5 Tips for Taking Photos with a Toddler
I get a ton of questions about how I get Gray to cooperate for photos so I decided it was time to share my 5 tips for taking photos with a toddler.
I want to start off by saying that Gray does not cooperate for photos. I feel like people envision Gray calmly posing next to bougainvillea and pink walls obediently, but that is definitely not the case. My photos 100% make it look MUCH easier than it is.
Gray is for sure more used to being in front of a camera than most kids, and he is naturally pretty good at posing. He also has A LOT of energy. Like A LOT of energy. I know a lot of moms focus on taking photos of themselves because it’s much easier than trying to get a small person to participate in photos, but I honestly love taking pictures with Gray. I also feel like our mommy and me photos have become part of my personal brand, and I love having so many memories that we’ll be able to look back on. You can see some of our photos on my Instagram. I’ve come up with a few guidelines that help picture taking go a little more smoothly. Whether you’re an insane mama who does it for the gram like me, or you just need some tips for upcoming family photos I hope these tips will be helpful!
1. Bring bribes
This is essential if you want your child to cooperate. I’ve found that tangible bribes work better than promises to do things or give him something when we get home. A bribe can consist of a snack, a small toy or some sort of treat. Try not to bring a toy that is too large because your child will most likely want to hold it in the photos, and it will probably cover their face. I try to bring hot wheels or small action figures for Gray. As far as snacks go, chips or crackers work best.
2. NO SUGAR
A mistake I often see other moms making (I’ve been guilty of it myself) is bringing candy as a bribe. Now I really only use candy as a last resort at the very end. If you give a toddler sugar when you start taking photos, they’re going to be bouncing off the walls. Sugar only works if it’s given right before you’re going to be done with photos. If you still have a while to go (especially if it’s a professional photo shoot that you’re paying for) I would suggest limiting the sugar…to none.
3. Make it fun!
If your child starts associating picture taking with something “boring”, they are going to start dreading it. I always try to go to a fun location, or make up some story about how we’re on an adventure. It can be as simple as playing a I Spy with the cars that are passing by, or pretending you’re searching for treasure. Use your kid’s interests to make it fun and exciting for them.
4. Don’t force it
Instead of trying to force Gray to pose a certain way, I’ve learned that it’s easier to just capture him being himself. Most of the time that makes for a more interesting (or funny) photo anyways. I love capturing his zany personality when we’re taking photos. I’ve noticed that my favorite photos have been taken when I just let it happen instead of forcing it.
5. Make it short and sweet
If you’re reading this, I’m sure you’re aware that toddlers have a pretty short attention span. This applies to taking pictures as well. Now that Gray is older he’ll yell “no more pictures mommy!” as soon as he’s over it. As soon as he says that or I can tell he’s not going to cooperate for another second, I put the camera away. No good pictures are going to be taken when Gray is angry and pouring so I would rather just stop, and try again later (or hope that I already got a few good ones).
That’s about it! I hope these tips will be make picture taking with your toddlers less stressful! As always, let me know if you have any questions!
22 Comments
Desiree Evans
Your photos are stunning!
admin
Thank you so much babe!
Ryanne
Beautiful pictures! And those are good tips!
admin
Thanks so much! I hope they were helpful 🙂
Sierra
These photos are so cute! I completely agree with making it fun and not forcing it. I love taking pics with my boys but if there are days where they aren’t feeling it, then I need to just let them run and play. Great tips! Sierra Beautifully Candid
admin
Thank you! Yess definitely! Instead of having photos where they look miserable, you can have beautiful photos when they’re running and happy! 🙂 Thank you for reading!
Sarah
Such good tips. I am always bribing my kids so I was glad that was on the list. 🙂 I’m going to try the no sugar.
admin
I’m so glad they were helpful for you! Yess I used to do it too, but it’s so much easier when they aren’t hyper!
Bibi on Board
I agree with the rest about your photos! They are very original and lovely 🙂 And great outfit! Now I am having two-years old Daughter. Many things are much easier than in new-born times… but not photos! 😀 In the first months you can catch the lovely moments in every opportunity – sleeping or playing. Now my Daughter is now so active she wants to take my camera away or I found my device as definitely too slow 😉 She’s much more concerned when we take selfies, hehe. That’s why the tips are very useful… Except sugar, cause I simply don’t give it 🙂
admin
Thank you so much that’s so sweet! Two is definitely a tough age! I think my son is so used to photos because I’ve always taken so many, but a lot of my photos are of him running and just being himself. No sugar is a great idea! 🙂
Ménesa
I really enjoy taking photos with my little ones, so these tips are pure gold for me. Thanks for the useful ideas!
admin
I’m so glad they were helpful for you! It’s definitely important to be able to capture memories with our little ones 🙂
Maria Mendezona
love the photos mama! definitely tips to go by since im struggling with my toddler as well. haha.
admin
Thanks so much mama! The struggle is definitely real! lol Hope the tips help!! Thanks for reading 🙂
Sara
Such beautiful photos! Love your tips—especially make them short and sweet!!
admin
Thank you so much!! Yes I’ve found that making them short and sweet helps so much!
Chelsae
I love how unique and different your photos are. Your tips are great! I think the making it fun is so important because then your little one will always want to take photos instead of it being something they dread
admin
Thank you so much! I love finding unique photo spots 🙂 Yess I completely agree! It’s as fun as we make it!
Mahogany Daughtery
It is so hard for me to get a good photo with my little one! I will be trying these tips. Cute photos!
admin
The struggle is definitely real! I hope they’re helpful! Thanks so much for reading 🙂
Veronica Mitchell
Beautiful photos! Now these are a great proof that your tips work well. Haha! We have a photoshoot in a few weeks. Good thing I came across your post. This would really help me manage my little boy throughout the shoot. Keeping my fingers crossed! 🙂
admin
haha Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you came across my post too! I hope you guys have a great shoot!! 🙂