A Growing Family: From Three to Four
There’s something incredibly special about witnessing a family on the brink of a brand-new chapter. The Emersons arrived to their session absolutely glowing with excitement as they prepared to share the news—baby #2 is on the way, and their sweet toddler is officially stepping into his new role as big brother to a baby sister! Moments like these are the heart of why I love family photography. The joy, the anticipation, the giggles from their little guy who had no idea how big of a moment this truly was—every bit of it added magic to their session. Their transformation from a family of three to a family of four was already unfolding right in front of my lens, and it was such an honor to capture it.
The Fun (and Challenge!) of Posing an Energetic Toddler
If you’ve ever tried organizing a photo session with a high-energy toddler, you know it’s less about posing and more about embracing the beautiful chaos. This session was no exception—our little soon-to-be big brother had one speed: turbo. To keep him engaged, we turned the session into a collection of games. Peekaboo with the ultrasound pictures became an instant hit, giving us genuine expressions and adorable reactions. When his attention drifted, we shifted right along with him, turning the path into a racetrack and having him sprint toward Mom and Dad so we could capture those priceless candid moments full of running arms, big smiles, and toddler enthusiasm.
At one point, Dad took him for a little sprint break, letting me sneak in some peaceful solo maternity shots of Mom and her beautiful bump. Those quiet moments contrasted so perfectly with the toddler-powered energy of the rest of the session—and together, they told the full story of this season in the Emersons’ life.
Why Flexibility Is Key With Little Ones
As photographers, we learn pretty quickly that working with a 2- or 3-year-old requires a special kind of flexibility. Their moods shift fast, their attention span is short, and their independence is strong—but that’s exactly what makes sessions like this so authentic and joyful. Our job isn’t to force stillness; it’s to follow their rhythm and turn the entire experience into something fun. Games, races, silly noises, and tiny adventures become our best tools for capturing real moments rather than stiff, overly posed images.
This is why I always encourage parents to book at least an hour when young children are involved. Giving them time to warm up, explore, and settle into the process leads to much more natural photos—and a much less stressful experience for everyone. Toddlers don’t always follow the plan, but with patience, flexibility, and a sense of play, they help create some of the most genuine images you’ll ever cherish.
By the end of our session, the Emersons had laughed, chased, snuggled, and celebrated their growing family in the most genuine way possible. Their toddler kept us on our toes, but he also brought so much energy and authenticity to every frame—exactly what makes family storytelling so meaningful. As they wait to welcome their baby girl, these images freeze a moment in time where life is busy, lively, and overflowing with love. Sessions like this remind me why I adore capturing family milestones: the chaos, the connection, and the joy of a story still unfolding.
