I Can't Wike It!!!

Do you have a stubborn toddler? Here are some tips for families to prepare for the photoshoot they've dreamed of!

When my little sassy daughter, Bear, was one-year-old she coined the phrase "I can't wike it" when she didn't "like" something.

We'd say Bear! Put these pajamas on, and she'd say "I can't wike it!"

Or try this broccoli

"I can't wike it!"

And finally, the infamous photographer children's syndrome of hating photos. She DEFINITELY couldn't "wike" pictures, either.

Now, there have been occasions where people have approached me to tell me my kids were a special kind of difficult. Most people would have been offended by such statements, but not this mama. I felt this relief of "I thought they were. I am so glad someone else noticed how hard I am trying!"

And secretly the stubbornness and "can't wike its" were really a gift, because difficult children don't scare me.

Your kid doesn't warm up to strangers? Challenge accepted!!!

Your kid can't hold still? That's cool.

Your kid hates photos? Been there, done that!

And after years of can't wike it's, here are the my three best ways to make the photography day better for the whole family.

1. MEET THEIR NEEDS

If you are about the schedule the session during their nap time, right before dinner, or after their bedtime, stop yourself right there! Think of the times of the day that your children are most happy, and build around that. I find that many toddlers are the happiest right after their afternoon nap, or mid morning, so finding a location that has good lighting during those times is good idea. Also, having a full belly before the session will dramatically stop the tantrums.

And speaking of tantrums, lets talk about clothes and toddlers.

When you choose your child's outfit, try to also meet their needs. If you have a winter session, get a cute jacket instead of making them sit there in freezing weather with their short sleeved shirt, because it looks good. To reduce tantrums the day of, you might try the outfit on a few days advance to be sure the sock seams will line up right, and the tag isn't too itchy.

2. HAVE FUN!

I know that the day of family photos is a stressful one. You most likely had a terrible rush getting to the session with all the kids' hair and outfits completed, let alone the complaints resounding on the way to the session of "how long is this going to take?" As a photographer I strive to make the session as fun an natural as possible. As soon as the session starts don't worry too much about telling the kids to say cheese. Just relax, let the kids run around a little, and the natural smiles from silly kids will get captured by this crazy photographer lady telling lame jokes :)

3. CAPTURE THEIR PERSONALITY

My number one mission as a photographer is to capture what is there naturally and beautifully. I choose locations that will make the lights in their eyes pop, and choose the right lens to capture THEM. If you have a kid that picks their nose during the session, guess what?! Funny memory captured. If your kid is going through the awkward smile stage, don't worry! I'll tell them a dorky joke, play their favorite trolls song on my phone and get that smile you are looking for. I want to capture the real happy them, not the "say cheese" toddler.

Some of the best photos I have ever taken of toddlers have been chasing them through the grass, playing hide and seek, or even eating snow. I captured the true THEM!!!

Some of the personal guides I follow to accomplish this in portraits are what have worked well for my own kids. If they are stressed, we break it down into smaller steps. Instead of jumping right in, we might take a moment to look at the flowers. We might talk about our favorite movie or song. I might even pull up their favorite song on my phone to help the mood.

After we build a bit of familiarity, we play! We run, or blow dandelions. We find rocks, or even splash in puddles. I am not there to catch a statue of a child saying cheese. I am capturing a REAL moment of joy!

So the next time you get ready to book a session for your terrible two-year-old, simply meet their needs, capture their personality, and have ball. I bet you will "wike" the pictures if you do!

Erin Nauta Photography

Valdez, Alaska