How to thrive during your outdoor family photoshoot with busy toddler/s - By RM PHOTO Whakatane Maternity, Newborn & Family Photographer
For 90% of toddlers - standing still for photos is not exactly their idea of a good time.
And If you're expecting your little one to sit still and smile for the camera for an hour long family photoshoot, I'm telling you right now - you're very likely to walk away from your shoot feeling defeated or frustrated! EXACTLY the reason WHY i'm a huge fan of child led sessions.
You're probably wondering what the heck is a child led session?
Toddlers are busy, naturally curious, and often eager to explore; a child led session means embracing your child's curiosity and energy by letting them do what they do best: explore, play and have fun.
If you want to capture those moments that are wall worthy AND real, fun and perfectly imperfect - then keep reading for my top tips to make any outdoor session with toddlers stress-free and fun. (The BEST kind, in my opinion!!)
Tip 1 - If you want fun + playful family photos - embody that energy and lead the play.
Kids feed off their parent's energy, so if you're playful/light-hearted in your interactions with your family - your toddler will pick up on your energy and match it.... making it more likely to achieve those beautiful natural smiles and joy filled photos we all love.
Most toddlers naturally want to do their own thing during family photos, which is totally normal..... I prefer to let them lead the session and keep them engaged with playful interactions - basically turning everything into a game to hold their attention or regain their focus.
POV: Your toddler has decided they'd rather head off down the beach and explore than stick around and smile for the lady with a camera. . . they're most likely NOT going to come back if you just tell them to "come back"...... but we may just have a chance of getting them where we need them by playing chase (leading them to the direction we want them) or by another playful interaction.
To get these shots below (and to prevent the kids running off too far) we turned it into a game - jumping 'high' off the dunes like an aeroplane into dads arms, playing chase & scoop etc allowing us to get the shot without it feeling forced.
Tip 2 - Embrace the chaos (it's normal)
Things don't always go perfectly during an outdoor session with toddlers, and there is ALOT that goes on behind the scenes that doesn't make it over to the internet. Toddler tantrums, photo refusal and all the chaos that toddlers bring - just know that it's all COMPLETELY NORMAL behaviour during a family photoshoot.
The best thing you can do as parents when things are unravelling is to STAY COMPOSED and let your toddler lead. The more we embrace the messiness of the moment and go with the flow, the easier we can move past any hiccups whilst still creating beautiful images.
Fighting against your toddlers willpower only makes things harder (and stressful) for you.
We want your family photoshoot experience to be fun & as relaxed as possible for the whole family - toddlers included. When your family is having fun together, it shows! And that's what makes the best photos.
Tip 3 - It feels like ALOT of admin - but prep is TRULY worth it!
Toddlers basically rule the session and a tired, hungry or cold toddler is NOT the vibe you're after for relaxed family photos. You'll quickly realise there is NO amount of bargaining or games that can win them over.
For outdoor sessions, regardless of season - it's SUPER important that toddlers are warm, rested and fed.
-Prioritise an arvo nap: Those arvo naps for me were always the hardest with my boys, and it's easy to trick yourself into thinking it's not worth the hassle & 'She'll be right' ... until you arrive to your session and your toddler quickly becomes tired and over our playful attempts for a cute interactive family shot.
Save yourself the struggle and just chuck them in the car & drive them to sleep - your future sunset o'clock self will thank you for it.
-Dress kids warm & bring additional layers: Keeping kids warm is key to a smooth family session.
Always dress kids/toddlers in warm layers and bring extra layers along for back up (that you don't mind being worn in photos).
I always say, you can take layers off if kids get too hot, but if you don't have warm layers - you cant put them on!!
Keeping your toddler cozy warm means they'll be comfortable, happier and way more likely to enjoy the session.
Ready to book your family photos?
At the end of the day, family photo sessions are about capturing your family as they are - chaos and all.
When you embrace the unpredictability of toddlers, & lead with an energy that resonates - we can create images that reflect your family goodness as it is right now.
These are the memories you'll love to look back on with fondness so don't get too caught up in wanting the 'picture perfect shots' - your family is perfect just as you are! Leave the rest to me!
If you live near Whakatane or the surrounding Bay Of Plenty and are looking for an outdoor family photographer who can embrace your toddlers curious or strong-willed nature, i'd love for you to get in touch here or by using the link below to find out more or to chat about bringing your session with me to life.
Renee
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