How to Prepare Your Toddler for a Photoshoot | Northern Minnesota Family Photographer Tips

Toddlers are wild, wonderful, and full of surprises.
And guess what? That’s exactly what makes your photos real. With a little prep (and a lot of love), we can make magic.

Talk it up ahead of time.

Start chatting about the session a few days in advance.

Keep it fun and light:
“We’re going to go play with Miss Brooke soon! She’s going to take pictures of us cuddling and being silly together!”

If your toddler knows what to expect — and that it’s going to be a fun, low-pressure time with their favorite people — they’ll walk in feeling more at ease.

Choose clothes that feel good.

If it’s itchy, stiff, or new — skip it. Comfy clothes = happy toddler.

Think soft textures and simple layers. We want them comfy enough to move, twirl, run, and snuggle.

Bring a few “secret weapons”

Snacks, loveys, a favorite small toy — these are gold.

Just avoid anything messy or bright-colored (so skip the Cheetos and chocolate)

Little breaks with familiar comforts can work wonders when attention spans start to fade.

Get in the right headspace — for you

This one might be the most important.

Toddlers take their cues from you.

So if you're feeling rushed, anxious, or stressed about getting "the perfect shot," they’ll pick up on that. Instead, take a deep breath and release expectations.

The goal isn’t perfect smiles — it’s genuine connection.

Let them be little

I guide families into beautiful light and natural positions, but I never force poses or expect toddlers to sit still and smile on command.

If they want to run, we run. If they want to be held the whole time — that's okay too.

I follow their lead and pivot when needed.

Some of the most emotional, authentic photos happen when we stop trying to make it look a certain way and just let them be them.

A final note, mama

If your toddler has a meltdown, if they won’t wear shoes, if someone ends up with a leaf in their mouth — you're not failing.

You're living a very real, very beautiful season of life.

My job is to hold space for that, and to capture the love woven into the chaos.

Because someday, you’ll look back at these photos, and you will be able to relive all this beautiful chaos all over again.

You've got this. And I’ve got you.