If you follow me on Instagram or read a lot of my posts, you probably know that newborn sessions hold a special place in my heart. With my third baby on the way, I know from experience that the newborn days are full of ups and downs, but nothing quite compares to the first weeks as you welcome a brand new person into your home. This gorgeous newborn session at my Dallas natural light studio gave me all the feelings!

I also know what it’s like to have a toddler—giggly and energetic, full of love and full of havoc—as you adjust to your newborn. Second babies are just as magical as first babies, but it’s sometimes hard to focus on that magic when you’re also chasing a toddler! That’s why it can be so worth it to schedule newborn photography for your second baby, especially since I love including the whole family in my sessions.

Newborn session or other occasion, if you’re worried about how your toddler will act during a photography session, have no fear! I have plenty of experience working with kids of all ages. Here are a few tips to help your DFW photography session with your toddler go smoothly!

Before Your Dallas Newborn Photo Session 

With toddlers, a little preparation goes a long way

A day or two before the session, let your little guy know that you’re going to take special pictures together. If you want, you can do a make-believe session with your toddler’s stuffed animals—act out taking pictures and telling the animals to smile. But I recommend not laying too much stress on the event. Small children can sometimes become anxious when we focus on an upcoming occasion too much. The day of the event, let them know where you’re going and tell them how much fun it’s going to be to take pictures as a family!

Dress for success

I definitely recommend coordinating outfits and I offer a complimentary style consultation before every session. For toddlers, comfort is key. You don’t want a meltdown because they’re itchy or hot! In this session, big brother wore the perfect linen set from (store). Pastels and light colors photograph well, and lightweight fabrics will help keep your little one cool, especially for outdoor Dallas photoshoots. And always have a back-up outfit in case of a blowout or spill! 

Happy Body=Happy Toddler

Meeting your toddler’s bodily needs is probably the key to success for any photo session. Make sure to schedule your photo session around your little one’s naptime—nothing says temper tantrum like a sleepy toddler. Before the session, feed your child a filling snack or meal, but feel free to bring low-mess snacks to the studio to keep your little one happy between shots.

During Your Photo Session

Remember that expectations may not match reality

Even with the best laid plans, toddlers are known for their unpredictability. They decide they don’t feel like smiling, that they only want to be held by one parent, that they need a snack NOW. But even if your little one is having a hard day, I still do my best to capture their personality and the love between family members. Sometimes, it’s helpful to shoot photos with your toddler first, before he starts getting bored. Other times, I’ll focus on other family members first so your little one has a chance to get used to being in the space with me. In any case, be prepared to work around your family’s needs and for sessions to move quickly. It’s a good idea to have a premade list of shots you want so we can move into different poses efficiently. And even if your little one cries half the time, just know they’re still adorable.

Have fun!

This one is key! If your toddler sees you having fun, she’ll be more likely to have fun too. I love capturing candid shots of you as a family, giggling or simply being together. Try not to be too self-conscious, since your toddler can sense when you feel relaxed and will imitate you. Remember, family photography is about togetherness! 

After Your Photo Session

Trust that I’ll work my magic

I spend hours editing your photos so I can gift you with a perfect keepsake gallery. While I may not be able to change your toddler’s facial expression, I can make sure the lighting, the coloring, and the composition are just right, and that the photos you receive capture who your little one is in a beautiful way. I promise to give you photos that you can treasure as your little ones continue to grow.