3 Cute and Easy Poses to Try with Your Toddler for Your Next Photoshoot
If you have little ones under the age of three, you know they’re always on the move! Toddlers are among my favorite ages to photograph, although capturing their energy can feel like a workout for parents. I never try to force your child to sit still and smile—it’s just not their style at this stage. Instead, we embrace their liveliness and transform our photoshoot into a playful adventure.
So, how do we foster a playful atmosphere? I enjoy giving you and your little one various prompts that encourage genuine laughter and reactions. We work together to capture your families dynamic, your toddlers’ curiosity and of course, their unique personalities.
Here are my top prompts for families with toddlers, designed to capture cute, lively photos that truly reflect their spirited personalities.
Turn your Kids into an Airplane
Movement in photos is fantastic. It adds dynamism to the image, and you get the best reactions from your little ones. For the “Airplane,” one parent lifts the child while the other parent stands behind, looking up at the height your kid is reaching.
For kids a bit older, I always encourage parents to toss them in the air! This always elicits the biggest smiles.
This can also be adapted for younger toddlers or those a bit wary of being tossed. Simply lift your child high without the toss. You can make silly faces and wiggle them to induce giggles. It’s especially adorable when the second parent reaches up to grab their hand.
Mom Kisses are the best kisses
Toddlers are experts at cuddles, hugs, and kisses! Even if they’re starting to seek independence, there’s always a moment during the session when they crave their parent’s attention and hugs.
We capitalize on these moments to showcase this adorable phase. For this pose, you’ll hold your little one. Mom can look at the camera while we encourage your child to shower your face with kisses or whisper a secret. Another great variation involves your toddler on one side and your partner on the other, and we tell your little one, “copy dad!”. Then dad kisses mom on the cheek and we watch as your kiddo mimic dad – getting a cute photo of mom being kissed by her family.
Make a Dogpile
This one is fun and a bit wild, but it’s always a hit. We start with the parents sitting down. Then, I signal your kids to “Ready, set, go” and pounce on mom and dad. This even works with younger toddlers, as they grasp the concept of running towards their parents.
I make it a point to get to know your family beforehand to tailor the session to your interactions. For quieter families, we opt for a “snuggle puddle” instead. Rather than jumping, everyone sits closely, engaging in tickles, cuddles, or patty-cake for the more reserved kids.
Whatever your family’s vibe, I promise to align with it to capture photos that truly represent you.
Prioritizing your Toddler’s Needs
Now, I have a handful of fun ideas on how to interact and play with your kids. And I do my best to prepare for each session by getting to know you via email and the surveys you fill out. When it comes to your session, I always try to meet your toddlers’ energy level and try to figure out what they are most confident doing.
But! You know your kids best. If you ever feel like they won’t like a certain prompt, or maybe they are hitting their wall – then tell me! I trust you to advocate for your kiddos and would never push your boundaries for a photo.
Book your Photoshoot today!
I book photoshoots year round! And honestly, there is never a wrong time to get your photos done. Reach out to me here and we can getting to planning your session!
Wedding days end, newborns become toddlers, and parents become grandparents. These moments go by so fast. You deserve to live fully in them, to be present, and then relive them through imagery that tells your story. Photography is more than just a picture, it’s a way to document your history. These are the good old days. Let me help you remember them.
photos that live up to the
memories
I believe every story deserves to be seen, felt & remembered.
"I love the people I photograph. I mean, they're my friends. I've never met most of them or I don't know them at all, yet through my images I live with them."
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Photographer, dog mom, book hoarder, and Trader Joe’s loyalist. I’m a Pisces, an ENFJ, and an Enneagram 3, which basically means I feel everything, care deeply, and always have a running to-do list (with color coding).
These days, I’m also figuring out life as a new mom — balancing baby snuggles with camera gear and reminding myself to slow down and soak it all in. I’ve built a career out of noticing the details, chasing the light, and turning everyday moments into art.
Wanna know more about the girl behind the photos (and the caffeine habit)?
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I'm Shannon.
throughout the entire session."
"She has a unique ability to make you feel at ease
and keep you laughing
