Capturing beautiful moments with your child can be a rewarding experience, but it can also come with its challenges—especially when dealing with younger kiddos. As a Lehigh Valley children’s photographer, I’ve worked with many families in my studio and over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make photo sessions smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are 10 expert tips to help make your child’s portrait session a success!

1. Be Realistic—Two Year Olds Are Tough!

Two-year-olds are notoriously difficult to photograph, if you’ve ever asked me what is my least favorite age to photograph then you know this is my answer. At this age, they are full of energy, exploring their independence and may not always want to cooperate. It’s important to set realistic expectations. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on capturing their personality and natural expressions. Patience is key! Trust the process, though. I have made even the toughest little toddlers succumb to my silliness over the years.

2. Skip the “Say Cheese!”

We’ve all heard it before, “Say cheese!” But this classic prompt often leads to stiff, forced smiles that don’t capture your child’s true essence. Instead, I encourage them to do something different, like “Can you show me your teeth” or talk about silly stuff to get them to laugh on their own. Genuine, relaxed expressions make for the best portraits. You will most likely not hear me say, “Say Cheese” but “Say Pickles” is probably my catch phrase!

3. Find a Funny Song or Noise That Makes Them Giggle

Every child has something that makes them laugh… whether it’s a silly song, a funny noise or a specific word they love. Try to recreate these moments in the studio to help your child feel at ease and bring out those natural, joyful smiles.

4. Don’t Pressure Them

Children can sense when they’re being pressured, and it can make them anxious or uncooperative. Keep the atmosphere light and playful… and this starts on your ride to the studio. If they’re not in the mood for photos, give them a little time to adjust. Trust me, the best portraits happen when they feel comfortable and I have a special way of making that happen!

5. Let Them Lead

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let your child lead the session. If something is bothering them like shoes or a hair clip… ditch them, at least for some of the photos. Barefoot in a photo session can be an adorable way to remember those tiny toes. A comfortable child will be far more likely to relax and have fun, resulting in better photos.

6. Balloons Aren’t Always the Best Choice

Balloons can be a great prop, but if your child loves them too much, they can become a distraction during the session. Consider saving the balloons for the end of the shoot as a reward for great behavior. This helps keep their attention on the photos rather than the balloons. If this is the case for your child, let me know ahead of time and I’ll keep them hidden in the backroom until the time is right!

7. Incorporate Their Favorite Toy or Stuffed Animal

If your child has a beloved toy or stuffed animal, consider bringing it along. Not only does it provide comfort, but it can also be used as a cute prop for the photos. Incorporating something familiar can help your child feel more relaxed and make for a fun and personalized portrait session. Depending on the age of your child, I might even let them set up a shot with their stuffy and and take it on their own! They love this and feel so special when we can make these photos happen!

8. Lollipop Bribes Work Wonders

I’m not above a little bribery when it comes to getting kids to smile. Smarties lollipops are a favorite in my studio: they’re tasty, they’re not messy, they’re always on hand and the perfect incentive for JUUUUST one more picture! Offering a lollipop as a reward for a great smile can encourage your child to stay engaged and add a sweet touch to your photos.

9. Messy Snacks Are… Well Messy.

I encourage you to bring snacks for your child to help avoid a hangry meltdown. However, clean and dry snacks will always be the best choice for photos. Puffs, rice cakes, animal crackers and goldfish are great choices. Nothing that will make fingers orange or that will drip on shirts or the set!

10. Have FUN!

Above all, have fun with the process. Let your child’s personality shine through in the photos. Be silly, laugh together and enjoy the moment! The more relaxed and happy everyone is, the better the photos will turn out.

Regardless of if you’re preparing for a milestone session, a family portrait or just a fun mini session… following these tips can help ensure a successful photo experience. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment with your child and the smiles and laughter will follow. If you’re looking for a Lehigh Valley photographer who can help bring out the best in your little one, reach out to my studio, I’d love to capture those special memories for you!

Ready to book your child’s milestone birthday photo shoot? Book yours today HERE!

Don’t forget to sign up for my Email Newsletter here: LG Newsletter Sign Up

Follow me on IG, FB and Pinterest for more first birthday photography inspiration:

IG: @theLGphoto

FB: LG Photography

Pinterest: LG Photography