Magical Toddler Portraits | Sewell, NJ Photographer

A Toddler, a Dream Dress & a Whole Lot of Personality | Magical Sewell, NJ Photo Session

Picture this: a tiny human, barely three feet tall, strutting into her photoshoot like she owns the entire state of New Jersey. The dress? A masterpiece—layers of tulle, ruffles for days, and just enough sparkle to make a fairy godmother jealous. The attitude? Equal parts diva, princess, and tiny CEO of her own imagination.

Welcome to this magical toddler photoshoot in Sewell, NJ, where we combined childhood wonder with couture fashion, featuring the breathtaking designs of Anna Triant and Hippity Hoot by Jeanne Sterrer. If there was ever a session that screamed “whimsical meets toddler sass,” this was it.

Cutie is just getting started. Let’s rock these portraits young lady!

When a Toddler Wears a Gown Fit for Royalty

From the moment she stepped into her Anna Triant dress, it was clear—this was her moment. There’s something about a voluminous gown that brings out a girl’s inner princess, and let’s just say, she understood the assignment. Twirling? Check. Tiny hands fluffing the skirt like she was at a Paris runway show? Oh, absolutely. Giving me looks that said, “I’m only cooperating because I choose to”? 100%.

And then came the Jeanne Sterrer dress—dreamy, delicate, and perfect for a woodland fairy tale. Our tiny model did what every toddler does best: she made it her own. One second, she was a dainty ballerina twirling in a field of flowers; the next, she was full sprinting toward a butterfly like she was in the toddler Olympics.

She was all about the horsie!

Toddlers: The Most Unpredictable (and Hilarious) Models

Here’s the thing about photographing toddlers: you’re never in charge. Not really. You think you are, but they’re the directors, the creative consultants, and the ones who decide if we’re posing… or rolling in the grass like a giggling potato.

At one point, she dramatically sighed and flopped onto the ground, dress billowing around her like a queen in exile. The reason? “I need a snack.” Fair. Same, honestly.

We took breaks. We played games. We let her do her thing—because that’s where the magic happens. And sure enough, between the twirls, the tiny stomps of independence, and the pure joy of being a toddler in a fairytale dress, we captured (okay, took pictures of) the sweetest moments ever.

Little toddler twirling in the sunlight for her photograph.

Why These Couture Dresses Make Photos Even More Magical

Let’s be real—kids in fancy dresses are just next level adorable. But beyond the cuteness, gowns like these bring a fairytale feel to every image. Anna Triant’s designs are pure drama in the best way, and Jeanne Sterrer’s gowns have that soft, timeless charm. Whether it’s a birthday shoot, a milestone session, or just a reason to dress up (because why not?), these couture pieces turn childhood moments into art.

We switched out to purple (Jeanne Sterrer Designs) for a few more snaps!

Blowing and making a wish!

Booking Your Own Whimsical Toddler Session in Sewell, NJ

If you’ve got a little one with big personality and a love for twirling, let’s make some magic together! Whether it’s a princess-inspired dress, a soft vintage look, or something completely unique, I’ll help style a session that feels just right. Bonus: I fully expect (and embrace) the chaos that comes with photographing a toddler.

📍 Serving Sewell, NJ, and surrounding areas in South Jersey & the Philadelphia region. Let’s create something unforgettable—snack breaks included.

Hope you enjoyed this happy toddler session!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Medford NJ | Toddler Portraits | South Jersey Photographer

Ah, the toddler years. A magical time when tiny humans learn to walk, talk, and express their very strong opinions about absolutely everything. If you’re in the thick of it, you’re probably alternating between heart-melting moments and Googling, “Why does my toddler scream when I give them exactly what they asked for?” Welcome to the rollercoaster of parenting—where chaos reigns, but the snuggles are unbeatable.

Here’s a guide to help you survive (and maybe even enjoy!) the toddler years:

She wanted to just pick up rocks and have fun..

1. Embrace the Mess

Toddlers are like tiny tornadoes: cute, destructive, and impossible to predict. Your house may have once been a haven of tidiness, but now it’s decorated with crushed goldfish crackers and suspicious sticky spots. Lean into it. Invest in a good vacuum, washable everything, and accept that “clean” is a relative term.

Pro Tip: Take photos of the mess before you clean it. Someday, you’ll look back and laugh. Or at least that’s what people keep telling us.

Let the kids play and run! With toddler sessions, it should be a time for exploring and capturing this age of curiousity.

2. Channel Your Inner Negotiator

If you’ve ever tried to convince a toddler to wear pants, you know it’s like high-stakes hostage negotiation. They have an uncanny ability to turn the simplest requests into power struggles.

Helpful Strategy: Offer choices. “Do you want the red pants or the blue pants?” This trick makes them feel in control, even though you’re still calling the shots. And if they’re adamant about wearing a cape to the grocery store? Let them. Pick your battles.

This little gal was in her element. Wanting to ride the horsey and be a kid!

3. Snacks Are Life

Never underestimate the power of snacks. A well-timed string cheese or handful of animal crackers can prevent approximately 97% of tantrums. Keep an emergency stash in your bag, your car, and every coat pocket you own.

Warning: They will still demand the snack you don’t have. It’s a law of toddler nature.

4. Sleep Is a Myth

“Sleeping like a baby” is the biggest lie you’ll ever hear. Toddlers have two modes at bedtime: falling asleep in two minutes flat or waging an hours-long bedtime battle that leaves you questioning all your life choices.

Survival Tip: Stick to a bedtime routine—even if that means reading Goodnight Moon 47 times. And when they finally doze off, take a deep breath and enjoy a moment of peace… until they wake up again.

Mom and dad interacting with their adventurous daughter. She was picking up leaves and wanted to show them what she found.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Did your toddler use the potty for the first time? Ate a vegetable? Managed to go five minutes without yelling, “NO!”? These are victories, my friend. Celebrate them. Parenting toddlers is a marathon, and every little milestone deserves a high-five (and maybe a glass of wine).

6. Find the Humor

Toddlers are unintentionally hilarious. They’ll insist on wearing swim goggles to dinner, name every stuffed animal “Bob,” and mispronounce words in ways that will have you crying from laughter. Write these moments down. They’re comedy gold, and you’ll want to remember them when they’re teenagers rolling their eyes at you.

7. Give Yourself Grace

You’re not perfect, and neither is your toddler. Some days you’ll crush it, and other days you’ll serve chicken nuggets for every meal while counting down the minutes until bedtime. That’s okay. You’re doing your best, and your toddler thinks you’re a superhero (even if they don’t always act like it).

We always need to celebrate mom and dad at the end of our sessions.

8. Remember the Magic

Yes, the toddler years are exhausting, but they’re also magical. This is the stage when your little one’s personality blossoms, their curiosity knows no bounds, and their hugs can fix even the worst day. Soak it all in—sticky kisses, endless questions, and all.

Conclusion:

Surviving the toddler years takes a mix of patience, humor, and caffeine… lots of caffeine. But through all the chaos, remember that this stage doesn’t last forever. Someday, you’ll miss their tiny voices, chubby cheeks, and even the goldfish crumbs in your carpet. Until then, cherish the moments and hang on tight. You’ve got this!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Check out our baby and toddler portfolio for birthday portraits!