Busy toddler during a session? Let’s chat tips!
Interaction. Interaction. Interaction.
Start off the session by immediately interacting with the kiddos. Gain their trust by cracking jokes, giving high-fives, giving prizes – like stickers, bubbles etc – with mom’s permission, and meet them on their level. Once trust is gained, they will be much more comfortable during the session!
The MAIN thing you can do during a session with a busy toddler is to keep the kid(s) moving and engaged with the family – this may seem easier said than done but we have some tricks up our sleeves. Look at these great tips sent in from some of our TMA members!
1. Play red light/green light or ring around the rosie for candid shots!
2. Look for boogers up parents nose – always makes them laugh!
3. Ask them to count mommy’s eyelashes
4. Let them choose the next spot for photos
5. “Don’t you smile at me!!” will work for most kids
6. Ask them if they see a dinosaur on my head!
7. Count how many toes baby has (if session includes an infant)
Make sure there are realistic expectations with mom/client. Kids are going to be kids no matter what and we can pull every trick in the book but at the end of the day, we can only capture what is right in front of us. There can be magic in the chaos! As photographers & creatives, the pressure is always on to create family magic… and when you have an all-over-the-place toddler, it can seem impossible.
BUT REMEMBER – mom wants the memories.
Aim for REAL over perfect.
Soon that 2 year old that she is chasing down to stay in the shot of the camera will be taller than her and giving half-hearted smiles with no need for silly prompts… and she will miss those early days! Capture the perfectly imperfect moments and mom will always think they are magic!
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