HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU??? Picture this. Two weeks ago you signed up your 3 year old and 18 month old boys for a Christmas mini session at 9:30am with a local photographer. You're thinking, ok, it's just a 20 minute session. The kids will be fine for that amount of time and I'll get some great pictures for our family Christmas card. What could possibly go wrong?? You get there and you see a setup with a beautiful Christmas themed backdrop and studio lights ready for your kids. Everything is going good. Then BAM! Your kids hit the ground running and they have freedom in their sights!! The oldest runs over towards the backdrop and steps on the part that's on the floor, his feet go out from under him because it's slick, he falls on his behind and the backdrop starts swaying (he's was fine, not even a scratch or any tears). Meanwhile the 18 month old takes off down the hall away from the photography area and you end up having to chase after him and bring him back only for him to do it 2 more times until we finally shut the door. You're now thinking, why did I do this to myself? All I wanted was some good pictures of my kids in their PJs for our Christmas card. You're starting to get discouraged and frustrated and wondering how the "poor photographer" will get good shots. One thing I have learned as a photographer over the years that the best way to earn the trust of a toddler is to literally be on the same level as them. They are just short little humans. They like it when you are on the floor with them. It makes them feel important and isn't nearly as intimidating as when someone they don't know very well is standing over them trying to get them to be still and smile. This method definitely helped in making them more comfortable and willing to have their pictures taken. In the end we got fantastic shots of each kid as individuals and together. The mom was over the moon happy with the photos considering the chaos before the session even started. This story was based on true events that happened with my last Christmas mini session in November of 2023. All kids were fine, no injuries reported, candy canes were enjoyed by all and the photographer learned a valuable lesson that way as well. Tape the backdrop to the floor!!! Seriously though, there is no need to fear photo sessions of the kids with me. I'm going to tell you straight up there is no "perfect" session when kids are involved. But there are things I can do to minimize the craziness and get great shots. And honestly I'm going to ask you to relax and let them be kids some of the time because some of the best pictures are the ones when they are not posing or looking directly at the camera. Like those special moments when they are looking at a fake present or a stuffed animal or in our case a fresh candy cane. Check out the great photos we captured of these sweet little boys using the button below. Check out their adorable pictures... | 
