Toddler Portrait Session in Medford, NJ | Letting Kids Be Kids
Ah, the toddler years.
A magical phase where tiny humans discover independence, curiosity, and the ability to have extremely strong opinions about absolutely everything — including shoes, snacks, and whether gravity still works today.
If you’re parenting a toddler, you already know: life is equal parts chaos and heart-melting sweetness.
And honestly? That’s exactly why this stage is so beautiful to photograph.
During this recent toddler portrait session in Medford, New Jersey, the goal wasn’t perfection. It wasn’t stiff poses or forced smiles.
It was exploration.
It was play.
It was letting a little girl be exactly who she is right now.
She wanted to just pick up rocks and have fun..
She wanted to pick up rocks, wander the path, and investigate everything around her — which is honestly the best possible scenario for toddler portraits.
Because toddlers don’t perform.
They experience.
And that’s where the magic lives.
Why Toddler Sessions Work Best When Kids Can Explore
One of the biggest misconceptions parents have is that toddlers need to “cooperate” for photos.
They don’t.
In fact, the best images usually happen when children are allowed to move, play, and interact naturally with their environment.
Running, laughing, climbing, twirling — those moments create photographs that feel real and timeless.
Let the kids play and run! With toddler sessions, it should be a time for exploring and capturing this age of curiousity.
With toddlers, movement is not a problem.
It’s the plan.
Toddlers Lead the Session (And That’s a Good Thing)
Parents sometimes worry their child won’t “listen.”
But toddler sessions aren’t about obedience — they’re about connection.
Simple prompts like:
“Can you show mom what you found?”
“Run to daddy!”
“Let’s spin together!”
create authentic reactions instead of forced smiles.
This little gal was in her element. Wanting to ride the horsey and be a kid!
Snacks, Breaks, and Flexibility Are Part of the Process
Toddler photography always includes:
✔ Snack breaks
✔ Movement
✔ Curiosity detours
✔ Unexpected giggles
✔ Occasional stubborn moments
That’s normal childhood — not a problem to fix.
When children feel comfortable and unpressured, their personalities naturally shine through.
Watching parents interact with their child is often where the most meaningful images happen — the laughter, the pride, the tiny discoveries shared together.
Celebrating Parents Too
Even during toddler sessions, I always make space to photograph the connection between mom and dad.
Because this stage of life belongs to you, too.
We always need to celebrate mom and dad at the end of our sessions.
The Magic of the Toddler Years
Yes, toddlers are exhausting.
Yes, they throw crackers on the floor after asking for them.
Yes, bedtime can feel like an Olympic sport.
But this stage is also filled with wonder:
tiny voices
chubby cheeks
spontaneous hugs
unfiltered joy
And it passes faster than anyone expects.
Photographs preserve what memory slowly forgets.
Thinking About Toddler Portraits?
If you’re considering a session for your child, you can explore more information here:
👉 Children’s Portrait Photography
Or view family sessions:
I photograph families throughout South Jersey, including Medford, Marlton, Moorestown, and the greater Philadelphia area.
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.
