I am sitting here, finding myself smiling like a fool at my screen. Why you ask? Well, toddlers are on their own little missions and there is truly no stopping them. They are going to do what they want to do. And don’t forget that what they want to do changes every couple of minutes. Even during your family photo session. In fact, ESPECIALLY during your family photo session. 

I have been taking photos for Pete and Carli since they got their puppy, Waylon. Explaining to y’all how fun it has been for me to be a part of their journey as a growing family, would be impossible. Walking along side them has truly been one of my favorite experiences and it only got 10000000 times more fun when our little buddy Mack made his debut. You can’t help but smile when you see this kid. He’s too cute to handle- you cannot convince me otherwise. And no surprise, he is always on a mission of his own. 

Now, I want you to pay attention when I say- your toddler having a mind of their own during family photos is NOT a negative thing. In fact, it is my absolute favorite thing about working with your little humans. I want to see what interests them about the space we are in, what toys make them smile from ear to ear, what songs make them do a a little toddler dance, what snack is their favorite. Pete and Carli knew going in that Mack would be on the move and that we would have to embrace the chaos. By going in with that mindset, I was able to capture their family as it is. Absolutely full of wonder, playfulness, and whimsey. If that sounds like your ideal family photo session– keep reading. 

Let it go, my friends

First things first, leave your expectations of the “perfect” smiling at the camera photo and the long shot list at home. Now don’t get confused, I will absolutely always attempt to get at least one or two photos of everyone wearing their best smiles! It just seems there is something about being in front of a camera that give parents the sudden need to make everyone smile directly at it as much as possible. I promise you, if we spend your entire session “smiling at the camera” no fun will be had. Letting your kids lead the session is the way to go 11 out 10 times. Explore the space with them. Play games. Be silly. Don’t take it too seriously.

We spent the majority of Pete and Carli’s session letting Mack take us where he wanted to go. It was far more about hanging out as a family the way they would without a camera. Because of it, we created images that remind them of the funny faces Mack liked to make at this age, the songs he liked to the listen too, the things that made him smile. 

Picking a location that lends well to toddler’s

I promise I will be my your side through the whole planning process, especially when it comes to picking out our location for photos! I have found that wide open spaces with room for your littles to run a muck and explore is a great way to go. Not hard to find in our great state of Minnesota! Or if you are open to your photos truly showing off daily life, an at home session can be the perfect way to capture your family as it is. Just remember, all your kids favorite things and toys exist in that home so be prepared for those things to become a part of your session. In my world, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Again, it shows off your personalities and in between bits that make up your life.

Photos are the about the memories, aren’t they? So let them be exactly that. Any direction you take, make it about the memories and you can’t be lead astray. One of my favorite things about this session was watching Mack explore. Giggling at his puppy jumping through the fields, looking at little flowers, and playing with his two favorite people- mom and dad. It really couldn’t have gone better. 

PIVOT 

Now if you don’t get the reference, I don’t know if we can be f.r.i.e.n.d.s…. Doesn’t mean I won’t take your photos though. 😉 The word pivot is one of thee MOST important words I use around family photo sessions. Something isn’t working for your kids? We pivot. Forcing them into something they do not want to do, only makes it harder. I might give you a direction that your kids are not vibing with and instead of pushing to get it done or disciplining them, we pivot. Try something new! A fresh idea or a break to play and capture truly candid moments can totally change things around! 

Which reminds me- family photos are not the time to discipline your children. Maybe a time to bribe them but definitely no yelling or dishing out of consequences. Not sure about you but getting in trouble rarely puts me in a good mood.

Pete and Carli immediately knew the drill. One minute they’d be tossing Mack around, the next playing tag, quickly grabbing the bubbles, followed by wrestling and playing catch with Mack’s football. Talk about masters of the pivot. 

If you’re a parent, I don’t think I have to tell you that your toddler has a mind of their own… 😉 However, I do want you to know that I am fully aware of it and here to roll with the punches alongside you. Drop me an inquiry and let’s embrace the chaos that is toddler-hood.