Seattle In-Home Family Photography Success with a Moody Toddler

For most of my life I have prided myself on my Mary Poppins-esque gift with children. I’ve nannied, tutored, been asked if I was my cousin mom (as a 17 year old). Since I launched my business, I have loved meeting and working with children of all ages. They are fascinating, hilarious and beautiful. I also have an infinite amount of patience when it comes to kids. ONLY KIDS. My husband would be the first to tell you I have very little for him, rude people, waiting for a response to a text or email. But Rufus, my sweet insane toddler, can hit me and tell me that no one loves me on repeat while I just offer to hug him and tell him that “You don’t have to love me right now, but I love you no matter what.” So, working with children has been natural and fun for me in my photography. This spring I have had some toddlers who were just not at all interested in being in or cooperating for photos. No cuddles, no bribes, no kisses or laughing. However, I have never walked away from a session worried about the photos. Did I have to give up on my prompts and games/tricks/poses? Yes! Did that mean ruined photographs? NO! Hopefully you take family photos regularly. Children change so much, it is kind of fun to document their moods and whims and if you have one session with lots of sass, maybe next year you will have all of the sweetness show up in your pictures. It is all a part of these kids and your family life.

To prove my point, here is the stunning Brooke (I would love to photograph curls every day!) and her normally happy go lucky little Prim. On the day we took photos Prim was getting over having croup and an ear infection. She absolutely refused any idea suggested to her. She did not want to cuddle or hug her mom. After doing a little toddler weeping, she would trudge over and hug me repeatedly. It was so sweet, hilarious, and a bit frustrating for the family. Look at the photos! I personally love them. Here are the things that went right!

How to get great photos with an unwilling toddler

1. Go with the flow. Babies be babies. Sometimes the photo shoot will stray from everyone’s vision, this is the time you should remember to manage your expectations!

2. Get creative. Want to know what won Prim over? Music and cheese. Yes, cheese. Brooke fed Prim some cheese in the style of Lady and the Tramp and we were back in business.

3. Home sessions and/or time. Since this was an in-home session we were able to take some breaks, grab lovies and food, and take our time. This was truly a gift. Some of my favorite photos are from the end of the session.

4. Laughter. Enough said.