Much like parenting them, no one ever said photographing toddlers was easy. In a lot of ways they are the most difficult group of people to take pictures of, but in a lot of ways they are my favorite.

Just like in everything else they do, they bring a unique set of challenges to the table. They can be stubborn, uncooperative, shy, uninterested, lose focus quickly, or just generally do not want their picture taken. They don't care that mom is paying for this, they don't care that all mom wants is one - just one good picture with them looking at the camera! They will take your bribe, eat it, and continue on their not gonna cooperate way. Sometimes they hide behind mom, or just cry for the entire session. I've had a lot of toddler sessions that went just like this. I've paid good money for other photographers to take pictures of my toddlers that went just like this. It's frustrating, but it's ok.

The thing I love about photographing toddlers is that you get exactly who they are. Their is nothing fake or posed in a toddler session. They haven't yet mastered the art of the dreaded "cheese" smile. They don't care to impress you, and so you end up taking pictures (the good, the bad, and the ugly) of their true selves. And this, my friends, is exactly what you want in a successful portrait session. Yes, they will make you work as a photographer, they will make you get creative, and sometimes you only come away with a few good shots. But when you get those good shots - man are they worth it.

I know a lot of parents (and I have been one myself a some points) that have said it's not worth doing a portrait session with a toddler. They won't cooperate, they won't sit still, it will be a waste of money. Some of that may be true but it won't be a waste of money. A good photographer will work with your child and not get frustrated. And as long as you keep in mind that what you get will be who your child was at that age, on that day, at that moment (because Lord knows that with a toddler it will change moment to moment) there is a good chance that you'll come away glad you did it. And just keep in mind you have lots of years ahead for those lovely, cooperative, posed sessions.