Birmingham, Alabama Maternity and Family Photographer
Let’s be real, pregnancy is hard without a toddler in tow. When you add in all the extra things involved the last thing you want to do is add extra stress. Creating lasting, photographic memories during a maternity photo session with your toddler(s) doesn’t have to be hard. Use these tips for a low-stress session designed around your family’s energy level and needs.
First: Find a Kid Friendly Photographer
This is non-negotiable. Choose someone to photograph your maternity photo session with toddlers who have experience photographing expectant mothers and extensive experience with toddlers. A good, children’s photographer knows how to engage kids, work fast and catch all the fleeting moments while making sure everyone looks their best.
Have Fun
If your toddlers are having fun, they’ll smile and cooperate without realizing it. You’ll go home with beautiful memories, your friends will wonder how you got your kids to cooperate, and your kids will leave asking “when they get to go to another photo session.”
Don’t worry! You won’t have to come up with all the ways to have fun. I will come prepared with plenty of prompts.
Second: Choose a location that everyone will enjoy
A studio session, like this one, may not work for everybody. If you have “runners,” however, it can be a safer way to enjoy your experience.
Third: Go With the Flow and Smile Always
Toddlers rarely follow directions or, if they do, they don’t really want to. Be ready to embrace the candid moments, let things happen naturally, and “just keep smiling.” You can even change the words to Dory’s “Just Keep Swimming” and sing to yourself if that helps.
Fourth: Give Them Breaks
You probably know, by now, your toddler’s attention span is tiny. During my sessions I aim to have them involved in shots for no more than 5 minutes. Then they get a break. During the breaks we take the time to get shots of mom and dad together, mom by herself and/or with each sibling individually.
Lastly, but most importantly: Celebrate your toddlers role in your family
Moment’s with mom and dad and moments by themselves are especially important. Kids love being celebrated and showered with attention.
When you leave your family or maternity session with toddlers, I want you to walk away not just with beautiful photos, but with cherished memories—moments of laughter, connection, and love frozen in time. My goal is to create timeless art you’ll proudly hang on your walls, pieces that will bring you joy today and become treasures for generations to come.
When Should You Book Your Session?
The 28-32 week timeframe is generally and ideal for maternity photos. Most mothers have an obvious bump, and are still moving around well and feeling good.
I suggest reaching out, to schedule, no less than 2 months before then (more if the timeframe is around a holiday or in the summer.) I am very flexible with weekday sessions and can usually reschedule if the timing doesn’t seem to work as you grow closer to your session date.
Laura Cardan offers Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn, Baby and Family photo sessions for young families in and around the Birmingham, Alabama area. Sessions are offered on location and in her light filled studio (as this session was.) Inquire Here!
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