How to Prepare Toddlers for a Photo Shoot
If you’ve ever made arrangements for a toddler, you’ll know one thing for sure: they have their own plans.
That’s completely normal. Toddlers are curious, energetic, sensitive and wonderfully unpredictable. And that’s exactly why I love photographing them. The key to a successful session isn’t “perfect behaviour.” It’s thoughtful preparation, realistic expectations and a relaxed approach.
If you’re thinking of doing a session with a family photographer in Melbourne, here’s how to set your toddler (and yourself) up for a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Top Tips for Toddler Photoshoots
1. Keep It Low-Key
One of the best things you can do is not make the photo shoot feel like a big, high-pressure event. Instead of saying, “We have to get nice photos today,” try framing it as something fun and relaxed: “We’re going to the beach/park to play and take some photos.”
Toddlers respond to energy. If you’re calm, they’re far more likely to feel calm too.
2. Choose the Right Time of Day
Timing matters, especially with little ones.
Whenever possible, plan your session around naps and meals. A well-rested, fed toddler is far more cooperative than one who’s tired or hungry. Sunset sessions work beautifully for lighting, but if that clashes with your child’s routine or the weather doesn’t allow, we can talk through other options.
Sometimes adjusting dinner slightly or bringing a small snack can make all the difference.
3. Keep Outfits Comfortable
This is not the day for stiff collars, scratchy fabrics or brand-new shoes that haven’t been worn in.
Comfort is everything. Soft, breathable fabrics allow toddlers to move freely. When they feel physically comfortable, they’re more relaxed and natural.
Neutral tones and simple pieces photograph beautifully, especially for baby and kids photography. The focus should be on your child’s expressions and personality, not busy prints or distracting graphics.
Before your session, I’ll discuss styling with you fully so you feel clear and confident about what to wear, and so everything suits the look we’re creating together.
4. Bribes Are Welcome (With One Caveat)
If a little bribery helps your toddler feel excited and on board, I’m all for it — bribery works! I just recommend choosing a reward that isn’t food during the session, as snacks can get messy and become a distraction.
Instead, think of the session as play. We might walk, explore, cuddle, tickle, or simply chat. Genuine smiles come from interaction, not instruction.
And if your toddler doesn’t smile on command? That’s perfectly okay. Some of the best images are thoughtful, serious or captured mid-laughter.
5. Bring Familiar Comfort Items
If your toddler has a comfort toy, blanket or special item, bring it along.
It can be a great little safety net — just keep it tucked away until I suggest bringing it out. Otherwise it can end up in every single shot, and there can be tears when it’s time to put it away again.
We don’t have to feature it in every photo, but having it nearby can help them feel secure. And sometimes, including it in a few frames adds an authentic touch to this stage of childhood.
6. Set Realistic Expectations
Toddlers aren’t meant to stand still and pose for long periods, and I never expect them to.
Sessions are designed to be flexible and child-led. We capture connection, movement and natural interactions. That might mean a cuddle with mum, a run toward dad, or a quiet moment.
If you’re also planning on including grandparents in the session, we can gently rotate groupings so your toddler doesn’t feel overwhelmed by too many people at once.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s personality.
7. Talk About It Ahead of Time
In the days leading up to your session, casually mention it in a positive way.
“We’re going to see a photographer who takes pictures while we play.”
“We’ll go to the beach and have some cuddles.”
Keeping the tone light helps toddlers know what to expect without building pressure.
8. Trust the Process
It’s completely normal for parents to worry before a shoot:
“What if they don’t cooperate?”
“What if they won’t smile?”
“What if they have a meltdown?”
The truth is, I’ve seen it all. Toddlers warm up at their own pace. Sometimes the best moments happen after a short break, a snack, or a change of activity.
Patience, flexibility and a sense of humour go a long way.
9. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
The most meaningful photos aren’t the ones where everyone is standing perfectly still, smiling at the camera.
They’re the ones where your toddler is wrapped around your leg, where they’re laughing mid-run, or where they’re resting their head on your shoulder.
That’s what you’ll want to remember – not whether they stood still for thirty seconds.
What Really Matters in Toddler and Family Photoshoots
Preparing your toddler doesn’t mean controlling every outcome. It simply means setting the stage for a relaxed experience.
With the right timing, comfortable clothing and realistic expectations, your session can feel easy and enjoyable. And even if things don’t go exactly to plan? That’s okay too.
Toddlers are wonderfully themselves. Capturing their curiosity, independence, and closeness is what makes family photography so meaningful.
All you need to do is show up, stay relaxed, and let them be who they are. I’ll take care of the rest.
