How to have a meltdown free session
Charlotte Mandrier
Behind the scenes toddler bribery
Ohhhh toddlers. Cutest stage to capture, and least likely to cooperate. In fact, the more they sense your parental desperation, the less likely they are to cooperate. #momfacts So of course, the thought of a photo session (the drive there! the nice outfits! the attention!) can make a lot of us anxious.
Fear not, friends! Here’s our best advice for a successful session:
Day before your session:
Select and set aside everyone’s outfit(s) in advance. A calm preparation and departure is the best way to set up a successful session.
Sneak a few snacks/drinks in your bag. Tell no one. Secret surprise snacks can save a session.
What kind of snacks? The good stuff! We’re talking honest to goodness real actual cookies. Not the generic fig newtons that you call ‘cookies.’ Real cookies. Or whatever it is that your child loves, and that you’re willing to feed them. Extra credit if it’s something that won’t stain or get messy.
Please also pack toys/pacies/babas or anything that your child might want. If you want to get strategic, make sure the ones you bring are in neutral colors or ones that you won’t mind having in the photos if they refuse to let them go.
Day of your session:
Make sure your child is:
Well rested
Well fed
Well connected with you
As adults, when we have somewhere to be, we tend to pour our energy in to preparations. Without being able to envision what you are preparing for, young children can often feel a disconnect with you, which is where anxiety (and meltdowns) can come in!
It can be so hard to slow down (especially before a big event!) but its so important to take the time with your child and connect. Make eye contact, talk, hug, touch, give them your full attention.
The stronger your connection is before the session, the more your connection will show on camera.
And if it all fails, there’s that secret stash of candy in your bag…
#yourewelcome
-Charlotte
