Spring Love + 5 Tips for Photographing Toddlers

My sweet little Maxim passed the first test by being a Giants fan.  And sweet little Maicee tried her best to charm her way into his sweet, loving heart.

Unfortunately, my sweet boy just isn’t ready.

The engagement shoot did not go as expected.  No matter how charming the smile or how beautiful our little fashionista looked, she just couldn’t get him to fall in love with her.  🙂  Her daddy can breathe a sigh of relief.  Us mommies though?  Ah, well…we’ll try again in a couple of years.

Meantime, inside, Maicee’s older brother treated Maxim’s older sister to a pudding date.  Daddy hung around to chaperone that little encounter.

I always enjoy a day photographing toddlers.  They’re fun, a bit unpredictable and sometimes a little crazy.

Here are my 5 Tips for Photographing Toddlers

1. Go with the flow: Let them take the lead so that they’re comfortable in front of the big scary camera.
2. Follow their cues: Be observant of what interests them and use it to guide them to the composition you want without actually telling them what to do.
3. Get down to their level: Not only is the angle nice, but it’s less intimidating.  It makes you one of them and less overwhelming
4. Capture the “imperfect”: The perfect smile is nice, but don’t leave out the memories that reflect their age or their personalities.  If they get a little dirty, take a photo.  If their hair falls out of it’s pins, capture the image as she brushes it out of her eyes.  And I can’t help it –  I love a genuine crying picture.
5. Prep your setting: If you want a specific look or backdrop, set it up the way you want before hand.  This is a good time for the kids to get fed or changed.  Prep your setting and when the kids join you, shoot away.  You have a short window of time before they lose interest.  Having to reset for optimal lighting or a better backdrop can throw them off.

What are some tips you have for photographing toddlers?