How To Get Your Toddler (and Big Kids) To Actually Participate In Photos

Let’s be honest…toddlers don’t show up to a session thinking, “Let me sit still and smile perfectly.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t get beautiful, genuine photos. You just need the right approach (and a little trust in your photographer 😉). Here’s what actually works.

1. Let it be fun (not forced)

The best photos don’t come from perfectly posed moments—they come from connection. Tickles, swinging, peek-a-boo, silly faces… that’s where the magic happens. If your child is laughing, moving, and being themselves, I promise you’re getting images you’ll love.

One of my favorites - swinging! But the key is to swing, put down, slowly count to 3 and build excitement for the next swing, I capture the smile, and THEN you swing again. And if we’re lucky we get a cute action shot too.

Be silly and let them do their thing. She was a ball of energy and we danced and partied our butts off. Seriously, I don’t think she stopped moving for one second!

2. Give your photographer the lead

I know, it feels natural to jump in and say “look here!” or “smile!” But too many directions = overwhelmed kid. When you step back and let me guide things, your child has one voice to follow, and everything runs smoother.

For photographers: This is where your confidence matters. Kids read the room fast.

3. Follow your child’s energy

Not every toddler walks in ready to perform. Some need time. Some need space. Some need to run wild for a bit before settling in. That’s normal. I adjust every session based on the child—not the other way around.

4. Timing matters more than you think

Well-rested + fed = happy kid. Overtired + hungry = chaos. Schedule sessions around naps, bring easy snacks (nothing messy), and we’re already ahead of the game.

5. Expect personality, not perfection

Your toddler might:

• Refuse to sit

• Only want to run

• Make silly faces the entire time

That’s not failure, that’s them. And those are often the images you end up loving the most. Shy at first? We slow down and build trust. Wild and silly? We lean into it. Won’t sit with baby sibling? We composite safely or pivot. There’s always a way to get the shot, without forcing it.

6. Have the session somewhere fun

Toddlers don’t want to sit still, but they do want to explore. When you choose a location that’s interesting to them (a park, a trail, even somewhere like a candy shop), everything shifts. Instead of asking them to perform, we let them experience something, and I capture the genuine reactions that follow. Walking through flowers, stopping to look at something new, sharing a treat… those are the moments that turn into the photos you actually love. And the best part? It never feels forced.

This was such a fun one! See more from this Big Top Candy Shop session right here.

The bottom line

You don’t need perfect behavior. You just need a photographer who knows how to work with kids, not against them. If you show up, stay relaxed, and trust the process… I’ll handle the rest.

If you’re looking for an Austin newborn and family photographer who knows how to handle toddlers (and still get beautiful images), you’re in the right place.

Id you’re ready to book:
👉 Get in touch here!