Hesperia Moms! Here’s How to Take Stress-Free Photos of Your Toddler
Why do our kids do the cutest things until we pull out the camera?
Sorta like when your puppy is running after bubbles in the backyard, being adorable, and then runs the other way to see what flavor popsicle dad is eating.
Remember when taking a photo with the whole family meant smiling and having to say “cheeeese”? Well, that’s no longer a thing. I mean, it still is, but what I’m about to share is WAY better.
The BEST photos are the ones with real smiles and giggles, especially when your sweet toddler is involved.
And, if the thought of you getting your child to behave for a family photo sends you headfirst into a bowl of ice cream, don't worry. I'm here, and I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make your photos fun for everyone, even if you're using a phone!
Toddler Engagement
PlayMusic
Music soothes the savage beast. And let’s be honest, toddlers can sometimes resemble a beast. Play your toddler's favorite songs and watch them light up. You can dance and sing, and just be silly, together.
Hold hands and twirl your toddler around. It's an easy way to capture real laughter. We do this in the studio and out on location! Don’t ask me how many times I’ve listened to the Bluey theme song. Or K-pop demon hunters, for that matter. Ha! I know nothing of either show.
Favorite Toy
Bring their favorite toy or stuffed animal. It can become a comfort item and also a great prop. Holding an item also gives little ones something to do with their hands, instead of picking their nose. Ha!
10 years later, you'll look back and remember that cute stuffed owl, with a missing eyeball, or the little yellow car he took everywhere.
Silly Faces and Sounds
Never underestimate the power of a goofy face or sound. Peek-a-boo, funny animal noises, or even 'I’m going to get you' can lead to fun expressions and big laughs!
Tantrum-time? Create a Familiar Environment
You can sing a song they love or ask them to say their ABCs with you. It can switch their mood really quickly.
A big tip I tell clients is to feed everyone beforehand. Hungry models make grumpy models. This helps keep meltdowns at bay.
You can also hand them a piece of tape to get them to sit or stand in place, at least for a moment! It doesn’t really show in photos because it’s clear.
Little Breaks
Toddlers have short attention spans, as do some adults. Don't push for taking photo after photo. Take a break, let them play, and then come back for more. The in-between moments can be the best, sometimes.
Use Prompts
Here are a few silly prompts and questions to ask toddlers to get some laughs:
Do you know who lives in my camera cave? Batman! Look really close – can you see him? He jumps out when I take a photo! (Take photo.) Did you see him??? (This only works with a “real” camera, not usually a phone, but worth a try either way!)
Point to your ear. Is this my nose? This is my nose, right? This is how I smell flowers? Stick a pretend flower up to your ear. Mmmmm smells good!
Let’s play a game of “who can laugh the loudest?” Ready 1-2-3 laugh!! (Pro tip: the REAL laugh will come a few seconds after the loud laugh.) I even tell adults to give me a witch cackle. It brings out the best, authentic smiles!
Does a cow say “woof woof??” A cow goes “woof woof” right?? No?? Are you sure? I’m pretty sure a cow says “woof woof!” How about a mouse? What does a mouse say? “Meowwwww?” And so forth.
Ask them to tell their sibling their favorite (animal, toy, cartoon, etc). They might not laugh, but it’ll get cute “whispering” shots, and you might get a giggle or two! Bonus points if it looks like a whisper with a hand up to the sibling’s ear. If no siblings are around, use a stuffed animal to whisper to.
How Both of You Can Have Fun!
Lower Your Expectations
Whether your photo session is an impromptu Hesperia park session with your phone or you’re hiring a professional photographer, the best way to be pleasantly surprised is to lower your expectations.
We run on “kid time” during a session. They are naturally curious and full of tons of energy, which means they may not always cooperate with our vision. And, that’s totally okay.
Instead of aiming for perfection, we embrace the toddler chaos and cute impromptu moments!
Unfiltered portraits often turn out feeling more authentic, and you get to see your child’s personality shine!
Don’t Stress
This is my number one rule. After eating, of course. Toddlers are incredibly perceptive, and they can pick up on your anxiety. They’re little mirrors.
If you're relaxed and happy, they're more likely to be the same!
When you're having fun together, sweet smiles and facial expressions come out, which result in photos that feel real and in the moment.
Whether you’re getting a professional session or you’re taking photos in the backyard with your phone, the key to capturing those spontaneous, precious moments with your little ones isn't about the perfect pose or smiles.
It’s about using little tricks to get real giggles & capture moments while having fun! Those are the moments we actually cherish, right?
Want to learn more about “How to Get Your Kids to Help Around the House?” Click here.
Do you want to book a Hesperia Family session? Click here and let’s chat!
Cheers and happy toddlering,
Annette
