THREE CATEGORIES OF YOUNG MODELS
Babies under one year
They can’t walk yet (or just barely), they happily play on the floor or sit in your arms, their attention constantly shifts to different things, but it’s usually pretty easy to get their interest (bring toys or rattles with you).
Kids 3–4 years and older
Some are already conscious posers who enjoy it, others are not, but you can usually negotiate with them: promise a little reward after the shoot (a trip to the playroom, café, or toy store) as payment for the “job.”
Toddlers 1–3 years old
Probably the hardest age — it’s not always possible to reason with them, and you also can’t just hold them still. The only option is play! Play as much as possible — with energy, with joy, with involvement — let the child engage in the process through play.
MAIN LIFEHACK
For natural, lively shots, all you need is to constantly interact with your child: walk around the studio, show them toys and objects, fool around, jump, laugh, and play. That’s when it works!
And for those beautiful “framed” photos where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera (and the bigger the family, the harder it is to get that moment), the trick is — don’t get distracted by the child.
Just pose and smile. The child will eventually be caught in the frame too. Because nothing is more frustrating than finally catching the moment when your child is smiling at the camera — and you at that exact second are telling them “smiiile, ” fixing your husband’s shirt, or looking somewhere else.
IMPORTANT POINT
Always plan the photo session time based on your child’s temperament!
For active kids who warm up quickly to new environments but also tire easily and need to switch activities or locations, 30 minutes to 1 hour is best.
For shy kids who first need time to explore, get used to the space, and feel comfortable with a new person, plan for 1–2 hours.
Wishing you light and joyful family photo sessions!
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