How to Have a Good Photoshoot with Babies, Toddlers and Kids

Play

The best images come from just trying to get your kids to laugh! Tickles, upside down, letting them chase you or saying something silly will always have great results. Focus on the small ways you engage with them at home.

Go along with what they want to do

Follow your kids around and engage in what they are interested in. This will ensure that they have a great time and you get the stress free, authentic pictures you want of you and your family just “being”. You can even plan your photoshoot around one of their favorite hobbies or activities.

Lower expectations of your children behaving

Expecting your child to smile the whole time is a great way to make them cry. Your kids are going to do whatever the hell they want to do. Going along with their whims, engaging with them, grounding or giving them space to regulate mentally in a safe space will be so beneficial. They will always come back to you!

Prepare

Make sure that your kids know what to expect. Tell them what’s going to happen and at what time. This way it isn’t such a big surprise to them. If they know where they are going and who they are going with, they are more apt to play along.

Change your approach

I like to call this distracting. If they aren’t having it, change your approach. Ask them if they want a hug, ask them if they want space. Ask engaging questions like “ Do you want to go look for butterflies/cars with me?” Give them choices on what they would like to do. Let them feel shy and sit out for a little bit while you play with the others. They are bound to get FOMO and join at their own time. Let them be silly, let them have fun, let them feel their emotions.