Looking for Photographers Toledo Ohio? Cynthia specializes in on location lifestyle and storytelling photography and serves the Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Holland, Perrysburg, Oregon and Northwest Ohio areas. She is available for maternity, newborn, baby, children and family portraits and documentary photo sessions.

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You’ve planned this day for weeks. You have spent the whole morning making sure your kids aren’t covered in grime and they actually are looking kinda cute in their new clothes you painstakingly shopped for. You’re so excited for your photo session! It is long overdue but uh-oh, your toddler is not feeling it. You feel a full-on meltdown approaching. What should you do?

Taming a Tantrum at a Photo Session

First of all, I expect kids to act like kids. Please don’t get embarrassed if they start to get restless or want to go in the opposite direction of my camera. This is a huge reason why I try to build up trust with little ones before I even begin shooting. I will get down on their level to talk to them and play. When they see me as a new friend, then they think we are just playing and this makes the photo session fun for them. If they want to move on to something else while we are shooting, then we do! I notice their cues and when I sense any frustration from them I will try some of the things listed below to curb any kind of meltdown.

1. Distract. In the world of a toddler, distraction can solve lots of problems. Ask them to tell me their favorite food or book. You could also point out their creative drawings hanging on the walls or that big bird out the window. Use your imagination to steer them in a different direction.
2. Hold them. For some kids, a meltdown can be curbed from a simple hug. Your cuddle time is golden for me because I get a chance to capture your bond with your child in a way that is candid and natural, my favorite thing!
3. Have a snack. Moms know some tantrums can easily be fixed by a quick snack. If that is what they need for a mood turnaround, then please feed them! This simple daily activity is always fun to document on camera too.
4. Have them help me. Kids love feeling like they are in charge. When I ask them to be my helper, their faces always light up! I will have them help me direct my subject (the parents) and let them take a photo. They just love being in control for a few moments and feeling like they did something new.
5. Play. Kids are all about playing and everything fun. If you notice that your little one needs a good laugh, pick them up and swing them. Or tickle them or chase them. When you add movement to your play, it creates some great action shots! 
6. Take a break. I’m not shy to let the little ones have a break. I will use that time to take a few images of their siblings or the parents together. Usually, their “break” is only a few minutes once they realize they are no longer the center of attention. They will then happily join everyone for more photos to get back in on the action.

Sometimes even with these tricks up our sleeve, there is nothing we can do to prevent tears. That’s okay! I will shoot through the tantrum while you and I try the above tricks. Tears are just as much a part of your child’s personality as the smiles are and I love to document them as well. So when you think about planning your photos session, don’t let the unpredictable toddler behavior hold you back. Together with these tricks up our sleeve, your session will be filled with fun and minimal stress!

Want to book a session? Use the contact tab to send Cynthia a message.