Toddler Wrangling: 7 Tips for a Fun Family Photoshoot

The images in this post were taken during a Lifestyle Family Photo shoot with Mr & Mrs V and the adorable Miss L at Woodlands Country Retreat, Knysna.

Woodlands is a glorious setting for a family photoshoot. Quiet and beautiful with magnificent mountain vistas, indigenous forest and gorgeous gardens, complete with benches, arches and winding pathways.

A RESTED TODDLER IS VITAL

For outdoor photoshoots, I like to start photographing early evening about an hour before sunset, this time of the day is known as Golden Hour when the light is very soft and flattering on the skin. Photographing in good light is key to achieving beautiful images and gorgeous skin tones.

During the summer, when the sun only sets at 7.30 pm, keeping children out late can sometimes pose a problem especially when I’m dealing with babies and munchkins of 6 years and under.

To overcome this I advise Mom and Dad to let the little ones have a nap in the afternoon as late as possible and something to eat before the session, this way they’re well rested, in good humour and stay awake for the shoot.

FEED TO SUCCEED

Feed your toddler as close to the time of the session as possible, also think of possibly bringing a couple of non-messy, non-sticky snacks along, such as crackers, grapes, cheese and a non-sugary drink (water is best) in case the little one gets hungry or thirsty during the shoot. Wet wipes are a handy thing to bring along as well, kids are messy eaters!

SUGAR: Please avoid sugar at all costs, it’s a short term fix that often stimulates a boost of adrenaline in children which almost always causes them to be hyperactive, anxious and cranky.

BONUS TIP: Fruit snacks are especially wonderful for keeping your baby sitting still with you for a couple of images.

FLEXIBILITY IS KEY : GO WITH THE FLOW

Toddlers have a short attention span, that’s why most of my family sessions begin with the group family photographs, getting any must have family photos is my main priority in the first ten minutes.

My most important advice to parents is to adopt the lifestyle family photoshoot approach, let go of the idea of perfect poses and the unrealistic expectation that your toddler is going to sit still. It’s best to let your child explore, have fun and be themselves during the session, you’ll be allowing their little personality to shine through which will make for a happier baby, more relaxed shoot and a lovely gallery of images.

I never force children to smile during a session, I’ve learned over the years when a smile is forced, it’s very obvious in the resulting image – the mouth may be smiling but the smile doesn’t reach the eyes. it’s perfectly acceptable for Mom, Dad or even the photographer to try to provoke laughter (I’ve done some really goofy things to get a kid to smile) we just never want to pressure them into smiling.

TANTRUMS AND TEARS

Don’t panic! Melt downs do happen, it’s not a problem, I document everything and we’ll still get super pictures. Tantrums or tears normally only last for a couple of minutes anyway and then we move on.

It’s not easy being a toddler, your little one is facing the greatest brain development of their life, coupled with having 90% of their behaviour driven by emotional urges all day long.

It’s key for Mom and Dad to stay calm, otherwise the situation can escalate. Sometimes all the toddler needs is a little time out, a snack and some water to drink.

COMFORTABLE CLOTHING : COMFORTABLE TODDLER

Dress your toddler in comfortable clothing that allows free movement and won’t irritate your munchkin. A photoshoot is not the time for bows that won’t stay in, buttons that come undone or straps that slip down.

Don’t be too precious about keeping the outfit pristine, kids want to play and explore so there’s bound to be some mess and dirt. It can get chilly as the sun begins to set, ensure your toddler is dressed warmly enough or have a little jumper or cardigan that co-ordinates with what they’re wearing if needed.

BRING A FAVORITE TOY & BOOKS:

Bring along a beloved comfort toy (one that you’re happy to have in the images) it goes a long way to soothe your child and make them feel secure if their “little friend” is with them.

Books are also a great way to grab a little one’s attention and keep them sitting still for a while. It also gives me the opportunity to capture some sweet detailed images of your baby pointing to a book or listening intently while cuddling on Mom’s lap.

RELAX AND EMBRACE THE FUN

Smile, enjoy the session, join in the fun and relish playing with your child because your relaxed and happy state will reflect in the images.

Before the photoshoot, take time to note all the things your toddler loves to do; riding on Daddy’s shoulders, being tossed in the air, tickling, dancing, cuddling, singing nursery rhymes, reading stories. All these types of activities will evoke natural emotions and interactions but if you’re stumped for ideas, no problem, I also have games and prompts of my own to get your baby excited about participating.

I always show up with a flexible shotlist but photoshoots rarely go according to plan. That’s okay though because my goal is not to get every picture on my shotlist but to capture authentic moments and beautiful interactions between you and your baby, my shotlist is merely a starting point.

Often a photoshoot may feel chaotic, as if we’re just playing and not getting anything but trust me, everything is under control even if it doesn’t feel that way. I have your back and we’ll get beautiful images you’ll treasure forever.

In a nutshell, 7 key tips for a stress free lifestyle family photoshoot are:

• Rest: – Ensure your baby has a nap in the afternoon to stay awake and be in good form.
• Food – Offer a meal or snack before the session and bring along non-messy, healthy snacks just in case.
• Flexibility – Allow your child to explore, have fun, and be themselves. Don’t force them to sit still or to smile.
• Tears – Stay calm during any melt downs, offer a time out, small snack, or water as needed. This too shall pass.
• Comfort – Dress your toddler in a comfortable, movement-friendly outfit that can handle some mess and provide another clothing layer for warmth if needed.
• Toys & Books – Add a favorite and books to promote the capture of sweet moments of engagement.
• Relax – Enjoy the session and play, your relaxed and happy state will show in the images.

During a photo session each of us has a job to do; yours is to love on each other and have fun and mine is to capture beautiful treasurable moments while you engage with your darlings.

If you live or are travelling along the Garden Route close to Sedgefield or Knysna and Lifestyle family portraits are what you’re looking for, then I’m your girl. Well, hardly a girl but you know what I mean.