Toddler Time! 
How to Shoot Young Children

I had a fun mini-session with a two-year-old and I thought I would share those things I have learned about shooting toddlers, with both toddler parents, AND with my fellow photographers.

First, have FUN!  Toddlers are a lot of fun; they love to be chased and they love to explore.  Set your shutter speed for action!  Then follow them around and let them play.  Take pictures of that play.  Let them interact, then step back and watch what they do.  Don't worry if the toddler gets her hands in the sand or dusts the dirt off on her pretty dress - this is all part of play and you may end up with a shot that takes your breath away!  The image on the left is one of my favorites from the set.  This little doll started scooping up sand and watching it pour through her fingers.  The sun caught the sand just right and created this miracle of light and play.


“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.”  ~ Joseph Chilton Pearce

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Next, talk to the parents ahead of time about your plan to just let the toddler do his or her thing.  Parents can be your greatest ally, but they need to know your plan.  The BEST parents to work with are the ones who trust you to do a great job, trust you to keep their toddler safe and happy, and then step back and let you do what you do best.

And finally, talk to the toddler.  A toddler loves knowing that they have your attention.  In fact, a large part of what they do is to see if you're watching.  They are impressed with themselves and they are hopeful that you are impressed with them, too.  Cheer for them.  Encourage them.  Smile at them.  Play with them.  But most of all, have FUN!

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