5 Tips How to Photograph a One Year Old

Are you struggling with how to photograph a one year old? How to Photograph a One Year Old can be easy with these 5 tips we are sharing today.

Guest Blogger: Ellen Dwyer WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Hello! I am a wife, mother of two crazy boys, second grade teacher and photographer from southern Wisconsin. I started my photography journey shortly after my first son was born in 2013. I wanted to learn to take better pictures of him and my interest in learning about my camera never stopped. I am so happy I will be able to document these early years with my children. My passion for photography has led me to expand beyond my own family. I love being able to document real moments for myself and for those around me.

How to Photograph a One Year Old

Get down on the One Year Old’s level

I think the most captivating pictures I have taken of young children have been when I am at their eye level. Bending down and putting the camera at the same height as the child gives such a great perspective to the pictures. Getting down on the floor really shows a one year old’s size, and it reminds me how big the world is to them. Get down there!!!! Even before you take the camera out. Let the child get to know you. Sitting on the floor with them will definitely be an invite for some interaction, which is where it all starts.

Grab their attention!

When I take pictures of children around one year old, I bring lots of props (really just toys from my own basement). Two things I always bring are puppets and some kind of musical toy or noise maker. If I can combine it with a silly comment or noise from me, I can usually get a laugh. If there are others around, they can stand right behind the camera to help as well.

For some attention grabbing ideas see: 11 Secrets to Successfully Photographing a One Year Old

Create something for them to do to stay still – even just for a moment

My own one-year-olds were always on the go by 12 months. If I wanted them to stay still, I had to give them something that would make them actually slow down so I could get a picture. A toy with a special texture or feel….something that moved or made noise….I loved capturing their fascination.

Make sure to capture their eyes

Smiles are great, but sometimes little kids are hard and I settle just for a good, solid look. My favorite pictures are when the child is looking right at me and I just get good wide eyes. Eyes are definitely the window into the soul.

Setting doesn’t have to be perfect

I love capturing a child in the mess of it all. I’m definitely not into fake backdrops and the super-posed look. I want to document children in real life. A part of that is their home environment.