As a Seattle-based newborn photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing the precious early days of countless families. When there's a toddler in the mix, sessions can be a bit more unpredictable, but with a gentle and flexible approach, we can still create beautiful, timeless images that your family will treasure for years to come.
Understanding the Dynamic
When there's a toddler present, our session will naturally unfold a bit differently. Toddlers, especially those under the age of three, can be unpredictable and may not always want to participate in photos. That's completely okay! Our goal is to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
How We'll Structure Our Session
To ensure that we capture a variety of beautiful images, we'll follow a gentle and flexible structure:
1. Family Pictures
We'll start by capturing some family photos, including everyone together. This helps set the tone for the session and allows us to get some lovely shots of your family bonding.
2. Sibling Photos (If Toddler is Willing)
Next, we'll try to capture some sweet sibling photos. If your toddler is feeling cooperative, we'll take advantage of the opportunity. However, if they're not in the mood, we'll simply move on to the next part of the session.
3. Toddler Break
After we've finished the sibling photos, one parent will take the toddler out for a break. This allows your little one to rest, snack, or engage in an activity that brings them joy.
4. One Parent and Baby
While the toddler is on break, we'll capture some beautiful photos of one parent with the baby. This is a wonderful opportunity to focus on the special bond between parent and child.
5. Parent Swap
Once we've finished photographing one parent with the baby, we'll swap parents and repeat the process. This ensures that both parents have the opportunity to be photographed with their new baby.
6. Both Parents and Baby (If Possible)
If time allows and everyone is feeling relaxed, we'll try to capture some photos of both parents with the baby. These are often some of the most treasured images from our session.
7. Final Family Photos (If Toddler is Willing)
If your toddler has returned from their break and is feeling cooperative, we'll try to capture some final family photos. This is a wonderful way to end our session and create some lasting memories.
Tips for a Successful Session
To ensure that our session runs smoothly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Be patient and flexible. Toddlers can be unpredictable, so it's essential to roll with the punches.
- Have snacks and toys handy to keep your toddler occupied during the session.
- Consider having another adult present to help manage the toddler and provide an extra set of hands.
Conclusion
Newborn photography sessions with toddlers require a gentle and flexible approach. By understanding the dynamic and structuring our session in a way that accommodates your toddler's needs, we can create beautiful, timeless images that your family will treasure for years to come.
As a Seattle-based newborn photographer, I'm passionate about delivering personalized, stress-free sessions that cater to your family's unique needs. If you're expecting a baby or have recently welcomed a new addition to your family, I'd love to chat with you about capturing your newborn's special moments.
Contact me today to schedule your session and preserve the magic of your baby's early days.
