Photographing Toddlers

You pull out the camera in order to capture a cute picture of your toddler, but as soon as he sees the camera he runs! What you thought would be an easy photo session turns into mayhem as your toddler decides he does not want to get his picture taken. By doing a little pre-planning, you can have a successful photo shoot with a toddler. The key is to get your running shoes on and follow their lead.

Make sure the timing is right:

Little children tend to be unpredictable when they are too tired or hungry. Pull out the camera after naps and meals. By planning around their schedule, you are one step closer to having cooperative toddlers.

Go to their environment:

If at all possible, go to a location that the toddler is familiar with. Whether it is in their backyard or at a local park, toddlers feel more at ease when they are comfortable with their surroundings. If you do shoot in a new environment, give the child a little time to get used to the area.

Set the scene:

One of the most important things in any photo shoot is to be aware of light. Use natural light to the fullest. Scope out the area and make a mental note as to where the best light is available. Then try to guide the toddler to that place. Plan ahead and set the scene for the best possible results.

For instance, in the photo of the little boy playing with blocks, I knew that we would be in his toy room. I looked around to see where the best light was located and hung a black backdrop in that area. Then I moved some of his toys in the area of the backdrop. Eventually he started playing with those toys and I started snapping away.

Follow their lead:

I don't know of too many toddlers who like to sit still for very long, so formal posing can be a little trying. Instead use that curiosity and energy to your advantage. Follow them around (this is where your running shoes come in handy) and capture them engaging in their daily activities and discoveries.

Once again this little guy was on the go. He decided that he wanted to water the plants, so we let him. I love how the photo ended up capturing his curious personality so well.

Have a bag of tricks:

We all know that when toddlers decide they are not doing something, then they are not doing it! If things don't seem to be going smoothly, having a bag of tricks handy can help change the mood of the session.

• Ask the toddler questions
• Play games with the toddler
• Have the toddler name the camera and then shout the camera name
• Blow bubbles
• Show the toddler the digital image (if you have a digital camera)

Sometimes no matter what you do, they just have had enough. When this little boy got tired he started crying and wanted his mom to pick him up. I happened to still be shooting when I captured a touching toddlerhood moment.

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