Session Tips | Preparing Your Toddler | New Orleans Family Photographer
It’s important to remember that these sessions are meant to capture your family’s love & connection, not perfect poses & forced smiles. With a little preparation, Payne & Co. helps to create a stress-free & enjoyable family session with toddlers. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started!
1. Prepare Your Little Ones:
The best way to prepare your little ones for a great session is to expect to have fun. If you set their expectations for a good time, chances are, they will have a good time. Children and babies (and husbands!) can sense stress, and it will set the wrong tone for the day. As a former pediatric nurse, I’ve dealt with countless toddlers of all personalities, & nothing surprises me anymore! It’s important to be flexible & willing to adapt during the session.
2. Authentic Moments
Authentic interactions between you & your family make for the best portraits.
3. Session Time
Choosing the right time of day for your session makes a big difference. Toddlers are often at their best in the morning, after they’ve had a good night’s sleep & breakfast. Avoid scheduling your session during your child’s typical nap time or mealtime. A well-rested & well-fed toddler is much more likely to be happy & cooperative during the session.
4. Patience
Toddlers have a lot of energy & can be easily distracted. They may not want to sit still or look at the camera. That’s okay! Remember, the goal of our session is to capture your family’s love & connection, not perfect poses & forced smiles.
5. Bring a small mess-free snack
Toddlers get hungry & cranky. Mess-free snacks on hand are always a good idea!
6. Finding the right family photographer
It is an absolute joy to photograph families during your most precious moments! As a toddler mom myself, I know the feeling of being stressed before my own family sessions. It’s uncomfortable & I’m unable to relax. I find myself worrying about what the photographer will think & how my toddler will act (right?). Payne & Co. is here to change that. I’m here to help mamas (just like me) who love a good family session but without the stress. At Payne & Co. you can expect a family photographer with LOTS of patience and compassion, on a mission to provide timeless family portraits that you’ll treasure forever. Your little ones are only little for so long, so don’t put off your family session! You’ll miss this season of their unique personalities (I promise!).
Ashley Payne, with Payne & Co. is a New Orleans family photographer specializing in family, motherhood, & lifestyle sessions. Payne & Co. offers custom heirloom artwork from handmade albums to printing your portraits. Payne & Co. is passionate about serving clients by designing artwork that will last generations. Let’s not add another thing to your to-do list. From session planning to portrait delivery, Payne & Co. handles it all so you don’t have to.
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