You just booked your first photography session since your beautiful, sweet, angel of a baby transformed into a full-blown toddler.
You dreamily scroll through photo galleries filled with smiling, cooperative children…
until you glance over and realize your child is currently covered head to toe in marker. 😅
Cue the panic.
You wonder if you just threw money down the drain — convinced your session will end with the photographer getting “toddlered.”
All you want is one good photo. That one perfect moment.
Is it even possible some days?
(Spoiler: It absolutely is.)
I’m here to share what I’ve learned — not just as a Seattle family photographer, but as a fellow warrior in the toddler trenches.
Keep Calm and Photograph On
This is the single most important piece of advice I can give you:
Stay calm.
Toddlers can sense your stress — literally.
(Science says we can “smell” emotions like fear and frustration. Amazing and horrifying, right?)
If you’re stressed, your child will feel it — and act accordingly.
If you’re calm and playful, they’ll respond with trust and joy.
The final outcome of your family photos is directly tied to the energy you bring.
So let’s laugh. Let’s roll with it. Let’s make memories, not misery.
Arrive Early and Prepare Your Toddler
An ounce of prevention goes a long way — especially with toddlers.
Here’s your mantra: Prepare, prepare, prepare.
If your session is away from home, arrive 30 minutes early.
Let your child explore, get their wiggles out, and satisfy their curiosity.
New surroundings can be overwhelming — and a distracted toddler is a distracted camera subject.
Early arrival = calm nerves and better photos.
If your session is at home, prepare them by telling them what’s coming:
“A nice person with a camera is coming to play with us and take our pictures!”
Show them what a camera looks like. Maybe even practice a few silly faces together.
Toddlers don’t love surprises. Set them up for success with a little prep and a lot of patience.
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Don’t stress about your home being “perfect” if we’re shooting there.
I expect your house to look lived-in.
(You’re raising tiny humans, not running a museum.)
Some of the most beautiful, nostalgic photos happen in imperfect homes —
because that’s where the real memories live.
The couch where you read bedtime stories.
The kitchen where you baked messy cookies.
The nursery floor scattered with building blocks.
It’s real. It’s beautiful. It’s yours.
And that’s what we’re here to capture.
Bring a Comfort Toy (And Hide It)
Bring your toddler’s favorite toy — but keep it hidden as your secret weapon.
If we need to, we’ll bring it out for a little boost of comfort and joy.
Plus, photos of your child clutching their beloved stuffie or car or blankie?
Those will melt your heart for decades to come.
Relax — The Smiles Are My Job
Here’s something most parents don’t realize:
You’re not responsible for your child smiling for the camera.
That’s my job.
Your job is to stay relaxed, keep playing, and trust me to work my magic.
Photographers have a whole bag of tricks (and noises and games and very silly faces) designed specifically to get authentic, joyful smiles.
If you’re calm, your toddler will be more likely to relax and have fun too.
Toddlers Are Messy — and That’s Beautiful
Listen — toddlers are supposed to be wild, wiggly, unpredictable little humans.
You’re not “failing” if your child won’t pose perfectly.
You’re parenting.
And honestly?
Some of the best photos happen after the “perfect” plan falls apart.
The sideways giggles.
The crinkly-nosed laughter.
The spontaneous dance moves.
That’s the magic.
Final Thought:
You aren’t just creating family photos —
You’re capturing the real, messy, hilarious, beautiful season you’re in right now.
If you’re ready to laugh, play, and make memories (marker stains and all), I would be honored to tell your story.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE— let’s celebrate this wild, wonderful moment together. 🧡