Here’s a scenario that might sound familiar… You have young kids and would really like to get professional pictures but you know it’s going to be hectic and full of chaos. You find a photographer and stress whether they will be able to handle the craziness that is sure to ensue. 

OR 

You ARE a photographer and have been hired to take pictures for said family above. You want to make it a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. What should you do to get those toddlers’ attention? 

Below are a few tips for any party…

Getting kids to look at a big glass circle can be challenging. It's like this big eye that's staring them down with no expression or feeling. That's where a toy or rattle could make or break the difference. 

Bring something to the session that's small enough to fit on a lens or in your hand but big/loud enough for the kids to see/hear. This can go for parents but ESPECIALLY the photographer. Even a small mirror would work wonders. Young children love to see their reflection. 

As the photographer, if you can tell the attention span is waning, pick one person who is also in frame and tell everyone to look at them. I like to choose the youngest sibling or a baby if there is one. Or tell everyone to look at mom, which would really get her to smile. The pressure of smiling and looking at the camera is taken away. This pose creates a very nice candid photo as well. It may not show everyone's face which is okay because hopefully you've gotten a few pictures already with everyone looking at the camera. 

` Another idea is to pick an object, could be a building, animal, vehicle, tree, literally anything in the distance and have everyone look/point to it. This works best if that object is to the left or right of where the family is posed. You don't want them looking past you or over your shoulder. 

More candid poses. Get everyone on their feet if they're not already. Have them spread out, parents intermingled with the kids, or holding them if they're too small. The idea is to have them hold hands and start walking towards you, the photographer. Have them take small steps so as to not run you over but still create that movement. If you don't like them holding hands, just have them walk naturally, either looking at each other or you or both! 

The longer the session the more kids are going to be done with it all. The urge to play grows stronger with every passing minute. This is why this following idea is best saved for when you are done with every other pose you want to do. The reason being: there's a chance they'll get their clothes dirty.  

Find or go to a place where the kids can play. Keep in mind this would look best if kept to natural play vs having toys. Stick, rocks, logs, small bodies of water, trees, just to name a few.

Kids love to throw things in water & watch it splash. This is a great photo opportunity! You'll need to make sure as the photographer that you are not positioned behind them. Pretty much any other angle will work great. Have them play hide and go seek! If there's some good trees around, have them peek around or just candid play. 

All of these ideas have come in handy at one point or another for me. Even if you are just a parent or family member, these are still good to keep in mind if your photographer doesn't suggest them. And if you are the photographer: take notes. Being creative with toddlers is what will help you get young families as clients.