My Baby Won't Take Photos!

Some kids LOVE being in front of the camera and others... well, they're not as sure. Every one of them is different and in some cases, it just takes a bit of time to warm up to things. Other times, they just won't have it. No matter what, my job is to get your photos of your children so how do I get portraits of little ones who don't want to cooperate? It just takes some creativity.

First, I will start off with older children or the whole family to let the little ones get used to the idea of photos. Maybe the child just woke up from a nap in the car or is in need of a nap. Knowing things like that are always helpful.

Some babies won't sit. They want to crawl and walk. This might mean you don't get your "traditional portrait" but what you will get is your child captured as they are in this season. And really, moms love those photos! But, there are some options to getting individual photos of a baby who won't sit.

1. Swinging. I'll have one of the parents swing the baby up into the air and capture the smile that results.
2. Closeups. This one doesn't get smiles but it's more traditional looking. While Mom or Dad is holding Baby I'll take a tight portrait where they're looking at the camera.
3. Tickles. After a closeup, I will have the parent tickle Baby and grab that smile.
4. Play. I love to let little ones explore and play and just follow them around a bit. These more candid photos usually capture the essence of the child so well that the family loves them more than any of the posed, "traditional" photos I get.

Another thing is, I know that you plan your outfits and want everything to be perfect, but please remember that you have little kids. It's not the end of the world if they're holding a toy or a bottle in the photo. Who knows? It may become a cherished memory of "remember when you had to hold [insert toy] all the time?" and you will love that your child was captured that way. It might feel frustrating now but try to think of yourself in five to ten years. If holding the toy gets the smiles, I will always counsel to allow the toy.

When it comes to photos with babies and toddlers. it's always best to hold your plans loosely and trust your photographer. I can't tell you how many times a mom has left a session thinking we got nothing, even though I tell her otherwise, and then she is blown away when she sees the photos. It can feel rough in the moment but rest assured, we are getting gold!