A relaxed session almost always comes down to one thing: the kids and the animals are comfortable. You cannot script a toddler or a dog, and I do not try to. But there is plenty you can do beforehand to set everyone up for a good hour.
Time it around naps and meals
Book for when your child is normally at their best. For little ones that is often mid-morning or the couple of hours before dinner, which also happens to be when the light is softest. Feed everyone first. A snack in the bag for a low moment is never a bad idea — just keep it non-staining, so crackers rather than blueberries.
Tell them what is happening, lightly
Kids do better when a session is not a surprise. In the day or two before, mention that we are going to a park to take some pictures, that it will be fun and a bit silly, and that Teri might ask them to run around or tell jokes. Please do not promise a reward for “good pictures” or “smiling nicely” — it turns the camera into a test. If you want to offer a treat afterwards, frame it as a treat for coming along.
Let me be the one behind the camera
The hardest sessions are the ones where three adults are all calling a child’s name from behind me at once. It overwhelms them and their eyes dart everywhere. If you can, let me lead the interaction — I will get their attention my own way — and you focus on being present with them. Genuine laughter between you and your child is worth far more than a forced look down the lens.
For the dogs
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A good walk first
A tired dog is a calm dog. A proper run before we start makes a real difference to how the session goes.
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High-value treats
Bring whatever your dog will do anything for, plus a favourite squeaky toy for ears-up moments.
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A second person
Leads can be edited out of a photo; a dog bolting for the river cannot. An extra pair of hands keeps things safe and relaxed.
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Loose expectations
The best shots are often the in-between ones. A dog looking away, mid-shake, or leaning into their person usually beats a rigid sit-and-stare.
If it goes sideways
Sometimes a toddler melts down or a dog decides today is not the day. That is normal and I have seen all of it. We take a break, let everyone reset, and often the pictures we get right after a wobble are the most honest ones of the whole session. You will not have ruined anything.
Every family and every animal is different. If you want to talk through your specific situation before you book, just contact me. More on how sessions run is on the family photography and pet photography pages.
