Simple Ways to Engage Toddlers During Photo Sessions
I’ve been a family photographer for more than a decade, and have photographed countless toddlers and small children. Along the way, I’ve picked up some easy ways to make toddler photo shoots more fun! Yes, they can be unpredictable, they move as fast as lightning, have *big* emotions, but they’re honestly my favorite to work with! You never know what they’re going to do, so it’s impossible for the photos to feel overly posed or stiff! Here are a few of my tried and true techniques to help toddler photo sessions go a little more smoothly!
Feed them first!
Sessions are often scheduled in the evening for light, so make sure they have a hearty snack or even an early dinner so they aren’t hangry! I’ve totally had to photoshop an orange snack cup out of multiple images because a sweet little one was so ravenous that even after a lengthy snack break, she still needed to hold her puff cup!
Along the same lines, try to make sure they get a good nap, and don’t schedule any shots the week before your session!
Play Their Favorite Tunes:
Music works like magic. Play your toddler’s favorite songs and watch them light up. Dance, sing, and be silly together. It’s a great way to capture natural smiles and laughter. We do this in the studio all the time! Don’t ask me how many times I’ve listened to “Baby Shark!”
Incorporate Their Favorite Toy: Bring along their favorite toy or stuffed animal- bonus points if it’s neutral or classic. It can be a comfort item and also a great prop for candid shots, and helps you remember more about *this* stage! I have several wooden toys like boats, trains, blocks and rattles, as well as knit dolls in soft tones. These can add a sweet detail and keep your kiddo engaged without being super distracting!
Use Funny Faces and Sounds: Never underestimate the power of a funny face or a silly sound. Peek-a-boo, funny animal noises, or even a playful ‘I’m going to get you’ can lead to adorable expressions.
One word of caution- too many people making crazy noises and faces can be overwhelming, so stick with one person standing behind the photographer!
Something Unexpected: A long handled feather duster and a squeaky pirate chicken dog toy are my secret weapons to getting real smiles from toddlers! They never expect to be tickled with a feather duster, and the sweet little face they make when expecting the tickle is adorable!
You can also hand them a piece of clear tape to get them to sit, at least for a moment!
Take Breaks: Toddlers have short attention spans. Don’t push for continuous shooting. Take breaks, let them play, and then come back for more snaps.
Use prompts: I have a handful of silly prompts or questions to ask toddlers that can get real smiles and fun candid shots! Try some of these:
– Do you know who lives in my camera? Spiderman! Look really close – can you see him? He jumps out when I take a photo! *Snaps photo* Did you see him??? (This only works with a “real” camera not usually a phone, but worth a try either way!)
– Let’s play a game of “who can laugh the loudest?” Ready 1-2-3 laugh!! (Pro tip – the REAL laugh will come a few seconds after the loud laugh)
– Does a cat say “woof woof??” A cat goes “woof woof” right?? No?? Are you sure? I’m pretty sure a cat says “woof woof!” How about a cow? What does a cow say? “Meowwwww?”
– Ask them to tell mommy or their sibling their favorite (animal, toy, tv show, etc). They might not laugh but it’ll get cute “whispering” shots and you might get a giggle or two!
We run on the kiddos time at a session. They are naturally curious and full of energy, which means they may not always cooperate with our vision.
How YOU can help your toddler take more genuine photos and have more fun!
Lower expectations: Whether your photo session is an impromptu one with your phone or you’re hiring a photographer, the best way to be pleasantly surprised is to lower your expectations.
Instead of aiming for perfect poses, embrace the candid and unscripted moments!
These unfiltered shots often turn out to be the most authentic and heartwarming – and you get to see more of your child’s personality!
Don’t Stress: Toddlers are incredibly perceptive, and they can pick up on your anxiety.
If you’re relaxed and happy, they’re more likely to be the same!
When you’re having fun together, those genuine smiles and expressions will naturally emerge, resulting in photos that truly reflect the joy of the moment.
Whether you’re headed to a professional photoshoot or you’re taking photos at home with your cell phone, the key to capturing those priceless, spontaneous moments with your little ones isn’t about the perfect pose or smile.
It’s about using some tricks to get real laughs & candid moments and have fun with it! Those are the moments we cherish as parents, right?
If you’d like more tips like this, download my Finding Magic in the Chaos PDF!
Contact me to start planning your toddler photo session!
February 25, 2026
About Jessica
Jessica is a Hampton Roads-based photographer for joyful families and mothers.
