(Spoiler alert: Bribery, Patience, and a Whole Lotta Laughs)
If you’ve ever tried to get your toddler to smile nicely for a photo, you know it can feel a little like herding cats… with opinions… and snacks… and zero interest in sitting still.
As a Northern Virginia lifestyle photographer and a fellow mom, let me be the first to say — I get it. Toddlers are wild, unpredictable, and often have their own plans that don’t include sitting quietly and smiling for the camera. But the good news? You don’t need a perfectly posed toddler to get beautiful, frame-worthy photos. In fact, the best images often come from the chaos. Nonetheless, I’ve picked up a few tried-and-true tricks that help — and I’m sharing them with you.
Bribes Are Not Cheating
Let’s normalize the power of a well-timed treat, toy, or sticker. A mini bag of gummies, a favorite snack, or the promise of a playground visit can go a long way. I always suggest non-messy options (no chocolate smears, please). Just don’t threaten with it — make it fun, not stressful.
Don’t Expect Them to Sit Still
Toddlers are movers by nature. Instead of expecting them to pose like little models, we work with their energy. Think: running to mama and getting scooped up, tossing leaves in the air, snuggles, spins, or peek-a-boo behind dad’s legs. These real, unforced, candid moments? That’s where the magic lives.
Bring a Familiar Toy or Lovey (But Make It Cute)
If your toddler has a comfort item, bring it along — especially for the beginning of the session. Bonus points if it’s photo-friendly (neutral colors or something sentimental).
It can help them feel safe and relaxed in a new setting — which = better photos.
Songs, Sounds & Silly Faces Are Our Best Friends
I’m not above singing “Baby Shark” or making ridiculous animal noises to get a giggle — and I don’t expect you to be either. Feel free to: sing their favorite song, call out their favorite character, dance behind the camera if needed (yes, even in your dress). A little silly goes a long way.
Go In With Low Expectations — and High Trust
This one’s big. The more relaxed you are, the more your toddler will be too. If you're stressed, they feel it. But if you’re calm and playful? They’ll follow your lead. Trust me — I’ve seen toddlers melt down… and then turn around and give us the most angelic smiles two minutes later. Just breathe. We’ve got this.
Let Them Be Little
Sometimes the most beautiful picture isn’t the one where everyone’s looking at the camera. It’s the one where your toddler is wrapped in your arms, or laughing wildly, or exploring something with their whole heart. Those are the real moments. The ones that tell your story. Let go of “perfect,” and lean into real.
Toddlers will toddler. And that’s okay. As your Northern Virginia Photographer, my job isn’t to make your little one sit still or “behave.” It’s to meet them where they are, capture their spirit, and tell your family’s story as it truly is — joyful, chaotic, messy, and full of love. So when your session day comes, just show up, be present, and let me handle the rest.
