As a Louisville family photographer, I’ve encountered my fair share of toddlers. And I have just one thing to say…
Y’all, they’re CRAZY!
No matter how great of a parent you are, ALL toddlers go rogue during their photo session. It’s secret toddler code.

Here are some photos of my toddler ruining otherwise cute family photos from our most recent session to prove it’s not just you 🙂

All jokes aside, I actually fancy myself somewhat of a toddler whisperer. Toddlers are my jam! I have lived through toddlerhood once already with Clara, and I’m in the middle of toddlerhood right now with Mason. I want to share 5 of my best tips with you, not just as a Louisville family photographer, but as a momma myself!

My tips as a Louisville family photographer

1. It’s the toddler’s world, and we’re just living in it.

Your family photo session is not the time to dish out punishments to your unruly toddler. I promise I’m not judging your parenting based on this one interaction with your normally-super-sweet-and-obedient toddler! They’re ALL like this!
Sometimes they won’t smile unless you give them a gummy after each shot.
Sometimes they want to play chase – I wear my running shoes for a reason!
Occasionally they are excited to smile at me with no bribing whatsoever.
But more often than not, I’m doing silly dances with their favorite toy or singing their favorite songs to get them to crack a little smile. I love this part of my job, so don’t sweat it! We’ve got to go with the flow to make it work.

2. Over-prepare!

Bring water, snacks, extra clothes, diapers, wipes. Pack a favorite toy that I can hold over the camera, dance with, and balance on my head. Bring a favorite treat like fruit snacks or smarties that can be used as bribes throughout the session. Again – I’m not judging your parenting 🙂

3. Relax and have fun!

I want to capture that overwhelming love you feel toward your toddler. Don’t worry about getting the perfect shots – that’s my job! Take that pressure off your shoulders. All you have to worry about is enjoying your family, loving on them, and smiling even when things don’t go the way you planned it in your head.

My tips as a momma

1. My number one tip is to throw your expectations out the window.

When kids feel pressure, especially when it comes to a situation they’re unfamiliar with, it can cause a lot of nervousness and anxiety which typically shows itself in the form of a MASSIVE FIT. A good way to avoid that is to model how you want them to react to this new situation – calm and relaxed and ready to have fun! Start this at home when you’re getting the family dressed and ready. Maybe even start this process 20 minutes earlier so you don’t accidentally snap at your 5 year old for not going potty earlier (guilty).

Gently remind your husband that it’s not time to trim his toe nails (my husband can’t be the only one who does this) and see if he’ll pack up some snacks instead.

Also rest in knowing that as a family photographer, I’ve seen it ALL. Seriously, you name it, I’ve seen it. Your kids don’t want to hold perfectly still?
Girl, mine either! Let’s run with them!
Baby won’t smile unless baby shark is playing on repeat. DONE! You’ll find me dancing and doing the motions with one hand and snapping cute photos with the other.

2. Remember I’m capturing your child as they are.

We see enough perfectly curated photos on social media to know that it IS possible to get a photo of the whole family smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. But at what cost?

I promise, I do what I can to get those “money shots” as I call them. And 9 times out of 10, we get it within the first 5 minutes! But to me, as a mom and as a family photographer, it’s not worth the threatening, punishments, or worse to get those “perfect” photos.

Your toddler is a little tiny human with feelings. They’re silly and shy and wild and brave. And they’re only this little for a blink of an eye before they grow up and have the attention span to smile at the camera for a full family session.

Let them be kids!

It’s so important to me to capture your little one’s unique personality during your session!
Their funny crooked smile with squinted eyes that drives you crazy? They’ll stop doing that smile eventually, and I swear you’ll miss it!
The way she is constantly planting sloppy kisses on baby brother’s face instead of looking at the camera? This isn’t the end of the world, right?
He ONLY wants to be held by a super massively pregnant momma? I totally understand, it’s exhausting. But these memories are priceless!

We’ve got this, momma! And no matter what your family ends up doing during your session, I guarantee we will capture some memories you won’t want to forget!

Are you searching for a Louisville family photographer?

I would love to help you get sweet photos of your family! You can reach out to schedule a session here.
If you’d like to know more about the photo experience I have to offer, check this page out!

Learn more about me
Studio Maternity Sessions
The First Year Milestone Collective
Charlotte’s Milestone Session