Five Top Tips for Photographing Toddlers

So you have a mini session with a 16 month old and mom is not interested in being in the photos. What do you do? At this age the kiddos cannot be expected to listen to instructions. They want snacks and to be in mom or dad's arms and that big black box you're going to shove in their face is only making things worse.

1. Make sure you have your settings set! This should go for any session of course, but go to the first spot you want the child to be placed while the kiddo is still safe in parents' arms. Set your settings for the image you plan to create and then instruct mom or dad to place the child where you want. Snap away! I find that in some sessions I get the best photos with this age group in the first 10% of images I make.

Most of this session was spent crying...so these early snaps were key to capture!

2. Let them wander! They've just mastered this whole running/walking thing - let them flaunt their skills!

Running through the fields - there is no posing new runners! Just go with it and calm parents down that you are in fact capturing images they will love.

3. Grab an over the shoulder shot - When they're safe in parent/caregiver hands they will calm down and look through your lens with curiosity rather than tear-filled terror!

4. Snacks! Can you even see the cookie she's sneaking in this shot? ;)

The bluebonnets and adorable subject grab our attention which may help the cookie in her hand go unnoticed :)

5. Details! You don't need to have a perfectly happy child to capture faceless photos and little details.

Katie Kueck is a professional photographer based in Austin TX. A mom of 3 under 5, she is something of an expert in toddler wrangling. Contact at katie.kueck@gmail.com.

Super thrilled to be highlighted on Elena S Blair's SCHOOLED blog!

Did you know school pictures could be framed and displayed on your walls as pieces of art to capture these fleeting years?

https://www.elenasblairphotography.com/blog/2019/4/4/schooled-student-spotlight-katie-kueck-elena-s-blair-photography-education

Newborn session at Austin area hospital

Fresh 48 sessions happen following delivery and prior to discharge from the hospital or birthing center where you welcomed your newest addition(s). They are sweet and lovely and - I believe - super important to keep the memories of this longest, shortest time. For as long as the nights (and days) feel, they are over before many of us are ready for them to be gone.

Love capturing these little details - her fists already look strong and brave to me!

Safe to stretch and sleep in Dad's strong arms.

Snuggled and safe in mama's arms.

When big sister can't stay awake for a fresh 48 either!

All you need for a Fresh 48 session is to invite Katie Kueck Photography to the place of delivery! I come with a camera in hand and nothing else. We use natural window light and I may move some of the necessary birthing center clutter around but I will be in and out before you know if - almost always under an hour. You and baby (and anyone else really!) have been through much and need rest - and I get it! Photos from my own children's first hours and days are among my most loved possessions and I love getting the opportunity to share this gift with other families.