Alright, mommas! I want to take the stress out of family photos so I’m sharing 5 tips to survive fall photos with toddlers! Let’s make this year THE year you are relaxed and just being present with your family!

Tip #1: Plan Early, Be Early

This applies to both picking outfits and getting ready on the day of the shoot.

Don’t wait until the weekend before your session to buy outfits. Been there, done that myself and ooooh buddy! I definitely recommend to start planning your outfit choices once you book your session that way outfits don’t add any unnecessary stress.

Second, arrive to your session EARLY! That way you have time to get everyone out, situated, changed, a snack, etc. I promise you this takes so much pressure off of you and your toddler will feed off of that.

Tip #2: Bring a few of your toddler’s favorite things

No one knows your kiddos better than you! Do they love a certain song? Is Baby Shark a sure-fire way to get them to smile? Tell your photographer and make sure that song is playing on repeat!

Bring along a favorite toy, beloved lovey or something that makes them smile. The photographer can use it above the camera to get them to smile.

Tip #3: Keep them active, doing the things they love!

I always like to start with the family all together to get any sweet and smiling-at-the-camera photos that we can before any potential meltdowns.

But everyone knows toddlers love to run around and play! So asking them to sit still and pose maybe not be an option for you and that’s okay! Let them be little. Don’t stress about it. Let them explore and play!

If they smile every time daddy throws them in the air, make sure to do that while snuggling close to your hubby.

Or maybe your toddler likes to swing between your arms while y’all walk! Our goal is to make sure we do the fun things that make your kiddo smile big!

Tip #4: Bring water and snacks

Snacks are always a good way to prevent meltdowns and water is just necessary for all that running around! After all, this is Texas and who knows what the heat index might be – even in the fall!

Also, please make sure to eat ahead of time! This goes for everyone. Hangry dads are almost as bad as hangry toddlers, am I right?!

Most of the time, fall photos are outside around sunset time, which in Texas is 4 – 7 pm. If your toddler goes to bed at 6:30 or earlier, I’d recommend waiting until after daylight saving in November. The sunset is closer to 5:30 in November/December so you’ll still be able to get those glowing sunset photos without risking total meltdown mode.

P.S. I’m also not above a good bribe, so if you have offered one to your kiddo – let me know and I’ll mention it while shooting!

Tip #5: RELAX & Embrace this season of life!

You might not like hearing this but this is the most important tip for surviving fall family photos with toddlers!

First of all, children feed off their parent’s energy. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed they’ll be.

Your toddler might not sit still and they might not smile perfectly looking at the camera. You know what? That’s OKAY! That’s just life right now. Don’t try to make them someone they aren’t right now.

Toddlers are silly, goofy, and love to play. Lean into that! They will only be little for a few years. Play with them, run with them, tickle them and let your photographer capture your life how it is right now!