As a photographer (and a parent), one thing I’ve learned is this: young children are wonderfully unpredictable. At any given session, they might be teething, fighting off a mild cold, feeling chilly in unfamiliar clothes, or simply having a tough day emotionally. And you know what? That’s completely normal.

Children under five are still learning to regulate their emotions, understand instructions, and navigate new environments which makes long, structured posing nearly impossible. We can’t expect a toddler to smile perfectly for 20 photos in a row. That’s why I embrace a more lifestyle or documentary style approach for this age group. These candid, in-the-moment images often turn out to be the most meaningful and magical.

Here’s what truly makes the difference: staying calm, patient, and playful. A positive energy from the photographer (and the parents!) can help kids feel safe and free to be themselves. When we focus on fun over perfection, we not only get better images we create a better experience.

And remember, you know your child best. One five-year-old may thrive with a little posing, while another might do best when the camera quietly captures them mid-play. Every child is different and that’s the beauty of it.

When photographing children five and under, my goal is always to make the session feel more like playtime than picture day. Because that’s where the magic happens.

Tips to ensure fun, memorable photography sessions!

Dress your young children and comfortable clothes and clothes without itchy tags.
Make sure that everyone is dressed for the weather predicted.

Reschedule your session if you believe your child is becoming sick, your Photographer is not going to be mean and say that we can’t reschedule and you’re losing your down deposit. Save your session for a day when your child is going to feel good! 

Schedule your session during a time of day that your child is happiest.

Bring snack, snacks, and make sure they’ve eaten before their session. 

 Get your child excited for the session, make it sound like playtime and it’s going to be so much fun! Try to avoid talking about behaving well and don’t misbehave statements. This can release set the tone for the session.

 Getting their main day nap in at home so they don’t get woken up from their nap right before the session.