If you’ve ever tried to get your toddler to smile nicely for a photo, you already know it’s… an adventure. There might be giggles. There might also be tears (and not just from the small ones). There will, without a doubt, be snacks and TV used as bribery.
If you’re booking in for a family photoshoot with your wee ones and you are stressing about the idea of wrangling them in for pics and playing nicely, I want to tell you: it might be a little chaotic. And that is completely okay - if anything, it makes for the best and most memorable photos.
As a Wellington family photographer, I’ve worked with more wrigglers, climbers, crawlers and snack-negotiators than I can count, and every single time, we end up with a gallery of personality-packed photos that make their family go “awwww!”
If you’re anything like me, you like a plan, and you like to know what you’re getting into, so let’s chat about what really happens on shoot day, how I photograph young kids and how you can prep so everyone has a good time.
The main thing to remember: don’t stress about things being “perfect”
Let go of the stress of having everything clean, tidy, perfect; because as we all know, kids are unpredictable. Sometimes, you’ve just gotta roll with it! I don’t expect anyone to sit still or smile on cue, and if your toddler wants to explore, I follow them. If they want to run, I make it part of the game. We build the shoot around their energy, rather than trying to fight it.
So, studio shoot vs. on-location shoot - which is better for toddlers?
If you’re based in Wellington, we’ve got options galore, and whether you want to opt for a studio shoot or one on location is totally up to you.
Studio sessions work brilliantly for babies and younger toddlers - especially if you have a newborn and an older sibling. The environment is calm and controlled, and we can keep things cosy even if the weather is a nightmare. There’s soft light, comfy seating, toys and snacks on hand, and plenty of breaks if someone needs a reset.
On-location sessions (this could be beaches, parks, gardens or at home, in your own backyard) are perfect for little adventurers little ones who love to move. The freedom to run around keeps things natural and relaxed. It’s also a fun way to bring in a meaningful location and make the most of sunny weather. Outdoor sessions are fab for older toddlers and young kids.
Wondering what my go-to tricks are for working with kids?
Over the years, I’ve developed a few tried-and-true tactics for helping little people warm up to the camera. And to be fair, same for getting adults to relax when they’re being photographed (my dad jokes always deliver). A few of my favourite tricks that you’ll likely see me try:
Make it play-based. We’ll play games, run around, sing songs, or I’ll pop their favourite toy on top of my camera - always a gem for getting the smiles!
Let them lead. If they want to show me a stick, tell me about their favourite truck, pull funny faces or run circles around their parents, that’s what’s gonna happen!
Keep it short and sweet. Knowing when kids are getting worn out and over it is key. I work quickly and efficiently so we get beautiful images before attention spans run out.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare:
And if you want to get the best results, here are a few simple things that can make a huge difference on shoot day (but obviously every kid is different, so take from these suggestions what you need!)
Time it after a sleep. Try to schedule your session for a time when everyone’s rested and fed, whether that’s earlier in the day or after naptime.
Bring the comforts. Favourite toy, blanket, snacks… anything that helps them feel secure.
Dress comfortably. Avoid scratchy fabrics or anything that needs constant adjusting, and bring a spare change of clothes.
Go with the flow. The best photos happen when parents relax and join in the fun. If things get wild, I promise that’s okay.
Wanna book in a family shoot with your young kids this summer? Get in touch with me and we’ll make it happen!
