Family photos are an investment, and when toddlers are involved, I can understand the common concern of how your child will behave during your session.  The session is based around the best lighting of the day, at sunrise which equals an early start time for your toddler or sunset, which is approaching bedtime.  As a mama of two, and a family photographer, I have seen it all! I have a lot of tips and tricks that I will use during our session that will help make your child feel comfortable, ready to explore and have some fun!  What you will be left with are the images that you long for to remember this season of life.

A few things you can do to prepare your little one for a family photo session:

Tip #1: Show them my picture before our session.  As a family, you can go to my website and show them my picture and introduce me.  Talk about our session as a fun adventure to look forward too.  You can say something like “This is Alana and she is going to hang out with us at the beach and take some pictures of our family having fun together!”

Tip #2: Let them know what to expect during our session.  Talk to your toddler about our session.  Let them know we will be going to the beach to watch the sunrise for an hour to play.  Alana will be there to show us her favorite spots and watch us have fun.  Don’t put any pressure on their behavior or how they should act in front of the camera.  You want to talk about the session as an exciting family activity!

Tip #3: Bring non-messy snacks.  If your little one is a snacker (whose isn’t!), brining a few non-messy snacks like pretzels, olives, fruit, a beef stick, etc. If they need a little pick-me-up during our session, we can take a snack break.  While the session will be playful and easy-going, if your little is feeling fussy, stopping to have a snack break can help them perk up for a few more candid moments.  If you plan on offering snack on the car ride to our session, I would suggest driving in a separate outfit and arriving a few minutes early to change into their session outfit to avoid any stains!

Tip #4: Stay calm during our session!  I know this is easier said then done as I’m sure your stress levels are already high from getting ready for our session, but it’s important to stay as calm as possible!  Children feel our energy and feed off of that.  I know in the moment you may feel like your toddler is the only one who just wants to run and explore.  But I promise, it’s normal and expected!  They are just being their age appropriate self – nothing they do will phase me!  Let go of all expectations and just enjoy playing with your children – let me handle creating the magic!

Tip #5: Bring a change of clothes for your children.  If you planned a beach session, bring a towel and change of clothes for the ride home!  If you booked an evening session, bringing Pjs for the ride home is a wonderful idea!

Hi there! I’m so thankful you are checking out my work here at my website and blog.  Alana Rose Photography is a south Florida based natural light lifestyle photographer specializing in maternity, newborn and family photos.  We service Palm Beach County from Jupiter to Boca Raton.  If you love what you see and would like to schedule your session, please click here and fill out the contact form on my website! I can’t wait to connect!