Have you ever tried photographing toddlers? If you have, then you will certainly know how challenging it is, while it is fun and exciting at the same time. You can hire a professional photographer for regular photo sessions but there will be countless special moments in your toddler’s life that do not wait for professional photo sessions. It is important that you capture those beautiful moments as they unfurl right before your eyes each day. Every family owns a digital camera today and you too are likely to have one. All that you need to put your camera to good use are few good tips for photographing toddlers.
One of the challenges with photographing toddlers is that you cannot stage the photography session like you could do with the older children. It is very much like sports photography where you are always ready for those money shots. You should be ready to capture those once in a lifetime moments just as they happen. If you are going to wait for your professional photography session, you will lose all those special ‘firsts’ of your child’s life. Remember, you are probably not going to have the luxury of perfect lighting or the best backdrop. However, despite the limitations, you can still take excellent photos of your toddler, which you can cherish for life. How do you do it? Are you concerned that you do not have the professional photography skills? Do not worry, just follow these useful tips.
1. Take a seat
Toddlers are on the go, whether they are crawling or walking or running, it’s a complete challenge to get them to stay put long enough to get the job done. I find that sitting them down on a child size chair, or crate can keep them still for a few seconds. If that doesn’t work, try putting some fruit snacks or smarties on top of the crate or on a blanket and they may just make some cute expressions in between bites. I prefer smarties over m&ms so that they don’t have gross brown teeth when they flash a smile.
I also got some of Carter smiling, but oh my goodness this pouty face is so “toddler”!
2. Stoop to their level.
No. I don’t mean throw a screaming crying fit, although you may feel like it. I want you to get low. Laying on your stomach may be the perfect position to capture that magic moment. Get into their world, stay squatted down. The camera should be at their eye level, if you are shooting from above it won’t have the same effect. Unless you are purposely trying to get a shot of them looking up at you, which can be my absolute favorites because of the catch lights and focus on the face.
3. Bust out in song.
Even if you don’t think your kid likes to sing, they will certainly stop what they are doing and look at you when you bust out into a goofy song. I usually sing “if you’re happy and you know it” or “happy birthday to you.” If nothing else, you can get eye contact with the camera, which in my opinion is a much more powerful, emotional image than a smile with no eye contact. If your singing voice is good enough you may be lucky to get eye contact and a smile, the double whammy!
4. Photo Bomb.
Some kids just have to be with their parents. At least until they are feeling comfortable. If one of the parents can be near by, it can make for a really sweet shot with the focus still completely on the child. Whether you are a pro or a mom with a camera, a child can still feel weirded out by being put on the spot and a familiar adult nearby can make all the difference.
5. Patience.
This probably goes without saying, but you have to have your patience tank completely full for a photo shoot with a toddler. This is one of the many reasons I don’t do mini sessions very often. I typically need some time with younger kids to be able to get the best images. Some toddlers don’t even stop crying for the first 10 or 15 minutes. And that’s totally OK! Even if it’s your own child you are photographing, they may not be too happy about you covering your face up with a big camera, they may want to sit on your lap at first, or they may just flat out scream “NO” at you 30 times before they are ready for some solid shots. Having them play with a favorite toy or hold something can also help distract them.
6. Stay behind the camera!
If you or someone that is helping you are trying to get the child’s attention, please stay behind the camera and as close to the lens as you can get. While a child looking up and smiling at you will look adorable to you, the camera is catching the underside of nostrils and chins, which is unflattering on anyone. If you are shooting alone, try doing peek a boo from behind the camera, that way they can look at you when you move the camera and then when you bring it back to your face you can take a quick shot. If you have a noise maker, again, keep it so close to the lens so that you can get that eye contact with the camera which is so important.
At Paige Walker Photography, we specialize in newborn and children photography. As we come with several years of experience, we know how important it is for the parents to know how to take professional quality photos of their toddlers with their own cameras at home in between the professional photo sessions. You can take advantage of our expertise by not only hiring our photography services but also by consulting us for tips for photographing toddlers.
What are you waiting for? Bust out that DSLR!
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