So when you say, "Ty, I really don't think my little one will behave for photos- especially at that time of day"
I wholeheartedly understand the worry.
But here's the thing.
Whether Alby is soft and sweet and full of cuddles and smiles, a bit tired and grumpy and ignoring everything I say or running around like a loony tune making mud pies and dancing, I fucking adore every fibre of his being.
And I'm willing to bet that you feel the same about your little ones.
We capture these memories, not because we are perfect but to remember this time, as we are now.
I know that a lot of the worry stems from the time of day that we photographers typically hold our sessions. So if the idea of waking up early for a sunrise, or inching a touch close to bed time for sunset worries you, let me explain why:-
That hour right after the sun rises and just before the sun sets is the softest, the most flattering light of the day.
I'm sure you've heard of "Golden Hour".
We shoot at this hour to give ourselves the best opportunity to capture the most beautiful images.
And if we are being honest, when it comes to toddlers there is no guarantee at any time of the day.
So lets tackle a few of the most common worries...
My toddleR "plays up" the whole time.
The reality of parenting a toddler is that life is messy and emotions are big.
I don't expect your child to "behave" like a mini adult at our session and I certainly won't ask them too.
All that I ask of you, is that you let go of the idea you have in your head of the way your child should behave to get the perfect photo and instead focus on being in the moment, of lovingly and gently responding to them, encouraging them and playing with them and leave the rest to me.
I am here to capture the truely authentic, real and candid moments between you, creating images that will pull you back to this time in your lives when you look at them years from now. Those moments aren't captured through everyone sitting perfectly and smiling at the camera, they are captured through honest and authentic interaction and love.
(I am always down for some WIGGLES or COCOMELON tunes to get the dance party started and lots of fun games. But PLEASE no harsh words, threats or discipline during your session. There is often no coming back from a screaming kiddie who just got told off, it makes the whole experience a little bit tainted for everyone and I want this to be something you feel confident and comfortable doing throughout the years, not just once.)
My toddleR just wants to NAP the whole session
Great! A sleepy, napping toddler is probably not what you had in mind for your photoshoot. I get it.
But those beautiful images you see of deep, long snuggles - I'll let you in on a hint, unless you have a naturally cuddly kiddie, those images don't come easily from a toddler whose wide awake and ready to run (you might get a quick one second hug and off they go again). They come from a little sleepy soul who wants a cosy place to rest their head. Our session will be slower, but it will be beautiful.
MY TODDLER TAKES OFF THEIR PANTS AND RUNS STRAIGHT FOR THE WATER
Hilarious! You're not the first, and you won't be the last. I'm more than happy to get wet too and will run right in there after them. Kids gravitate towards the water, its so much fun and is such a beautiful space for authentic play and emotions. The same applies for all the other fun things like mud, dirt and long grass or flowers.
If you feel really strongly about avoiding a wet or dirty toddler, I give all my clients a detailed location guide to help you pick the best space for your family and navigate these kinds of hurdles before they arise.
MY TODDLER IS SLOW TO WARM UP TO PEOPLE AND I'M NOT SURE THEY WILL LIKE HAVING THEIR PHOTO TAKEN
Your toddler doesn't have to love the idea of having their photo taken for us to capture some really beautiful memories and moments. They just have to love playing and interacting with you (and what toddler doesn't love that)! Before my sessions, I always send out a questionnaire so that I can learn a bit about your little one and hopefully bring something with me to help them warm to me faster (think, jokes or fun facts about their latest interest, music, stickers or flowers on my camera etc), but I will always be led by your little one and there is plenty we can do without me being up close and in their space.
I hope this has helped to settle some nerves about a photography session with a toddler. I am always, always happy to chat to you so please never hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
And while you're here, here are some beautiful moments of kiddies being kiddies...
