The Importance of Location Selection when Working with Toddlers

One of the services I offer my clients is recommending locations for their photos that are both convenient to them, in terms of distance, but also appropriate for the type of photos we want to take. But when I know I’m going to be working with toddlers, I am particularly intentional in selecting the spot for our photoshoot, and I do so with the kids in mind.

I think there are two key things you want to consider when determining the spot for a photoshoot involving young kids:

First, it is important to select a spot that is close to a parking lot and not requiring long walks to get to. If the photoshoot is far from the car, then not only can toddlers get tired but also there can be many distractions and potential tantrums if they get curious about something but the parents are rushing to get to the meeting point. 

Second, the spot must have interesting natural features like rocks, flowers, paths, and ponds. The more, the better. Not only will all of these natural elements put the kid at ease (children thrive in nature!) and distract them from the fact that there is a stranger with a camera pointed at them, but also, it becomes easy for the photographer to come up with prompts and activities for the kids to do, which is perfect for candid photos. 

When I start asking toddlers to smell the flowers, throw leaves in the air, climb a tree stump, try to spot a fish in the pond, it becomes less of a photo session and more of a fun adventure, and this is when the magic happens!

Take this family session, for example, where you can see how the flowers, tree branches, and paths gave us some amazing images. Though, of course, it helped that this family was super photogenic. 

Do you have any other tips and tricks for location selection and working with toddlers?