’t Smile?

I have never had a session where I didn’t get at least one smile (knock on wood). But here’s the secret, it’s okay if they don’t smile! Some of the most emotional images are the quiet ones—a thoughtful expression, a sleepy cuddle, tiny hands wrapped around yours, or the way they look up at you with complete trust. But don’t worry, my smile track record is pretty good. A game or two of ring around the rosie or telephone and we’ll have smiles in no time! 

Your Family Is Great As You Are

Family photos aren’t about perfection! They’re about capturing who you are in the now so try not to stress about creating perfection. 

If you’re planning family photos in the St. Louis area, I’d love to help create a relaxed experience where your children can simply be themselves. Reach out to me here! And see a past session here. Together, we’ll capture the connection, laughter, and little moments you’ll treasure for years to come!