Posing & Prompts
for Toddler & Newborn Photos

Newborn photography is challenging enough… throw in a toddler and that’s next level! You could just pop that toddler in the frame at the absolute last second and crazily fire off a round of high speed continuous shots. Bam, done!

But what if you want good photos, with an engaged toddler, who wants to be there, and let’s you take more than one shot?

We asked a few pro photographers who do it well to give us their professional toddler wrangling secrets. We will give you some tricks to bring a reluctant toddler into the frame. We’ll share easy prompts to encourage the toddler to interact with the baby in ways that are natural and candid…

…and very much like real life.

Whether you want to capture your own wee ones, or a family not your own, read on and learn how to nail this tricky subject combo…

Expectations

Expectations and the pressure we place on ourselves can make or break this experience.

Let’s Get Real

You can plan for these sessions, but be prepared to throw it away and follow the toddler’s lead if need be!

Don’t go in expecting to come away with a gallery full of images of baby and toddler, dutifully laying down together, and engaging with one another or your lens. With smiles.

If this is what you’re anticipating… you’re setting yourself up for a very frustrating experience and ultimately a feeling of failure.

You have a newborn. And a toddler. Let’s be realistic.

Be Flexible

If you do manage to get both of them laying there sweetly, staring at your camera and smiling, even once… go you!

But don’t let that be your goal for every shot. Think beyond posed photos, be flexible, and as a bonus you’ll end up with a lot more variety. Also, kids (even babies) can smell stress at a thousand paces. Chill out, and you might just get more than one of those shots, organically.

Related: A Step-by-Step Guide to Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Let the Parents Know How it Rolls

If you’re photographing children other than your own, have a chat with the parents in the lead up. Ask them not to worry if their children take the lead, or about their mood. The more the parents stress, the more likely it is to lead to meltdowns.

Keep reassuring them throughout that their kids are doing really well, you’re getting great shots, it’s going great.

Bribery is ok! However, always ask for permission to bring treats, especially in light of potential allergies.

Bond & Engage

Everyone agrees on one key tip for a successful session with a toddler – work on bonding with them at the very beginning, and make it the session all about them.

There are many ways you can do this:

• On arrival, get down to their level, introduce yourself and ask their name.
• If they’re shy and clingy, don’t push it. Some kids just need time to watch you before they’ll engage.
• As soon as they warm to you, ask them to show you their bedroom or playroom, and their favourite things.
• Play with them – suggest a quick puzzle or read a book with them.
  
• Ask them to show you where the baby is, and ask questions about the baby.
• Ask them to be your helper at any opportunity. Toddlers are an island, and if you can make it all about them in any way possible, you’ll maintain their interest until they’re genuinely tired. Most of the time!

Timing

Toddlers grow bored quickly, so try to get the key shots quickly and let them go.

Watch for their tired or bored cues… the moment they start to resist, give them a break. Send mum or dad off to spend quality time with them and take turns getting photos with each parent and the newborn.

At this time you could also sneak in to photograph the moments between the toddler and their parents.