Taking pictures of toddlers is not easy generally! They usually have their own agenda and they don’t like to be told what to do and when to do it. They’re a lot like teenagers in that way ;) I have a few easy steps to take great pictures of toddlers.
Step 1. Set the scene
First step, choose and adorable wardrobe. It doesn’t have to be fancy always, but it definitely should be clean, the right size and put together nicely! Wardrobe makes a huge difference! Next, choose a location and set the scene with any props! Props are not necessary, but sometimes they help your toddler stay interested. It can be as simple as a necklace, a little suitcase, their favorite toy, book or even a flower! When choosing a scene, be creative and make it fun for your toddler!
Step 2. Shoot really, really fast.
Attention span of a toddler is about 2 minutes. That is your window to get those posed, smiling pictures. You may have more opportunities throughout the session, but don’t plan on it. All my toddler sessions are 20-30 minutes max!
Step 3. Let them do whatever they want.
You got those posed shots, now let the toddler be free! Not only will they be a lot more happy to do what they want, but then you will get those adorable candid shots that truly show off their personality!
I put these tips into action with my toddler’s 18 month session this week, but by the time he was dressed and ready it was nap time and I made him go anyway. Bad idea. The session lasted about 5 minutes and the only thing that made him smile was eating rocks that he called his candy. 
Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of.
December 16, 2015
Kylee Maughan
