Toddlers, Tears & Tips: A Photographer’s Guide to Candid Family Sessions

Tips and tricks for capturing genuine smiles from toddlers during family photo sessions — without bribing anyone (too much).

Photos by ANPAMUCA

In all my years as a photographer, I’ve learned one truth: no one side-eyes me harder than a well-dressed toddler at golden hour.

Seriously — nothing is more dramatic than a tiny human in a bowtie or tutu who’s suddenly expected to "smile at the nice stranger with the camera." Half the time, they just want snacks and to never hear the word "smile" again.

So what do I do? I pray to every saint I memorized in Catholic school, breathe deeply, and channel whatever ridiculous antics once made my son laugh when he was that age.

Bubbles. Chalk. Silly questions. Parent-approved candy bribes. And the most powerful tool of all? A great attitude, zero pressure, and a willingness to look absolutely ridiculous (which, at this point in my life, I embrace like a badge of honor).

So... what’s the big secret?

Honestly? There isn’t one. Every kid is different. Most don’t know why they need to smile at a camera — and frankly, I don’t blame them.

That’s why I never force it. I focus on connection and comfort — helping kids feel safe, seen, and silly.

And here’s something I remind every parent: they don’t have to be smiling and looking at the camera all the time. I know we all want that perfect, frame-worthy shot — the best version of our little ones all cleaned up and smiling just right. But sometimes, the real moments — the sideways glances, the giggle fits, the snack breaks, the deep toddler thoughts — are the ones that hold the most magic.

So I let kids just be. Messy, moody, joyful, curious — that’s real life. And real life looks pretty great in photos, too.

A few of my go-to tricks for toddler photo sessions:

• Ask questions – “What’s your favorite color?” “Do you have a pet?” “Who’s the silliest person in your family?” It builds trust fast. I even show them a photo of Starky, my sweet golden retriever — he never fails to get a smile.

• Let them lead – “Want to sit or stand?” “Should we twirl or run?” Little choices make big difference.

• Keep it moving – Static poses are toddler kryptonite. We chase bubbles, run in circles, and play. I keep my shutter speed high and my sneakers tied.

• Use a sidekick – A parent, sibling, or puppet just out of frame can be the secret weapon to unlock those spontaneous, candid laughs.

And most importantly — I stay ready. My camera settings are locked in fast, because that one moment — the wild laugh, the goofy face, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it magic — it doesn’t wait.

Want candid photos of your wild, wonderful, wiggly kid?

Check out my Family Photo Sessions — fun, relaxed, and built around real moments (and bubble wands). Whether it’s a dog crashing the scene or a toddler in full Spider-Man gear refusing to take it off — that’s the good stuff.

I love the mess, the joy, and the real-life magic. Some of my favorite photos of my son are the ones where he’s in pajamas, being unapologetically himself.

📸 Book a session, or just stop by to see the chaos. Either way, we’ll make something beautiful.