I recently put the question out there on My Facebook Page asking whether anyone had any questions that they would like answered…this is the first in hopefully a series of posts answering the questions that come in! Feel free to leave additional questions in the comments here or on the Facebook page and I will happily answer them as I can!
So…Someone asked how to get good pictures of their 18 month old…so, here is my best shot at giving you a few tips!
To begin, it is great to understand what is going on with a child at this age…
They are moving…constantly! They are beginning to express themselves, although they can easily get frustrated when you do not understand them. They like running, jumping, climbing, etc. This age is not bribable or posable! Meaning…if you offer candy for them being good…they now know you have candy and will pitch a fit to get it! LOL!
Here are a few tips and tricks!
First and foremost, do not take toddlers to an urban setting where there is traffic and cars. They are too quick to trust in that setting. Look for park areas where they can freely explore and you are their follower. Look for opportunities to capture their inquisitive nature…smelling flowers, listening to birds, feeling the sand…these are all things that provide great wonder to a child this age and make great documentary style images.
Second, Shoot immediately. If you are a photographer you only have a short window of time that you are a stranger and they are not comfortable with you yet. Don’t waste these precious minutes! Once a child is comfortable with you, they do not follow your directions as well.
Third, have a spot for them to sit. I like to use a sticker on a chair as a way to get them to slow down. They get fascinated with getting it off and often will remain sitting long enough to snag a great shot or two!
Use props, toys, and anything that makes a noise. I have a singing duck that I use once they are over the whole session and I often get a few smiles out of it! I save it to the end though because then it will be in every picture after that! My other go to noise is coughing and fake sneezing…this is just a funny sound to toddlers and they will often look your way when you do it!
The main things is…have fun! Realize that toddler sessions are tough and that you get a lot of great images that are not perfectly posed…but, are imperfectly perfect because they showcase who that little munchkin is right now. Embrace all the facets of their personality and you will enjoy the session so much more!
