You just booked your newborn photography session and now you are wondering how you are going to get your toddler to cooperate.
Toddler siblings are wonderful and full of all the feelings – they are fun, curious, sweet, jealous and take time to warm up. Regardless of how siblings are navigating with the transition of welcoming a new little one, we’ll capture the sweet moments and special memories for you!
To help your family get ready, I’ve put together 4 simple tips, based on my experience, of what you need to do (and not to do) to help get that perfect newborn photography session image you have been dreaming about having in your home.
4 simple tips for your newborn photography session
- Relax and give grace
Your toddlers’ life just got flipped upside down by welcoming their sibling into their lives just a few days ago. They are trying to process this transition, just like yourself. Your toddler will feed off your energy So take a breath, relax and give yourself and your toddler grace during this change.Sometimes this means lots of breaks to watch, get a lovie for baby or take breather. It is OK! We will work together to get them back in the photos. I will wait for their cue. - Try your best to not bribe
It is always really tempting to want to bribe your toddler with a special treat or T.V. show if they would “just sit and say cheese.” However, this is ALL your toddler will focus on and most likely won’t want to cooperate. If a snack bribe is needed as a very last resort, try offering raisins as they are small, easy to hide, and don’t cause a mess. Snacks like chocolate, crackers, and bars are oftentimes messy and can be seen in their teeth if we are trying to get that one last shot. - Have a helper on hand
I always recommend having a ‘helper’ on hand to tend to a toddler when they aren’t needed for certain photos. It gives them time to play and take a break without needing you. Have a grandparent, sibling or friend who loves the toddler energy? Reach out! Chances are, they will be over the moon to offer their help. Bonus: it allows you to focus your attention on baby. - Don’t ask them to ‘cheese’ for their picture
Asking a toddler to say ‘cheese’ is not a genuine way to get them to smile. It often puts stress on them and makes them want to be done immediately. Instead we will focus on them interacting with their new sibling and getting that genuine smile for those perfect images to hang in your home.
Let me help you take away the stress by reaching out to me before your session if you want to make game plan or have any questions.
