Don't Worry if Your Toddler Won't Sit Still (Really.)

If you have a mini session coming up and you're already wondering whether your toddler is going to cooperate, take a deep breath—you are definitely not alone.

In fact, it's probably the question I get asked most often by parents of little ones.

The good news? I don't expect toddlers to act like tiny adults.

As a toddler, your child is supposed to be curious. They're supposed to explore, wiggle, laugh, run, and sometimes decide that sitting still is simply not on today's agenda. That's completely normal, and honestly, it's part of what makes this stage so much fun to photograph.

Here are a few things you can do to help your session go as smoothly as possible.

Talk About the Session Ahead of Time

Even young toddlers understand more than we often realize.

A day or two before your session, casually tell them you're going to visit a friend who's going to take pictures while you play together. Keeping it positive helps them feel like it's an adventure instead of a task.

Make Sure They're Rested

If possible, try to schedule naps so your little one isn't tired when you arrive.

A well-rested toddler is almost always a happier toddler.

Don't Skip Snacks

A hungry toddler is rarely interested in smiling.

Offer a snack before leaving home, and feel free to bring a few small, non-messy treats just in case we need a quick break. Think things like crackers or fruit snacks instead of anything that leaves colorful faces or sticky fingers.

Leave the Pressure at Home

This may be my biggest piece of advice.

Please don't spend the car ride saying things like:

"You better smile."

"You need to be good."

"We're taking pictures today, so listen!"

While those reminders come from a good place, they can accidentally make children feel like they're being tested.

Instead, let them think they're simply going to play.

That's where the magic happens.

Trust the Process

One of the biggest differences between photographing toddlers and older children is that we don't force poses.

I have plenty of tricks to keep little ones engaged, and I'm constantly watching for genuine expressions instead of perfect ones.

Sometimes the sweetest photographs happen in between everything parents think is "working."

A curious look.

A tiny giggle.

A cuddle with Mom.

Holding Dad's finger.

Looking up with wonder.

Those moments are often the ones families treasure most.

Let Me Be the "Funny Stranger"

One thing that helps tremendously is allowing me to interact directly with your child.

Parents naturally want to help by calling their child's name or asking them to smile, but toddlers often end up looking back and forth between everyone who's trying to get their attention.

Instead, once we start, let me take the lead for a few minutes. I'll make silly noises, play games, and work hard to earn their trust. That usually creates much more natural expressions than asking them to smile.

Remember What's Most Important

At the end of the day, my goal isn't to photograph a perfectly behaved child.

My goal is to photograph your child.

Their personality.

Their curiosity.

Their tiny expressions.

The way they reach for your hand.

The way they melt into your shoulder when they're feeling shy.

Those are the moments you'll miss someday—not whether they smiled at the camera for five straight minutes.

So if you're coming to your mini session with a toddler, don't stress.

Show up.

Love on your little one.

Let them be themselves.

I'll take care of the rest.