Helpful tips from your Atlanta newborn photographer
Remember when family photos meant standing stiff and saying “cheese”? You can forget all that—especially when toddlers are involved. No one really likes the “cheesy” smile they’re programmed to give when they hear that word.
The best photos are filled with movement, emotion, and a little chaos. And if you’re a mom in Atlanta expecting baby number two, chances are you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to get your toddler to cooperate for newborn photos. Here you will find some hints on how to capture stress-free toddler photos.
The good news? You don’t need perfect poses. You just need the right mindset, a few tricks, and a willingness to go with the flow. Most of all, relax and let it happen. The more you stress, the more your toddler will sense it—and the less likely they are to cooperate. Here are some tips on how to capture stress free photos with your toddler.
Let Them Play
One of the best ways to get great photos is to stop asking your toddler to “sit still and smile.” Let them move! Toddlers are naturally curious, and the camera loves that energy. Some of the best photos happen in the middle of a game or a funny moment.
Try a game of chase, a round of peek-a-boo, or have them “sneak up” on a parent or sibling. These activities lead to natural laughter and relaxed, in-the-moment photos.
Bring a Favorite Toy or Comfort Item
That one stuffed animal your toddler won’t let go of? Bring it. It can help your child feel safe and comfortable—and sometimes, their favorite toy ends up being the perfect little prop that adds to the story of the session.
Use Their Favorite Songs
Music is one of the best tools for stress-free toddler photos. Play their favorite songs and dance along. Whether you’re at home or in a studio, singing and dancing help toddlers open up and feel comfortable. It also gives you the chance to catch those big, genuine smiles.
Try These Easy Prompts
Here are a few simple ideas I use all the time to get natural reactions from toddlers:
- “Who lives inside my camera?”
(Hint: it’s Spider-Man. Tell them to look closely—he jumps out when you take the picture.) - “Is this my nose?”
Point to your ear and act completely confused. Toddlers love correcting grown-ups. - “What does a cow say? Meow?”
Purposefully get animal sounds wrong. Toddlers think it’s hilarious. - “Whisper your favorite food to mommy.”
This is great for quiet moments and sweet little expressions. - “Let’s see who can laugh the loudest!”
The big laugh is funny—but the real, soft giggles come right after. - Use a pom-pom to get their attention.
Shake a bright-colored pom-pom just above your camera lens. It’s silly, it moves, and toddlers find it hilarious. Bonus: it draws their eyes right where you want them! - “Let’s see your biggest dinosaur roar!”It’s noisy, unpredictable, and full of personality—just like toddlers.
Bonus Tip: Give Them Something Unexpected
Want them to sit still for just a second? Hand them something small and surprising—like a piece of clear tape or a sticker. It’s just enough of a distraction to capture a quick, calm photo. Recently, that item was a small tube of toothpaste. I can easily remove it in editing but some parents also want to keep it in the photo.
Let Them Interact with Their New Sibling
If you’re preparing for a second baby photoshoot, include your toddler in ways that feel natural. Let them “help” by holding the baby’s foot, giving, or whispering a secret. Don’t stress if it’s messy—those real moments are the ones you’ll love most. You can also always hide a couple pieces of their favorite cereal next to baby sibling, you can snap the photo while they reach for it.
Take Breaks When You Need To
Toddlers have short attention spans, and that’s okay. Take a break, let them play, then ease back into it. If you’re at a studio, I always build in plenty of extra time so no one feels rushed. It’s all about keeping things relaxed and fun.
Keep Expectations Low and Patience High
Here’s the truth: toddlers rarely do what we expect during photo sessions. But that’s what makes their photos so special. When you stop aiming for perfect, you’ll start to see the magic in the unexpected.
Instead of telling your toddler what to do, meet them where they are. Let them explore, be silly, and show up as themselves. Those are the moments that tell your real story.
Don’t Stress—It Shows in the Photos
Your toddler can feel your energy. If you’re anxious, they’ll notice. But if you’re relaxed, smiling, and having fun, they’ll follow your lead. That’s when the real smiles happen.
Remember, your goal isn’t a perfect photo—it’s a meaningful one.
Looking for a Photographer Who Gets Toddlers?
I’m an Atlanta newborn photographer who specializes in capturing families as they grow. If you’re preparing to welcome your second baby and wondering how to make photos with your toddler a success, I’ve got you.
Let’s create a stress-free session that celebrates this new chapter of your life—with all the giggles, wiggles, and real moments in between.
Contact me to learn more about newborn photos that includes the immediate family and are stress free.
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