During the holidays, many families decide to have portraits done of their children or of the whole family. Portraits are great for gifts for family members or simply as a way to remember a wonderful holiday season. However, though newborn babies or elementary school age children are often easy to pose and photograph, toddlers present a challenge. Their natural vivacity, spiritedness, and energy make them apt to not sit still, to be disturbed by the strange new experience, and to want to do things their own way. So to get the perfect holiday portraits of your toddler, consider some of these tips from experienced photographers.
Check the Schedule.It is important that you choose the time of the portrait photography appointment carefully. Scheduling an appointment during your toddler’s usual naptime will mean that your child will be tired, confused, and perhaps a little irritated. Make sure that you set the photo session for a time when your toddler will be well-rested, well-fed, and in a good mood. Disruptions to their normal schedule confuse and disorient young children, so wisely choosing the time of your appointment is necessary.
Procrastinate.Though it may seem more sensible to start getting your toddler ready well before the portrait appointment time, this is not always a good idea. Procrastinating and leaving the getting ready until the last possible moment is usually the best way to go, because it ensures that your toddler will not have time to spill something on their adorable outfit or mess up their hair. It is also definitely helpful to bring an extra change of clothes, a hairbrush, and other supplies to the photography appointment with you, so you can touch up hair and smooth out clothes right before the actual portraits are taken.
Dress For Success.When it comes to portrait photography for toddlers, ‘dressing for success’ means finding the most comfortable cute outfit possible. Uncomfortable tights and constricting suits probably will not put your child in the mood to give the camera their most charming smile. Going to a photography studio, posing, and smiling on demand are all new experiences for your toddler and going through that new adventure in uncomfortable or unfamiliar clothing can dampen their mood. For bright, natural, happy photos, make sure to dress for success and find your child an outfit that is as familiar and comfortable as it is adorable.
Go With the Flow.You probably have a precise image in your mind of exactly what you want the portrait photos to look like. However, though sometimes it is possible to achieve this perfect photo, often flexibility and going with the flow is necessary. Your child may not behave in the way you anticipate, the photographer may have alternate suggestions, and so on. Staying flexible and keeping a good attitude will make it fun and enjoyable for your toddler and it will make it fun for you and the whole family as well. So don’t be afraid to go with the flow and take those photos in a natural, candid way. Sometimes the ideal pose just isn’t’ feasible at the moment, especially with toddlers.
Following these four tips will make the photography session easier and will help you capture this wonderful time of your toddler’s life in beautiful portraits.