Family photos with a toddler who won't sit still
Almost every mom who messages me about family photos in Austin says some version of the same thing. "I'd love photos, but my toddler won't cooperate."
I know. Mine didn't either. I've been an Austin family photographer for years, and I have four kids of my own, and not one of them has ever sat nicely and smiled at a camera because someone asked them to.
Most kids under four just don't. And that's fine, because sitting still and saying cheese isn't what gets the good photos anyway.
What I actually do
I almost never ask a little one to look at me and smile. I'll ask your family to walk together, or I'll tell your son there's a bug on Dad's shoulder and he has to find it. Mom whispers a secret, Dad does the airplane spin. Kids move around, and I let them. The real laughing usually happens in the middle of all that, and I'm just there to catch it.
We still get the one where everyone looks at the camera. It just doesn't have to be the first thing we do.
When they're having a "not today" day
Some kids warm up in two minutes. Some take twenty. Some are tired or hungry or just over it, and that's okay too.
I don't rush. We take breaks, have a snack, go look at the ducks, and try again. A shy toddler hiding in Mom's neck ends up being one of the sweetest photos in the gallery more often than you'd think.
One family I photographed had a 21-month-old who was moody pretty much the whole session. We kept going anyway, right to the end, and they still got beautiful photos. I'd much rather give your family the time it actually takes than squeeze you into 20 minutes.
Tips for family photos with toddlers
You don't have to manage your kids during the session, that's my job. But a couple of small things make a big difference.
Plan the session around naps if you can. A rested toddler is a completely different kid. I'll help you pick morning or evening light depending on when your family is at its best.
Bring a snack and one small toy. Nothing that stains, nothing too exciting. It's a good reset when someone starts to fall apart.
And please don't give the "you better behave" talk in the car. Just tell them you're going on a walk with a friend who has a camera. When you're relaxed and playing with them, they feel it, and it shows in the photos.
Years from now, the perfectly posed photo won't be your favorite. It'll be the one where your toddler is mid-giggle, or holding your finger, or asleep on your shoulder at the end of the session. They're only this little for a short time, and it's worth having photos of it, moods and all.
If you're thinking about family photos in Austin, Round Rock or Cedar Park this year, you can see my sessions and pricing here, or just send me a message and we'll figure out the rest together.