What to Do With a Toddler Who Won’t Sit Still at a Photoshoot?

So, you may or may not know that I am a Mum of 3. Three very full on, loving, energetic kids and I have first hand experience of the struggles you face with toddlers who just don’t want to sit still! It’s not that they’re being badly behaved, they just aren’t wired in a ‘sit still’ kind of way! As a newborn photographer in Essex, I have seen it all!

The last thing you probably would think of is taking your toddler along to a family, maternity or newborn photography session! Their ants in their pants can be one of the things you're most worried about!!

What if they won't sit down?

What if they won't smile?

What if they run around the studio the entire time?

What if they decide today is the day they absolutely don't want to cooperate?

I promise, you wouldn't be the first parent to arrive at my studio in Great Dunmow, Essex feeling slightly nervous about this. And the good news is, your toddler doesn't need to sit still for the whole session, I wouldn’t expect them to! Nor should you…we always work with them, not against them. In fact, some of my favourite photographs are often the ones where children aren't sitting perfectly still at all.

The first thing I want you to know is that you don't need to spend the morning before your session telling your toddler:

“You need to sit nicely for the photographs.”

Toddlers are toddlers!!

They are curious, energetic, easily distracted and sometimes wonderfully unpredictable. And that's OK! I don't expect a toddler to sit in exactly the same position for a long period of time. Instead, I like to work with them and follow their lead. If they want to explore, we'll let them explore. If they want to move, we'll work with that movement. If they want to cuddle Mum or Dad, even better.

Sometimes those completely unplanned moments create the most beautiful photographs.

Let them have a little time to settle

Walking into a photography studio can be a new experience for your little one. There are new surroundings, new people and lots of things to look at. I never expect children to walk through the door and immediately be ready for photographs. We give them a little time. Let them have a look around. Let them get comfortable with me and their surroundings. Once they realise this isn't somewhere they have to “perform”, they often relax much more naturally.

My brand new studio in the heart of Dunmow, Essex has been designed to be calm and welcoming, so there is no need to rush straight into taking photographs.

Don't ask them to smile!

This might sound strange coming from a photographer, but one of the things I don't want you to worry about is getting your toddler to smile on command.

If you've ever tried it, you'll know how quickly: “Can you smile for the camera?”can turn into a very serious face! Instead, I much prefer to interact with them naturally. We might play a little game. We might talk about their favourite things. We might ask them to find something or show me something. And before you know it, that genuine little smile appears. Those natural expressions are so much more precious than a forced smile anyway.

Let them move

Sometimes the best thing you can do with a toddler who won't sit still is...let them move! If your little one wants to walk, toddle, dance or run towards Mum or Dad, that's absolutely fine. Movement can create beautiful photographs.

A little hand reaching for you.

A toddler running into Dad's arms.

A cheeky grin as they explore.

A cuddle after they've finished running around.

These are the little moments that show their personality.

And that's what I want your photographs to capture.

Not a perfectly behaved child who sat still for an hour.

Your child.

Exactly as they are.

Use Mum and Dad

Parents are often the best distraction. And the best comfort. If your toddler isn't sure about having their photograph taken, we can bring you into the photographs and make it all about your connection with each other.

A cuddle. A tickle. A kiss. A little game. Holding hands. Sitting together. Sometimes your toddler won't want to look at the camera at all, and that's OK. They might be looking up at you instead. And honestly, those photographs can be some of the most beautiful. Because they're about the relationship between you, not simply getting everyone looking in the same direction.

Don't bribe them... unless you need to!

I'm not going to tell you that you can never use bribery! Sometimes a favourite snack or little treat can be a lifesaver. But I wouldn't recommend relying on it throughout the whole session. If your toddler is hungry, absolutely bring snacks. If they need a drink, give them one. If they need a little break, we'll take one. The aim isn't to keep them perfectly still for the entire session. It's to make sure they are comfortable and happy.

What if they really don't want to cooperate?

This is probably the biggest worry parents have. And I completely understand.You've got everyone dressed. You've made the journey to the studio. You've probably spent far too long getting everyone out of the house. And then your toddler decides they are not going to have their photograph taken.

Please don't panic.

This is exactly why I don't believe a photography session should feel rushed. We can take a break. We can change things up. We can move onto something else and come back to your toddler later. Sometimes, giving them a little space is all they need. And because my sessions are relaxed and baby- and family-led, there is no pressure to force a moment that simply isn't happening.

And remember... they don't have to be perfect!

I think this is probably the most important thing I can tell you.

Your photographs don't need to look like your toddler has spent the morning practising sitting perfectly still.

Real family life isn't like that!

Your toddler might have messy hair. They might pull a funny face. They might refuse to look at the camera. They might need a cuddle. They might decide they would rather explore the studio than sit down. And that's all part of who they are right now.

One day, you'll look back at these photographs and remember those little quirks that made them them.

The cheeky smile.

The serious face.

The way they clung to you.

The little bit of mischief.

Those are the memories I want to capture.

So, what should you do?

RELAX

That's honestly the best thing you can do. You don't need to spend the whole journey to the studio worrying about whether your toddler will behave. You don't need to rehearse smiles. You don't need to threaten them with no pudding for a week! Just bring them as they are. I'll take care of the rest. My job isn't to make your toddler sit still. My job is to create a relaxed environment where I can capture their personality, their connection with you and all those little moments that you'll want to remember. And sometimes, the photograph you end up loving the most will be the one you never planned.

Whether you're bringing your toddler along for a newborn session, maternity photos or a family shoot, I'd love to welcome you into my Great Dunmow studio.

I promise, there is no pressure for your children to be perfect. There is no need to worry if they need a break. And there is certainly no need to apologise if your toddler spends half the session exploring!

They are only this little once.

And it goes by in a blink of an eye.

I hope very much to see you soon

Love

Hannah x