As a family and Newborn photographer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with years of experience, I’ve learned that one thing is certain: toddlers have a mind of their own! And while this can be frustrating, especially during a photoshoot, I’ve found that there are ways to work around it.

First and foremost, I never force a toddler to do something they don’t want to do. It’s a recipe for a meltdown, and that’s not what anyone wants. Instead, I take the time to let them warm up to me and the situation. I have toys and fun activities for them to engage with, which usually helps to loosen them up.

But what if they’re still not cooperating? Well, that’s where the stickers and lollipops come in! A little bribery never hurt anyone, and I always have plenty on hand.

And if all else fails, I have a sense of humor. I’ve worked with kids for a long time, and I understand that sometimes they just don’t want to do what we want them to do. But that’s okay! Remember, the whole point of a photoshoot is to capture your child as they are now, and there is no right or wrong way to do that.

I’ll never forget a recent photoshoot I did with a mom who really wanted a picture of her toddler with her new baby. The toddler was having none of it at first, but instead of forcing the issue, we just waited. I asked him questions about himself and the baby, and eventually, he came around. We got the shots, and they turned out beautifully.

So, if you’re worried about your toddler misbehaving during a photoshoot, don’t be! I’ve been doing this for years, and I’m confident that we can work together to get the shots you want. And who knows, we might even have some fun along the way!