Photos : Coco Dream Studio
When taking photos of younger children, make sure the toddler’s basic needs are met – such as being fed and well-rested.
However, toddlers spend a longer time awake than babies and just because they have been fed and have napped does not mean they will co-operate with having their photo taken. They may want to do their favourite activity and are at the stage in life where they like discovering and learning things. You can take some great shots of the toddler doing their favourite activity. If you make the photo-shoot a fun and exciting experience, it is likely the toddler won’t mind (and even enjoy) having his/her photo taken.
Clothing
Depending on the style of photography you want, you can the toddler dressed in casual clothing (simple, one coloured clothes) or formal little suits/dresses, basically anything goes. Their favourite clothing, like tutus etc. make the photo special. Have a few different changes of clothing. If not sure what clothing will suite, neutral coloured (black, white and beige) will do. Colour/interest to the photo can be added by the background and accessories and/or expressions/actions.
A word about style
Some parents prefer formal, posed portraits of their toddlers. Provided the toddler holds the ‘perfect’ expression and can hold the pose for the photographer, this may not be a problem. From my experience with most toddlers, they are at the age where they are learning to walk, jump, roll and even attempt to fly. I find the documentary style of photography most suited to capturing these first steps and sometimes ‘accidents’. Most toddlers are always on the move and you have to follow them with a camera, ready to take that perfect photo which could happen at any time. Also be ready with wet wipes and band-aids in case accidents happen.
Poses, props and angles
Toddlers are capable of and more enthusiastic at holding many more poses and expressions than newborns and even teenagers and adults. I am able to capture them using many different angles. Using props also distract the toddler and you can catch them off-guard. Using the toddler’s favourite toys, bike, bat, skateboards, etc. and them performing their favourite activity, will give the photo personality. Playing with building blocks, building sandcastles, playing in the park, etc. can engage the toddler’s attention for hours on end. For toddlers, I generally use shots from above, eye-level, and close-ups of their priceless expressions. I would also suggest using a high shutter speed to catch children on the move.
The photographer’s relationship with the toddler
Toddlers, at this stage in their life, already have a strong bond with their parents, and it takes a while (if not at all) to warm up to the photographer. The toddler will see the photographer as a stranger. As a result, it will be difficult in taking a photo with the toddler refusing to co-operate or respond positively to the camera. You need to take some time to interact with the toddler (or perhaps tempt him with his favourite snacks/toys) to gain his co-operation.
Jay Shin is a Senior Photographer at Coco Dream Studio.
