Aug 18, 20222 min read

How I Encourage Your Toddler to Participate During Your Family Session.

First of all this precious family was an absolute dream. I loved getting to know them all throughout our session and even before! Lindsey and I talked on the phone for almost 45 min about all the things! I love connecting with my clients and becoming friends!

Anyway, the Estep family had a 19 month old and she was as adorable as can be! She did fantastic, but even adorable toddlers have their moments and so below are a few tricks and games that I may use with your toddler during your next session to encourage them to open up.

1. Playing games!! Do they love peek-a-boo, being tickled, making animal noises? Whatever they love and gets them laughing I will do those things no matter how ridiculous they are!

The laughs and giggles are totally worth me looking absolutely ridiculous! Thankfully I am able to multi-task decently well and can play and shoot at the same time! It makes for some great candid’s!

2. I allow your toddler to lead the way and explore. Especially if we are at a new location your toddler has never been to before they are going to want to see what’s around them and that is totally okay!

I love allowing toddlers to explore and play and capturing candid photos during these moments. And moms and dads, please don’t be afraid to just be with your child. Do what you would normally do if I wasn’t there. Just explore with them, get down on their level and engage with them. They love it!

3. Last but not least, I connect with your toddlers by getting on their level, talking with them and giving them some undivided attention. There is no need to worry about how they act during the session because having a 2 yr old myself I get it. Sometimes they have bad days but we will absolutely make the most of it and have a great time anyway! Even if it means giving them a little more time to open up while we do parent portraits!