Today’s post is a subject near and dear to my heart…. photographing toddlers!

Toddlers can be tricky to photograph, but having 3 crazy boys ages 5, 3, and 1, I have learned a few tips and tricks that have helped me along the way.  Super big thanks to Johnny Banana Co for sponsoring this blog post, and be sure to check out all the amazing outfits!  Use our discount code, MILLERNANA, at checkout to save!

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 Tip One: Turn some music on, and DANCE!

Let’s just start this off with what is my tried and true method – getting fun and silly and just dancing!  My kids just love to be moving and shaking, and it brings out the genuine smiles instead of the “smile-grimace” – so put some music on and dance along with them!  We try to keep things upbeat and fun, so when they hear we are taking some photos they are excited and not dreading it.

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Tip Two: Jump, jump, jump

In keeping with the trend of moving and shaking, kids also really love to jump!  Jumping photos can be so much fun, and every time my kiddos jump they always have a big, genuine smile afterwards.  Just remember to up that shutter speed so you get a nice crisp shot (unless you are intentionally going for more of a movement/blur type photo).

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Tip Three: Run!

Have your kiddo start far away from you and run directly towards you – I’ve never seen such big smiles as when I get Andy to run as fast as he can!  You’ll definitely want a high shutter speed for this one.  I also up my aperture to the 3 – 5 range just to make sure I get him in focus, since it can be tough to perfectly focus on his eyes when he’s racing towards me.

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Tip Four: Simon Says

When you tell a toddler to smile, they don’t always listen.  Is it just me?? haha.  So make it into a game instead!  Simon says, tap your belly.  Simon says, put your hands on your hips.  Simon says, stick out your tongue.  And play along with them!  When you make a mistake, it always brings out cute laughs and smiles.  Get silly with it!  Simon says, shake your booty!

Tip Five: Distractions

This works extremely well to get them to look at the camera!  Fart noises, silly sounds, shaking toys – nothing is off limits to get them to glance up at the camera.  The sillier the noises, the bigger the smiles!

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Tip Six: Break out the bribes

Lollipops, gummy bears… enough said!!  Last resort, go for the bribe.  My kids are all smiles when you hand them a lollipop.  Or put some gummy bears in their pocket and they are bound to put their hand in their pocket for a cute picture to fish one out 🙂

Tip Seven: Cut your losses, and cut off their heads (just in the picture :P)

Kiddos aren’t having it today?  But they are all dressed up and looking adorable?  Go for the detail shots!  You can’t tell if you have a grumpy kiddo if you’re taking a closeup pic of the outfit!

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I hope these tips were helpful, and enjoy taking all the pics of your little ones!

xo Nikki

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