Maternity Sessions with Toddlers


Photographing first-time parents during maternity sessions is often a serene and heartfelt experience. However, maternity sessions with toddlers transforms the dynamic entirely. Over the years, I’ve developed strategies to engage toddlers, granting them a sense of autonomy and fostering natural connections with their parents. This approach not only encourages their participation but also makes the session enjoyable for them.

We’ve all witnessed sessions where toddlers become frustrated and uncooperative after being given numerous directives. They may even stare you down with an “I dare you to say cheese to me one more time” look. By implementing the following tips, you can create an environment where toddlers remain happy and engaged throughout the session. Who knows, by the end, they might be inviting you to their next birthday party!



Send an Automated Preparation Email 

A perfect way to make a connection early is to send an automated email that goes out informing families about rewards, and what types of snacks to avoid before and during the session. Advise parents to ensure the toddler has had a nap earlier in the day and a balanced meal rich in protein before the session. Avoid sugary snacks to maintain steady energy levels. 


Build Rapport with the Toddler

Share a story or two! Take a moment to introduce yourself to the child. Share that you have two little boys who love playing with toy cars and building forts. This personal touch can make the toddler feel more comfortable and see you as a friend rather than a stranger.

Ask about the toddler’s favorite games or toys. Engaging them in a brief conversation about their likes can build trust and make them more willing to participate.


Keep the Toddler Engaged

Incorporate lots and lots of games like peek a boo, ring around the rosy, airplane and more! These fun games are WAY better than telling  a toddler to look at the camera and smile. Ensuring a much more enjoyable experience for everyone!

Props can go a long way! Bringing a cute classic book or a puppet to do funny voices is a great way to keep the toddler laughing! 



Encourage Natural Family Interactions during Maternity Sessions with Toddlers

Family Interactions: Encourage the family to hold hands and walk together, share a group hug, or have the toddler sit on a parent’s shoulders while mama stands beside them. Then incorporate a prompt so they don’t feel so silly just staring into each other’s eyes.Here are some quick examples: 

  •  Have the toddler tell mommy what color her eyes are
  • Sing wheels on the bus
  • Daddy tell him what his favorite thing about little boy is. 
  • Ask dad to try and do his son’s fave characters voice saying ” I love you” etc! 
  • Ask each one what they are most excited to do when baby sibling arrives!

These setups combined with sweet or funny prompts will promote genuine connections and candid moments in the best way possible!

Quiet Moments: Capture serene interactions, such as the family reading a book together or the toddler resting their head on mama’s lap, while she plays with her hair  to showcase the tender bonds forming in anticipation of the new arrival. Be sure to bring a white blanket so they can sit on the ground and get all snuggly. 


Stay Flexible and Patient

Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust the flow of maternity sessions with toddlers based on different moods and energy levels. Allow for breaks and keep the atmosphere relaxed to ensure natural expressions and interactions. I often change direction in lieu of a toddler’s response. If they don’t like being thrown in the air and loud boisterous prompts we do more soft quiet moments. I back up allowing her space until she’s more comfortable with me. If a child is hyperactive, I will increase my number of games and movement and will adjust my tone to be more loud and excited with him.

Positive Reinforcement: Offer praise and, if appropriate, small rewards to the toddler for their participation, making the experience enjoyable and encouraging cooperation. I tell parents it’s best to offer a reward. However, over the years I’ve come to find that sometimes parents forget. So, I have a prize bucket they get to choose from after the session. I remind them of that during the session to give them more incentive. 


Capture Solo and Couple Shots

Solo Shots of Mama: As soon as the toddler gets disinterested in photos and wants to explore, I allow them to do so and take the opportunity to get solo shots of mama. Once the toddler is ready bring them back into the photos with a game.

Couple Shots: Once they start to get antsy again, incorporate poses that highlight the connection between the parents, such as dad standing behind mama with hands on her belly, or a forehead-to-forehead pose to capture intimacy. Allow the child to go off to the side to get a drink of water, find a rock or allow them to just play in the grass at their parent’s feet. These unposed moments are actually my favorite.

Toddler Exploration: While focusing on solo and couple shots, allow the toddler to safely explore nearby. This keeps them engaged and provides opportunities for candid shots of the toddler’s natural curiosity. 



Embrace Maternity Sessions with Toddlers

By embracing these strategies, you can create maternity sessions with toddlers that not only makes mama feel beautiful but also captures the joyful anticipation of welcoming a new family member, with the toddler’s genuine excitement shining through. Less stressed strained smiles = more flattering beautiful connection and makes clients want to come back to you again and again! 

I hope this helped but for more detailed prompts and poses download my free posing guide here!
If you are looking for a more in-depth instruction on the key to playful posing and my step-by-step process in capturing genuine moments for families, check out my Playful Posing Course here!


Much love, Amber

Bay Area Light and Airy Portrait Photographer

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