toddler-hates-posing-for-pictures-photos-two-happy-lambs-photographerThis is one of my favorite families to photograph, and ironically, their little girl Kylie hates being photographed. She is lovely and has the cutest smile and I hate making her pose for pictures because it just drains the light right out of her. She gets petulant and squirmy, and it all breaks down from there. Every single time (and I have photographed this family four times now) we get amazing photos of her.

2015-01-30-33-two-happy-lambs-photography-meadow-family-central-coast-photographerThe key is the rhythm and rapport between her parents and I. They know that she has her own plans and is happiest with flexibility. They know that I know that. They know that letting her wander close by and explore things while she warms up is the best way to get her comfortable. They have come to feel confident that letting her do that won’t make our session last forever. In fact, the opposite is true. The more comfortable we let Kylie become, the faster we get happy smiles.

I have stopped at the end of sessions to play in the dirt or the sand with her, run after her to play hide and seek and I definitely keep up a constant stream of thoughts about how great she is and how interested I am in what she is doing. I love kids and I love playing with them.

She is not the only toddler who doesn’t want to hold still and smile around dinner time. She’s just a normal little girl who rightfully expects me to be a fun person and value her time just like I value her parents. A toddler who doesn’t want to pose for pictures is just a toddler.

The overall feeling of toddler chaos cannot be avoided, but her parents have learned that amazing pictures result anyway. There is nothing to be nervous about.

I can hardly wait until I get to see her again!

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Two Happy Lambs Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, family, and child photography in Santa Maria, CA and surrounding areas such as San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Buellton, and Solvang.