Toddlers – Trouble or Fun?
As a DC area photographer, I am often asked how I do it! How do I handle children and especially toddlers? Aren’t toddlers trouble? Unpredictable?
Yes. Yes they are! Toddlers are A LOT like teenagers – mood swings, outbursts, bad decision making, and they LOVE the word “NO!”
But, they are also sweet and lovable and easy to distract! And all those things are why I adore working with toddlers.
Letting Them Warm-Up
Toddlers often need some extra time. They need to warm-up to things (especially this stranger with a huge camera). Toddlers need to think they are making their own decisions (sounds like a teenagers, too, right?). Giving them choices (that are both good options) ALWAYS works well! For instance, “Do you want to sit on mom’s lap or dad’s lap?”
This sweet big brother is still a baby himself – just 18 months old. He was gentle with his little brother, but just not that into him! He did love his board books! I gave him space. And I gave him time while mom and dad read him some books. And look what happened…
An awesome smile! And an picture that will melt his mom’s heart. It sure melts mine!
Personality & Patience
Little Miss L was full of personality during her brother’s newborn session! She wanted to run and dance – not snuggle with mom and dad and baby brother.
So, what does this DC area photographer do…wait patiently. Capture the chaos and the fun and just wait. I’m not sure I realized how important patience is for a child photographer!
And it was worth the wait!
A pretty perfect picture of a not quite two year old holding her six week old brother – and she’s happy and smiling!
The Verdict from a DC Area Photographer
Toddlers are FUN! At least for me. I thrive off variety and truly every single newborn session that involves a toddler is different! No two are alike.
Bring me ALL the toddlers and I promise to capture their energy and their moods and all the chaos in between!
Are you interested in a booking a session?
