Updated October 13, 2026
Your two-year-old does not smile for the camera because toddlers do not sit and smile on command, and because a new person with a camera can feel scary. The fix is to play: start with the whole family, add swinging and jumping, and give them a reason to smile. I’m Katie Donnelly, a Paris family photographer, and this session at the Eiffel Tower shows exactly how it works.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
Why Toddlers Don’t Smile for the Camera
I wish I could say that every child I’ve ever met has been 100% comfortable with me at once upon meeting.. but it’s just not true. Most of the time little kids under 2.5 don’t really understand why they’re meeting this new person and assume I’m the baby sitter and their parents are leaving.
Start with the Whole Family
Right at the beginning I always reassure all the kids that mom and dad aren’t going ANYWHERE and that i’m just here to hang out with them and play some games. I like to start with the whole family to show the kids that mom and dad are sticking around and aren’t about to disappear…
And All We Had to Do Was Play
This session was no different! The little one was so nervous at first and didn’t really trust me, so what did we do? start with family photos and do some swinging and jumping around.. all of a sudden this little flower bud blossomed like the most beautiful peony and we had the BEST time together. And all we had to do was play.
It’s the trick to getting great portraits with littles.. You can’t expect them to sit and smile, it’s just not how they work, you have to give them a reason to hang out with you and smile!
5 Fun Things to Add to a Photoshoot with a Toddler
Here are a few fun things that I LOVE adding into sessions:
- Bubbles
- Balloons
- Picnics
- Running races
- Jumping
Worried your toddler will not cooperate?
That is our specialty. We play first and photograph second. Family sessions with our English-speaking team start at €150.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
More Tips for Photos with Little Kids
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Read how to get kids to sit still and smile for photos, 9 tips for photographing kids, and how to pose families naturally. For outfits like this floral dress, see our what to wear guide and my favorite pieces on ShopMy. Planning a family session? Visit our Paris family photographer page.
Questions About Toddlers and Photos
You cannot expect little kids to sit and smile. It is just not how they work. They need a reason to smile, and with a new photographer they also need time to feel safe.
Play. Start with family photos, swinging and jumping around, so they see that Mom and Dad are staying. Then add games like bubbles, balloons and running races.
That is normal for kids under two and a half. We reassure them that Mom and Dad are not going anywhere, start with the whole family, and let them warm up through play.
Bubbles, balloons, a picnic or a favorite toy all help. Let us know before the session so we can plan ideas around them.
“Zoe instantly put us at ease and has such a gift for capturing real, unposed moments.”
Marina
5-star Google review
About the author
Katie Donnelly, Paris Photographer
Katie Donnelly is an American photographer who opened her Paris studio in 2013 and was voted Best Portrait Photographer in Paris in 2017. She and her English-speaking team photograph families, couples and solo travelers at sunrise, so visitors go home with relaxed, real portraits instead of rushed selfies. Meet Katie and the team.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
This little flower bud blossomed. Yours will too.
- When: Mornings, just after sunrise, when the city is quiet
- Who: Families, couples, engagements and proposals, and solo travelers, with an English-speaking team
- Your photos: Viewed the same day at our studio in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Session fee: From €150. Inquire for our full price list.
Tell us your dates and we will help you plan the rest.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
