How to Prepare for a Toddler's Portrait Session

So the idea of getting your toddler's portrait taken professionally may stress you out. Yes, parenting toddlers can be a challenge. With a little advance planning, the portrait experience need not be. Making the portrait experience an anticipated, talked about and fun adventure can leave your toddler with a sense of wonder about the activity. You set the tone for how you want the portrait session to be!

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

The Planning Stage

1. Decide on an idea or two for your toddler’s picture. For instance, you could envision a portrait of your child playing with blocks, sitting in a small wicker chair with a stuffed animal, playing with a truck, riding a toy train, or perhaps a profile of your toddler’s face. Let the photographer know what you’d like.

2. Explore the options with your photographer. If you don’t know what your photographer has to offer, call to inquire about coming in for a visit before the anticipated portrait—without your toddler—so you can take a look around the studio and get some ideas. Look at backgrounds, props and other pictures the photographer has taken in the past.

3. Remember that toddlers don't always cooperate with your plans. Portraits with toddlers are planned, yet planned loosely. Parents open to opportunities for spontaneous shots and the photographer’s impromptu ideas will be more relaxed. If you keep this in mind, you'll enjoy the toddler portrait session much more than those who cling to a specific idea.

4. Pay attention to your child’s schedule before scheduling the actual portrait appointment. Observe nap times, cranky times and “best” times of the day. Schedule the actual portrait appointment during the time of day your child is most likely to be well rested, alert and in a good mood.

5. Wait to introduce change in the toddler's routine until after the portrait session. Avoid starting a program of change for the toddler in the day or two before your appointment. You want the toddler to be as comfortable as possible. She shouldn't have to deal with any added anxiety. You want the camera to catch your toddler at her best!

Portrait Day

1. Be sure your child is well rested prior to getting her ready for her portrait session. If your child has become ill, had a restless night or did not nap according to her schedule, consider rescheduling the portrait session. An overtired toddler is rarely a good subject for a perfect portrait.

2. Feed your toddler before getting her dressed so she has a full tummy and is satisfied prior to leaving for the portrait session. This also avoids potential stains and spills on the clothing you want her to be photographed in.

3. Dress your child in the clothes you want her to wear for her portrait (or first picture if you plan to change clothes during the session) before you leave the house for the portrait appointment. Then put a bib or over shirt on her to reduce the opportunity for stains of all kinds.

4. Stay focused on the portrait as the goal for your day. Go straight from your home to the photographer's studio.

5. Go into the session dressed like you’re getting your portrait taken, too. Be totally prepared to get your portrait taken that day if necessary. If your child is fearful, sit with your child. Cuddle, sing or read a favorite book to your child. Let the photographer snap portraits of the loving interaction between you and your child. Don’t just give up on the portrait if your child is not ready for a solo portrait sitting. Sometimes children just need the extra security of having you with them during those transitional toddler years.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your toddler "lead" the session as much as possible. Ask the photographer to capture your child's personality as you both watch it unfold.

• Keep your eyes open at the studio and monitor your toddler carefully. Many studios are not childproof. A toddler could get injured falling off a posing table or chair, get burned on hot lights, trip on cords, or choke on small items if she puts them in her mouth.