If you can photograph a toddler, you can photograph anything.
It’s true — Toddlers are wildly unpredictable, but that’s exactly why they’re so fun to photograph! In this post, I’m sharing my best photography prompts for toddlers — updated for Fall 2025 — to help you capture their energy. When you lean into the chaos and use creative, playful prompts, you can capture the most magical, personality-filled images.
Whether you’re photographing a high-energy kiddo in the golden fall leaves or navigating a shy little one clinging to mom’s leg, these updated kids photo prompts for Fall 2025 will help you go with the flow and get the shot.
Let’s talk toddler photography tricks that actually work.
Quick Tips for Photographing Toddlers
Before we dive into the prompts, here are a few tried-and-true tips I swear by after photographing hundreds of little ones:
- Get on their level (literally). I always start by squatting down and connecting with toddlers eye-to-eye. A genuine compliment (“Wow, I love your shoes!”) and a quick peek at my camera can help break the ice. However, if they are shy, you don’t want to push it. I’ll turn my attention to other siblings or parents to give them space to warm up.
- Work with their energy, not against it. Toddlers are meant to be squirmy and silly. Your job isn’t to control them — it’s to play along and make the magic happen in the in-between moments.
- Stay flexible. Not every child responds to the same prompt. Keep a mental toolbox of tricks and watch closely to see what lights them up.
- Make them your assistant. Ask them to help you “test the light” or find the best spot. It gives them a sense of control and earns you big smiles and cooperation. It also leads to a great opportunity for positive praise. “You were such a great help with those photos!”
- Keep your shutter speed high. No matter how the session goes, I can guarantee it will be high energy, and you will have to seize the moments as they come. Be sure to keep your shutter speed high. I’ll never let mine drop below 1/200, but typically aim for 1/400 as a standard min in most instances.
10 Best Photography Prompts for Toddlers (Fall 2025 Edition)
Use these fun and easy photography prompts for toddlers at your next family session to capture authentic, personality-filled moments little ones will actually enjoy.
1. The Sandwich Squeeze
“Time to make a _____ sandwich!”
Have mom or dad pick up their toddler and give them a big ol’ squeeze while you snap away. Bonus tip: Tell the parents not to look at the camera — the focus is on connection.
Why it works: It’s playful, sweet, and helps toddlers feel safe wrapped in love (and silliness).
2. Big Kid Airplane Swing
This one is geared towards little ones (ages 10 months to 24 months). Have both parents face each other and hold the toddler stretched across their arms like an airplane. Gently swing them back and forth. I usually pause them at the top for a still shot after a few swings.
Why it works: It’s silly, playful, and shows off the whole family’s expressions — not just the toddler.
3. Stop to Smell The Flowers (or a Leaf)
Give them something to do. Ask them to sniff a flower, show you their favorite leaf, or pick a tiny rock to “show the camera.”
Why it works: These micro-missions slow toddlers down just long enough to capture a natural, focused expression.
4. The Tickle and Run
Separate the little one from the group and say, “Okay, now run back and tickle Mom and Dad… then run right back to me!” It becomes a game — and a cardio workout for you.
Why it works: It’s what they do best! Let them be themselves and let loose. You’ll get laughter, movement, and multiple expressions in one prompt.
5. Leaf Toss Party
Fall is nature’s playground — so let them throw the leaves! Encourage big tosses, jumping in piles, or even a leaf fight with siblings or parents.
Why it works? Throwing leaves is fun for all ages. I bet mom and dad will be smiling too.
6. The Slow Tickle Countdown
Tickle sessions are a go-to for family photographers everywhere. Sometimes the fun is really in the anticipation. When the family is all snuggled together, tell them “On the count of three, everyone should tickle ____.” But when you start counting, do it ever so slowly! This will let the anticipation and fun build!
Why it works: The suspense is just as fun as the tickles — and gives you a few rounds of laughter to capture.
7. Walking and Swinging
1-2-3 Swing!!! Swinging between mom and dad is so fun for little kids. I always like to get a walking scene during my photo sessions, and once we get a few normal ones, I ask them to swing the little one. This almost always guarantees some great smiles. Pro Tip — save this for the end of the session because sometimes they become fixated on doing it again and again. And don’t forget to leave room for siblings to take turns!
Why it works? Because kids love to swing! Making your photo session into a fun play time with mom and dad will keep kids in a great mood.
8. Twirl Like a Princess
If you’ve got a toddler in a dress or skirt, encourage a big twirl. Say, “Can you show me your best spin?” or “Let’s twirl like a princess!”
Why it works: It channels their energy into motion and lets you capture movement + excitement in one frame.
9. Balance Something Silly
Place something unexpected (a small toy, leaf, or prop) on your head and ask, “Is that on my head?!” Toddlers love this.
Why it works: It gives them a reason to engage with you and keeps them focused long enough for a quick portrait.
10. Sky High Toss
Have mom or dad toss the toddler gently into the air. Always check that they’re comfortable first and that the movement is safe.
Why it works: Big smiles, belly laughs, and pure joy — just make sure your shutter speed is ready!
Final Thoughts
Toddlers are not meant to sit still — and that’s what makes photographing them so much fun. When you meet them on their level, play along, and bring a few creative photography prompts for toddlers, you’ll walk away with images that feel as real and joyful as childhood itself.
Let them be little. Let them be wild. And be ready with your camera.
Your Action Steps
I hope some of these inspired you with new ideas for photographing kids and toddlers at your next session. Make the most of this post by:
✔️ Try these prompts at your next session. Pick 2–3 to have in your back pocket and be ready to pivot based on the child’s mood.
✔️ Bookmark this post. Save the link and revisit before any session you have with little ones for a quick creative refresh.
✔️ Share with other photographers. Know someone who needs new toddler photo ideas? Send this their way (or drop it in your favorite photo group).
✔️ Tell me your favorite! Leave a comment below and let me know which prompt works best for your tiny clients — or share one I should add to the list!
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