Portraits With Small Children Made Easy: Expert Tips from Michelle Craig, Indianapolis Photographer
Let’s be real—photographing toddlers is a bit like herding cats, but with a little preparation (and a lot of patience), it can also be such a fun & magical experience! Little ones bring their own unique energy to a session, and that spontaneity is what makes for some of the most beautiful, heartfelt portraits. If you’re getting ready for a session with your children, here are some tips to ensure a smooth and successful experience:
1. Time It Right
Avoid scheduling your session during nap time or mealtime. A well-rested, well-fed child is a happy child. If possible, aim for that sweet spot
when they’re at their most content—often in the morning or right after a nap.
2. Dress for Comfort & Personality
Cute outfits are great, but comfort is key. Avoid anything too tight, itchy, or fussy. Soft fabrics and layers work well, and it’s always a good idea to bring a backup outfit in case of spills, accidents, or unexpected mood swings. Does your youngest INSIST on showing up in an Incredible Hulk costume, complete with padded “muscles” and a broken zipper? Would you REALLY rather look back on these portraits and see a sad, mad and uncomfortable toddler or would you rather have a good laugh together when they are adults? Personally, my favorite portraits of my now 19 year old son are the ones of him dressed as Bert the Chimney Sweep from Mary Poppins, or dressed in his favorite hot pink super suit. THAT is how I want to remember his silly, playful, wildly creative little self.
3. Bring Snacks & Water
Hunger can derail a session quickly, so pack easy, mess-free snacks (think crackers, fruit snacks, or small cut-up fruit) and plenty of water. Avoid anything too sticky or staining—no one wants blueberry juice all over their perfect outfit! Also, try to avoid preloading kids with sugar before the session or using candy as a treat/bribery, as it can lead to sugar crashes and unpredictable moods.
4. Make It a Game
Young children don’t respond well to “say cheese.” Instead, think of the session as playtime! Running, twirling, playing peekaboo, or making silly faces can create genuine expressions and joyful moments. Your photographer should have plenty of tricks up their sleeves to make it fun for the kiddos!
5. Let Go of Perfection
Toddlers are unpredictable, and that’s part of the magic. Some of the best photos come from those in-between moments—mischievous grins, belly laughs, or even a thoughtful stare. Embrace the chaos and trust the process. This is a time and space when your children may very well not sit still and look calmly at the camera with a smile on their face. And you know what? That’s just fine. Focus on intimate connections between you and your children instead of basic, posed portraits.
6. Bring a Comfort Item
If your child has a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or small toy, bring it along! It can be a great tool for comfort or even a sweet prop in some of the shots. Books and beloved pets are great additions, too!
7. Trust Your Photographer
As much as you might want to direct or coax your little one into the “perfect pose,” sometimes it’s best to step back and let your photographer work their magic. A great photographer knows how to engage with kids and capture their essence in the most natural way. I often will gently ask my nervous parents to take a step back and let me take the wheel unless I specifically ask for help. Your job in the moment is to be moral support, make sure the rest of the family is safe and out of the way, and to hand out snacks and help as requested.
8. Be Patient and Flexible
Kids have their own agenda, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. That’s okay! If they need a break, we take a break. If they’d rather explore than sit still, we follow their lead. The best portraits happen when we work with their energy, not against it. And if your little is VERY slow to warm up to strangers, consider booking a longer session to allow for that warm up period. It’s an integral part of a successful shoot for some children!
9. Stay Positive and Relaxed
Children pick up on their parents’ energy. If you’re stressed or frustrated, they’ll feel it. Keep the mood light and fun, and they’ll be more likely to cooperate and enjoy the experience. You might be SPINNING on the inside but - PLEASE - keep it inside! :) I promise it will pay off in more beautiful portraits! Going back to #7 - trust and let your photographer guide the experience.
10. Celebrate the Experience
Throughout and at the end of the session, give your child lots of love and positive reinforcement. Let them know how great they did! Maybe even plan a little reward afterward, like a trip to the park or a special treat, to make the day even more memorable.
Portrait sessions with small children can be a wild ride, but when you lean into the joy and embrace the unpredictability, you’ll walk away with photos that truly capture the spirit of your little one.
And that, my friends?
That is priceless.
