If you've ever brought a toddler to a photography session, you already know that toddlers have a mind of their own. One minute they're the happiest little person you've ever seen, and the next they're hiding behind your legs, refusing to smile, or staring at the photographer like a complete stranger.
And that's okay!
One of the biggest things I want parents to know before a toddler photography session is that we don't need to force a smile. My goal is to help your little one feel comfortable, have fun, and let their personality come through naturally.
Here are some of my favorite ways to help toddlers warm up in the studio and get those genuine smiles we all love.
1. Give Them Time to Warm Up
Walking into a new studio, meeting a new person, and suddenly having a camera pointed at you can feel like a lot for a toddler.
Instead of jumping right into pictures, I like to give little ones a few minutes to explore the space and get comfortable.
Sometimes that means letting them walk around, look at the lights, check out the backdrop, or simply stay close to Mom or Dad for a little while.
There is no rush.
Once they realize the studio is a safe and fun place, you'll often see their personality start to come out.
2. Don't Ask Them to Smile!
This one may sound counterintuitive, but constantly saying "Smile!" can actually make toddlers less likely to give us a natural expression.
Instead, I'll often talk to them, ask silly questions, make funny noises, or play little games.
We're looking for real smiles—not a forced "cheese" face.
And sometimes the most adorable photographs happen when they aren't smiling at all. A serious little stare, a giggle, a curious expression, or even a tiny pout can be such a perfect snapshot of who they are at this age.
3. Let Your Toddler Stay Close to You
If your toddler wants to be held or stay next to you when we first start, that's completely fine!
You don't have to immediately hand them over to the photographer or put them in the middle of the backdrop.
Mom and Dad are often the best source of comfort.
We can start with you nearby and gradually encourage your toddler to interact with me as they become more comfortable.
Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes before they're running around the studio like they've known me forever!
4. Bring Their Favorite Things
A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, toy, or even a favorite snack can be incredibly helpful.
These familiar things can give your toddler a sense of security in an unfamiliar environment.
And don't worry—bringing a comfort item doesn't mean we have to include it in every photograph. We can use it to help them feel comfortable and then set it aside when they're ready.
5. Use Their Personality to Our Advantage
Every toddler is different. Some love silly sounds, some love dancing, some love animals, and I'm not above making potty noises for those that think potty humor is the funniest thing on the planet.
During a session, I try to figure out what makes your particular child laugh, but parents are actually one of my biggest resources here! If you know that your toddler thinks Daddy's funny faces are hilarious or that pretending to sneeze makes them laugh uncontrollably, tell me! Those little tricks can be magic.
6. Avoid Promising a Reward for Smiling
It's tempting to say, "If you smile for the pictures, we'll get you a treat afterward!" But this can sometimes add pressure to the session. If you are going to bribe, make it something you can bring to the session! Give them little bite of fruit snacks throughout to help their cooperation.
7. Don't Stress If They Aren't Smiling
This might be the most important one. Please don't stress. Toddlers can sense when their parents are frustrated or anxious. If you're constantly saying, "Smile!" or "Look at the camera!" or worrying that we're not getting anything, your toddler may become even more resistant.
Your job is simply to relax, interact with your child, and enjoy them. I'll take care of the photography. Sometimes the biggest smiles happen when Mom and Dad stop trying to make them happen.
8. Let Them Be Themselves
The purpose of toddler photography isn't to create a picture of a perfectly behaved child sitting still and smiling at the camera. It's to capture your child as they are right now. The giggles, the crazy hair, the serious faces, the little personalities, the silly expressions, even the tears.
And if your toddler doesn't smile? We'll still get beautiful photographs. I promise. Some children warm up immediately. Others need the entire session. Some never completely warm up—and that's okay too.
So come to your session with realistic expectations, leave the pressure at home, and let your toddler be a toddler.
After all, these aren't just photographs of what your child looked like at this age, they're photographs of who they were.
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