Toddlers are funny little creatures, aren’t they? So much personality, so many opinions, and so few words to express them. Add a camera and the majority of them run the other direction as fast as their little feet will carry them. Those tiny little people can make family photo shoots a little tricky. I have two tricks for family photos with toddlers that I’d like to pass on in case you have a little gremlin of your own about to head out on a family photo shoot.
First, you can’t make them do what you want. They do not take direction under the age of three, and I’m skeptical if it improves much after that! Instead, you be ready and trust your photographer to capture the moments when you all happen to be looking the right way and smiling. Or at least close to it.
Second, and this is a reflection of my personal theory of family photography, but the natural, organic moments are the moments that come through the most beautifully on camera. Eabha cleaning every speck of dirt off her teddy, or Elsie needing a little snuggle from her dad. Those moments, un-coached and un-cajoled, are so real and reflective of their phases of toddlerhood.
If we set out on a family photo shoot, we’d likely do a lot of walking back and forth, taking the lead from the little toddler at the heart of the family. Whether they want to be picked up or put down (or some combination of both for hours on end!) my goal as a photographer is to catch those little moments in between.
So plaster that smile on your face and wait for your little one to get on board. It’ll be worth those sore face muscles in the end!
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