Tips for Family Photos with Toddlers: Make It Fun and Easy!
When it comes to family photos, toddlers can be a wild card. But guess what? That’s actually a good thing! Their little personalities and boundless energy are what make your family photos unique and full of life. To make the day as smooth and stress-free as possible, I’ve rounded up my top tips to keep your toddlers happy during your family session. Let’s turn their wiggles into wonderful memories!

1. How to prepare your toddler for a relaxed and fun family photo session
The best family photo tips for toddlers start before the session even begins. Don’t overwhelm your little one with too much information about what’s coming. Simply tell them you’re going to meet a new friend, play together and have fun. Avoid phrases like “be good” or “sit still,” as they can unintentionally add pressure. Instead, set the tone for a relaxed family photo day by focusing on excitement and exploration.
2. Snacks and naps: the secret to happy toddlers during family photos
A happy toddler is a well-fed and well-rested toddler! Try to adjust nap times if needed to keep your child awake for a sunset session. Bring along a stash of mess-free snacks like apple slices, grapes, or mini marshmallows. Bonus tip: hide the snacks and save them for moments when you really need a little pick-me-up energy boost (and give it to them one at a time so they aren’t holding the container)!

3. Let your toddler be themselves
Wiggly toddlers? No problem. I’m here to capture real moments, not stiff poses. Toddlers aren’t going to sit still and pose—and I wouldn’t want them to. My approach to photographing young children is all about capturing their real personalities and those fleeting, heart-melting moments. Whether they’re running, climbing, cuddling, or giggling at a joke only they understand, that’s what I want to see.
We’ll let them do their thing and follow their lead. If we try something they’re not into, we’ll switch gears and try something else. It’s all about trial and error—and a lot of chasing—but it works beautifully. All I need is one split second where your child laughs, cuddles up to you, or flashes their natural smile. Even if the session feels chaotic to you, trust me: I’m capturing those sweet, candid moments you might not even notice. So let your toddler be a toddler—it’s where the magic happens.
Story Time:
Once, I had a toddler who spent the entire session running laps. We let him go, scooped him up for a split second here and there, and ended up with some of the most adorable images of him laughing in his parents’ arms.

4. Bring comfort items for your child—but hide them at first
A favorite stuffed animal, toy, or blanket can be the ultimate toddler stress-reliever. Keep it tucked away until it’s needed, though, so it doesn’t distract them from all the fun (ideally towards the end of the session). Comfort items can even make an appearance in a photo or two—it’s those little details that you’ll love looking back on years from now.

5. Keep it lighthearted and go with the flow during the photo session
Kids feed off their parents’ energy, so if you’re feeling stressed, they will too. The best thing you can do as a parent is to take a deep breath, relax, and focus on enjoying the moment. Let go of any expectations for perfection, because the truth is, perfection isn’t what makes a great family photo—it’s the little quirks and authentic moments that photograph best.
Your toddler might have their own ideas about what’s fun, and that’s okay! So if they’re running, laughing, or even throwing a mini tantrum, we’ll roll with it.
A quiet hug, a belly laugh, or a pouty face snuggled into your shoulder can all become beautiful memories. So, let go, embrace the unpredictability, and trust that I’ll capture the magic in the in-between moments.
Personal Tip:
At the end of a session, parents often say, “I hope you got something good because it felt like chaos!” And you know what? They’re always blown away when they see the final images. Those little moments you didn’t even notice? That’s where the magic happens.

Adorable photo ideas and prompts for toddlers
If you’re wondering how to get those swoon-worthy shots of your toddler… you can’t really pose a toddler, and that’s the magic of it! Instead, we’ll use playful prompts and let them explore naturally. These ideas work beautifully to highlight their sweet, silly, and adventurous sides:
- Storytime: Bring along their favorite book and cuddle up as you read together. This creates genuine, cozy smiles and an intimate connection.
- Toss them in the air: Toddlers love the thrill of flying high! Capture those belly laughs as you lift them up.
- Kisses and raspberries: Smooch their cheeks or blow raspberries on their belly or neck for guaranteed giggles.
- Explore together: Let them lead the way! Whether it’s picking flowers, climbing on logs, or running through a field, their natural curiosity makes for beautiful, candid photos. Every once in a while, scoop them up and do something silly, then put them down and let them keep exploring.
- Cuddle and tickle sessions: Hold them close and share tickles, hugs, and snuggles. Those fleeting moments of connection are pure magic.
These ideas are just a starting point—every session is unique, and your toddler will bring their own special spark. My job is to follow their lead and capture the beauty in their authentic moments.
Ready to capture the chaos?
If this sounds like your kind of family photo experience, I’d love to work with you! Let’s turn your toddler’s giggles, wiggles, and big emotions into long-lasting memories. Ready to book your session? Book your family photos here.
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