Miss W, as most babies do, christened the blanket during her session. It of course elicited giggles from her grandmother. Thank goodness she wasn't a boy because grandma would have been hysterical because I would probably have been the one christened instead of the blanket. Just my luck.
Her sister, Miss D, was definitely at the beginning of the fun stage of todderlism. (Wow! I am coming up with all kinds of new terms today.) Miss D was very entertaining when I tried to put a head-band on her, or trying to climb into my prop box as well as trying her hand at working the camera. No issues because that is when I too have fun! Nothing to get upset about or concerned when it comes to photographing children. You need to be flexible because quite frankly, they are in control of the situation, not the adults. If they want to run around during their photo session, or change the way they look, that's fine. It's all about having fun and not making a session miserable for the child or the parent.
Remember when you were little and you were forced to smile at the camera so your parents could get a great picture of you? I must have been devastated when I was a child. Because to this day, I hate getting my picture taken and when I was younger, I would cry every time I saw the camera pointed at me. I don't cry now but you may see me sticking out my tongue and turning my head quickly or even get a not so nice and unladylike gesture pointed your way.
My mom worked at Olan Mills so I am sure I was a test dummy quite a few times in their studio. (Back in the day of film kids.) There is a picture of me when I was under two that I just love and Mom said that I was about to throw a temper tantrum and the photographer took the shot at just the right time. (Good for him.) But think about all those missed shots? If the photographer was not "quick on the shutter" then my mom would not have received the cute image that she did. Anyway, my point is, you should not have to force your child to smile during a photo session. (Except for my preteen nephew who gives the tough football player look in all his pictures.) It should be relaxed and fun. That way your child will give a true smile or an expression that is completely their own. It leads to a fun time, does not develop camera phobia as in my case and creates a precious keepsake for the family.
