It's completely understandable that working with toddlers during family maternity shoots can be challenging. Toddlers have a lot of energy and can be unpredictable, making it difficult to capture the perfect shot. However, with some preparation and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can turn these sessions into enjoyable and successful.
1. We speak to parents prior to the session doing our best to understand your expectations and any specific concerns they may have. Planing your session accordingly, addressing any potential challenges.
2. Always plan your session around the toddler's schedule: Toddlers have their own routines and energy levels. Schedule the shoot during a time when the toddler is well-rested and fed. Avoid scheduling the session during their naptime or mealtime to minimize potential meltdowns.
3. Toddlers have short attention spans and may not be interested in posing for long periods. Instead of trying to make them sit still we encourage play and movement during the shoot. This will help capture their genuine expressions and interactions with their parents.
4. Having familiar toys or props can help keep your toddler engaged and entertained. We have loads of age-appropriate and toys for them.
5. Working with toddlers requires patience and flexibility. Be prepared to adapt your plans and go with the flow if things don't go as expected. Embrace the spontaneity and capture candid moments that reflect your child's personality.
6. We encourage parents to interact and play with their child during the shoot. This will not only create beautiful moments between them but also help keep the child engaged and comfortable.
7. Toddlers can easily get distracted, so we use this to our advantage. Making funny sounds, play peek-a-boo, or using toys that make noise to grab their attention and capture their genuine reactions.
8. Should your toddler become overwhelmed or tired during the session, allow for breaks. This will give them a chance to recharge and prevent meltdowns.
9. Editing photos with toddlers can be challenging, as they may not always cooperate or stay still. We are prepared to spend some extra time in post-processing to enhance and retouch the images if needed.
Remember, working with toddlers requires patience, creativity, and a sense of humor. Embrace the unpredictable nature of these sessions and focus on capturing the genuine moments and emotions between the family members.