Mamas, I photograph a lot of toddlers. And I mean A LOT! They are my favorite subject to photograph. Their little personalities shine through in every way and they are a blast to chase around. They aren’t the simplest subjects to photograph (or parent!), but that makes the rewards even better.
Over the past 8 years, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks for photographing toddlers, whether you are photographing with your iPhone or your DSLR camera.
1.) They are in charge!
As mamas, we know we are never going to get a toddler to do what they don’t want (at least not without a pout or tears). So, set your expectations low and work fast.
2.) Keep the background simple and utilize natural light.
If you are inside, try a room with little clutter and nice natural light. With the photos of my daughter (below), I set up the chair just to the left of the window and a foot away from the dark wall. The window gave nice directional light to one side of her face and later provided an additional “prop” as her attention turned out the window. Outside, I love toddlers in an open natural area (a field is great!). A simple background keeps toddlers less distracted, and also helps your iPhone or camera focus on them, when they do start to move and explore.
3.) Go for eye contact and a smile First.
You are going to try for a photo with eye contact and a smile, before letting them play. Get your iPhone or camera set up and ready to go. If you are photographing with a DSLR set your shutter speed at 1/1000th a second or above to freeze motion. Also try turning on “continuous shooting mode” if you have this setting available. Working fast is key is toddlers.
4.) Give them somewhere to sit. Or climb, or stand on.
When you are set up (and not a moment sooner), place them on a small chair. Don’t introduce the prop until it is time to shoot or the novelty will wear off. I have a few tiny chairs I bring to photo sessions, which I have found super cheap at antique shows and stores. Take a glance around your house, likely you will find a chair or stool that will work. How about a basket or crate you can flip over so your toddler can sit on it? Blankets work too if they will sit for a moment. Outdoors, a log or rock are great! Bring a helper if your toddler is going to climb on something high or unsturdy. You want to be worrying about the photo, not their safety.
5.) Be silly!
As soon as you place them on the chair, jump a few feet back and be silly. Make a funny face or animal noise! Have them look into your iPhone or camera (“Do you see a lion in my camera?”). Or my personal favorite that either gets them to laugh or give me a perplexed look—throw leaves on your own head! Snap away. FAST. They are going to lose interest after a minute and will likely get off the chair or start playing on it. This is normal! Typically I will run over to them, place them back sitting on the chair and start being silly as I step back away for a few more photos. I will do this 2-5 times depending on how cooperative they are.
These photos of my daughter above are taken in a matter of a few minutes—you can see how quickly her expressions change and how fast you must work.
I got her attention and a smile…she figured out she had a bow in her hair…glanced out the window…got bored and started sucking her thumb…I was silly and got her attention again…she is back to looking out the window…I went in for a photo of her cute toddler legs…she is off the chair and over at the window….
6.) Have them do something.
It’s time to let them explore a bit. If you are inside, they can play peek-a-boo behind the chair or play on it. If you are outside, try having the throw leaves in the air, collecting pine cones or picking flowers (a cute basket can make a fun prop too). They could roll in the grass, chase bubbles, jump or twirl. When you come up with a suggestion, make it their idea. You may not be able to out sass them, but you can outsmart them. Peek-a-boo or having them show you what they found in nature are also another way you can initiate eye contact. Also, just simply following them around as their attention is diverted is a great way to capture the little details—their side profile, little chubby legs, baby curls and priceless toddler expressions as they explore the world.
7.) Embrace the pout.
I mean c’mon that is half of their personality at this age, right? Get it on film!
Mama, take these tips and tell your story! Show me how you rocked photographing your toddler on Instagram with #MyStoryInPhotos—I can’t wait to see the results!
