What began as a simple idea for some portrait practice quickly turned into a joyful and creative daily photo project—centered around life in lockdown with a two-year-old. Capturing toddlers in portraits can be a challenge, and anyone who has tried knows how unpredictable they can be. Yet, this project managed to capture the vibrant personality of a toddler across many days, using minimal equipment and maximum patience.
Becca, a photography enthusiast and a passionate parent, started sharing daily portraits of her daughter. Each image stood out not only because of its technical quality but also because of its simplicity and the way it captured genuine expressions. Her toddler, full of energy and curiosity, became the star of an ongoing photo story that unfolded through a camera lens.
This project soon caught attention, not just because the photos were adorable, but because the idea itself felt so attainable. With basic tools, a thoughtful setup, and creative engagement, Becca managed to create something both beautiful and real. This story explores her journey, tools, tips, and the moments that made the project come alive.
Why This Project Began
Becca’s daughter, Lenox, had recently transitioned from a baby who enjoyed the camera to a toddler who avoided it completely. No matter what approach she tried, it became increasingly difficult to capture focused portraits. As a result, most of the images she had were lifestyle or documentary shots taken in the moment.
Despite these challenges, the idea for a structured portrait project took root. It wasn’t planned as a long-term commitment at first. It started with a lucky moment when Lenox sat still long enough for a clean headshot as part of Becca’s personal photography challenge. That single success led to another day, and then another. By the third day, something unexpected happened—Lenox picked up her toy camera and asked to take a photo of her mother. That playful reversal sparked a new dynamic and opened the door to more willing participation.
From that point, it became clear that the project could be more than a fleeting series. It became a daily ritual, offering both a creative outlet and a way to capture unique memories of lockdown life. While some days went more smoothly than others, the outcome was always worth the effort.
How to Start Your Toddler Photo Project
You don’t need a black backdrop, professional lighting, or even a studio space to start this project. Becca made her setup work in a small home with limited light by creatively using what she already had. The essential requirements are simple and accessible. You need a camera with manual controls, a basic backdrop, a stool or chair for the toddler to sit on, and something white to act as a reflector.
A plain wall can act as a clean background if you're short on materials. However, Becca used a double-sided reflector with one black side as a backdrop. This allowed her to position her daughter in the area with the best natural light, without worrying about distracting elements in the background.
If you want to take a similar approach, consider using black fabric or thick black paper. A white reflector could be anything from a piece of foam board to a car sunshade or even a white sheet. Keep the setup simple and portable so you can move around your home to find the best lighting each day.
Choosing the Right Location
The perfect location would be a plain, uncluttered wall with ample window light that falls softly across your subject. Unfortunately, very few homes offer this ideal setup. In Becca’s case, she didn’t have a single suitable wall with good lighting, but she did have a large black reflector. By placing this behind Lenox and positioning her on a small stool, Becca created a focused composition that was both dramatic and flexible in terms of light placement.
The stool gave her daughter a fixed spot to sit in while the reflector created consistency in background tone. By doing this near a window with soft, diffused light, Becca ensured that her portraits had both depth and clarity.
Reflectors can be purchased online at a low cost or made at home using basic materials. What matters most is that the light falls naturally and gently on the toddler’s face, creating a soft shadow that gives shape and dimension to the image without overpowering it.
Working With Light and Exposure
Becca preferred to use natural window light, but like many people in compact homes or dim climates, her options were limited. England’s low-light days and small windows made it a challenge to find a bright enough space. She eventually settled on the room with the best available light and positioned the reflector so Lenox would be lit from the side.
With the light source on her left and slightly above Lenox, Becca was able to achieve a soft, moody effect in her photos. To compensate for the low light, she increased her ISO. This did result in some grain, which she balanced by using a slightly wider aperture.
Her general settings for portraits were:
Shutter speed: 1/250 seconds
Aperture: f/3.2
ISO: 800
These settings allowed her to freeze motion (important when photographing wiggly toddlers), get enough of Lenox in focus, and maintain a well-lit exposure without introducing too much grain. On brighter days, she would adjust the aperture and ISO accordingly to maintain her aesthetic.
Using Reflectors to Balance Natural Light
In most home environments, light enters from a single direction, especially if you’re using a window as your primary source. When side lighting is used without a secondary light source, it often creates heavy shadows on the opposite side of the subject’s face. These shadows can be useful to add depth and drama, but sometimes they become too harsh or dark for a soft portrait, especially when working with children. This is where a reflector becomes a valuable tool.
Reflectors are used to bounce light back into the shaded areas of the subject, lifting the darkness just enough to show details while maintaining shape. For Becca’s toddler portrait setup, this became essential after a few days when she noticed the shadows on Lenox’s face were deeper than desired. The solution was simple but effective. She created a reflector using a large white piece of cardboard and positioned it on the opposite side of the light source. By doing this, light from the window was reflected toward the shadows, softening them and creating a pleasing balance across Lenox’s face.
You don’t need to buy a professional reflector. Many household items can be repurposed for this task. A white wall, a large sheet of paper, a pillowcase, or even a white shirt can serve as a makeshift reflector. The key is to place the white surface close to the subject, angled to catch the incoming light and redirect it. This technique works best when done carefully to avoid casting a secondary shadow or altering the natural look too much. Reflectors don’t overpower light—they simply fill it in gently.
Another useful aspect of using a reflector is how it enhances the catchlight in the subject’s eyes. That tiny sparkle brings life and clarity to portraits, especially when photographing children. With just one window, Becca found that the reflector helped illuminate Lenox’s eyes and gave them a touch of sparkle that elevated the entire portrait.
Editing a DIY Black Backdrop
Black backdrops can create stunning contrast and dramatic portraits, especially when photographing toddlers with bright eyes and expressive faces. However, most do-it-yourself black backdrops—whether made from fabric, paper, or a reflector—are not truly black in photographs. Often, creases, reflections, or lighting inconsistencies appear, which can be distracting or take away from the professional feel of the portrait.
Becca encountered this issue with her reflector-turned-backdrop. Although it worked perfectly to isolate Lenox and simplify the scene, it had visible folds and didn't render as a solid black in-camera. To fix this, she used basic editing techniques to clean up the backdrop and enhance the overall polish of the images.
One of the easiest tools for this task is the burn tool in photo editing software. The burn tool darkens specific areas of an image, allowing you to manually deepen the tones in the background. Becca started close to Lenox using a low exposure setting—around 10%—to avoid accidentally darkening parts of her subject. As she moved further away, she gradually increased the strength of the burn tool up to about 35%, allowing her to create a seamless, dark backdrop without losing any details in Lenox’s features or hair.
It’s important to approach this step with patience and precision. Editing around a subject, particularly a toddler with soft edges like wispy hair or fine clothing details, requires a gentle hand. Going too fast or using a high-strength setting can make the background look fake or even cut into the subject, especially around fine edges.
For photographers who prefer not to use complex editing tools, an alternative option is to slightly underexpose the background during the shoot and use vignetting to subtly darken the edges in post-processing. This will draw the viewer’s focus toward the child’s face without heavily altering the image. Whichever method you choose, the goal is to remove distractions, enhance contrast, and keep attention on your little subject.
The Art of Toddler Wrangling
Perhaps the most challenging part of this project wasn’t the lighting, the setup, or even the editing—it was getting a two-year-old to sit in place, look at the camera, and smile naturally. Every parent knows that toddlers are unpredictable. One day they’re giggling on command, and the next, they refuse to participate in anything resembling structure. That’s why Becca had to become as creative behind the camera as she was in front of it.
The first strategy was preparation. On every shoot day, Becca would take several test shots of the scene before bringing Lenox into the frame. This gave her a chance to fine-tune exposure, check composition, and ensure that everything was ready. It was a necessary step because toddlers often have a short attention span. Sometimes the first photo is the best you’ll get before they lose interest and walk away. Without test shots, Becca might have captured perfect smiles with poor lighting—moments that couldn’t be recreated.
The second tactic was giving Lenox a sense of control. Rather than forcing her to pose, Becca offered choices: an outfit, a prop, or even an accessory. These small acts of autonomy made Lenox feel involved and excited about the shoot. On some days, she chose to wear a hat or even a bike helmet. On others, she insisted on pajamas or sunglasses. These unconventional choices brought variety and humor into the project. They also made the images feel more authentic, showcasing her personality rather than trying to fit a mold of what a child’s portrait “should” look like.
The third approach involved interaction. Toddlers respond better to play than commands, and Becca knew this well. She created games around the photo session. Sometimes Lenox would start by taking a picture of her mom with her toy camera. On other days, music was used to set the mood, or toys were brought in to provide comfort. Soft toys, musical instruments, or a funny face challenge all played their part.
Becca also had backup plans. On days when Lenox was completely uninterested, she didn’t force it. Instead, she skipped the session or involved their dogs to lift the mood. This flexible attitude prevented the project from becoming a battle of wills. Missing a day or two was better than ending the project early due to frustration.
Creative Ways to Keep Toddlers Engaged
Toddlers need novelty. Repeating the same setup day after day would have quickly made Lenox lose interest. So Becca kept things fresh with small but significant changes. One of the most effective tools was allowing her daughter to take charge of the photo theme for the day. Whether it was wearing a superhero cape or sporting swim goggles, these quirky choices kept the spirit of the project alive.
Another favorite activity was face painting. Becca ordered a small kit online, and Lenox was thrilled to pose with a tiger face or colorful butterflies on her cheeks. Of course, there was a trade-off—on one occasion, she only agreed to be photographed if she could paint her mom’s face too. The result was laughter, messiness, and one of the most memorable photo days of the project.
Props and household items also played a big role. From paper towel tubes turned into binoculars to using mom’s sunglasses, anything with a touch of imagination became part of the session. These simple props helped Lenox stay interested, and in many cases, they added a storytelling element to the portraits.
Becca also experimented with posing cues that felt more like games. Asking Lenox to make silly faces, peek through something, or look for the “little man inside the camera” (a clever trick to get eye contact) was far more effective than telling her to “smile.” Asking for a smile rarely works with toddlers. It often results in forced, unnatural expressions. The best photos came from genuine laughter, curiosity, and the unpredictability of play.
Some days were themed by accident. If Lenox was already dressed in a certain outfit, they worked with it. Pajama day, for example, was spontaneous but perfectly captured the laid-back feel of that morning. Rather than planning every detail, Becca embraced whatever the day presented. This made the project feel honest and flexible.
Encouraging Natural Smiles
The key to natural toddler portraits lies in engagement, not direction. Very few two-year-olds will sit perfectly still, look into the lens, and flash a perfect smile on command. What they will do, however, is react to fun, humor, and interaction.
Becca found that humor worked wonders. Telling a joke, making a funny face, or pretending something silly was happening behind the camera often got Lenox to laugh genuinely. Holding a favorite snack or toy near the lens also worked, especially if it was something she wanted.
Another trick was using voice and expression. Talking in a whisper, acting surprised, or changing her tone kept Lenox attentive. Asking simple questions like “Can you see the fairy inside my lens?” or “Where did the tiny elephant go?” sparked curiosity and drew her eyes toward the camera.
For toddlers, photo sessions can easily feel overwhelming or boring. But when they feel like part of a game or story, their natural expressions emerge. That’s when the magic happens—those fleeting looks, tiny giggles, and unexpected moments that can’t be staged.
Becca avoided overposing or correcting posture. If Lenox slouched, turned sideways, or added a goofy element to her pose, that was okay. These imperfections made the portraits feel more like a record of her real personality than a rigid photo shoot. The project was about capturing moments, not manufacturing them.
The Role of Editing in Storytelling
While the photography process captures the raw moments, editing is where those moments come to life in full color and emotion. For Becca, editing was more than just polishing images. It was a tool to emphasize mood, draw focus, and preserve the essence of each day’s story. With a toddler as the main subject, editing also helped bring consistency to a project that, by nature, was unpredictable.
Consistency is important in any long-term project. Because the images were taken over weeks, sometimes with changing lighting, clothing, and even backgrounds, editing served as a way to bring visual harmony to the series. Becca aimed to maintain the same editing style across her portraits to give the collection a cohesive feel. This often involved adjusting contrast, brightening the eyes, and refining the tones of the backdrop.
Beyond technical consistency, editing also provided a chance to revisit the emotion of each day. On days when Lenox was playful, Becca leaned into the brightness and warmth of the image. On more serious days, she allowed shadows to remain, letting the mood reflect how they truly felt. Editing became a form of emotional storytelling, where each image could be enhanced to better reflect the real moment behind the lens.
Editing also offered solutions to small imperfections that were otherwise hard to control during shooting. For example, tiny distractions in the background, smudges on clothing, or even stray hairs could be easily addressed during post-processing. These details didn’t define the photo, but removing or softening them helped the viewer stay focused on Lenox’s expressions and the feeling of the portrait.
Becca also used editing to ensure that her black backdrop remained clean and consistent. As mentioned earlier, DIY backdrops often have creases or uneven tones that become obvious in high-resolution images. Using burn tools, selective adjustments, and careful dodging, she refined the space around Lenox to appear smooth and uninterrupted. These techniques helped give each image a professional finish without sacrificing the homemade charm of the setup.
Ultimately, editing wasn’t about creating perfection—it was about amplifying intention. Each adjustment was meant to highlight what mattered most in the frame: a curious glance, a burst of laughter, or the subtle joy of quiet presence. These were the real subjects of Becca’s project, and editing helped honor them.
Building a Visual Diary of Childhood
The project, though initially spontaneous, eventually evolved into a visual diary of Lenox’s life. Over nine weeks, Becca captured the changes in her daughter’s expressions, moods, and even her understanding of the process. What started as a series of portraits became a documentation of development, not just in Lenox’s physical appearance, but in her personality and behavior.
Toddlers change quickly. Within a span of a few weeks, they may develop new habits, learn new words, or pick up different interests. Becca’s portraits unintentionally recorded these transitions. From the way Lenox held her toy camera to the outfits she chose, the images became timestamps of her growth. Over time, Becca noticed small shifts—more eye contact, greater willingness to sit for longer, and even purposeful expressions.
Unlike posed professional portraits taken once a year, these daily snapshots captured the nuances of everyday life. There was beauty in the repetition. Some days were vibrant and stylish, others quiet and simple. Each one reflected the tone of the day. Over time, this collection told a much deeper story about the rhythm of parenting during lockdown, the personality of a young child, and the value of staying present.
For parents and photographers alike, this serves as a reminder that photography doesn’t need to be reserved for special occasions. Everyday portraits, taken with intention, can become cherished records. Whether done for a few days or several weeks, a project like this creates something that can be revisited and reflected on long after the toddler years are over.
In building this diary, Becca also found herself more in tune with her daughter’s moods and preferences. She could anticipate better when Lenox might be in the mood for a photo, and she adapted her approach accordingly. Photography became a shared activity, not a task to be checked off, and this shift made all the difference in sustaining the project.
Letting Go of Perfection
One of the greatest lessons from this portrait journey was the power of letting go. At the start, there may have been expectations: clean backgrounds, sharp focus, a perfectly behaved toddler. But those expectations had to be released quickly in favor of flexibility and presence.
Toddlers are not known for consistency. Their energy fluctuates, their focus is limited, and their reactions are often spontaneous. Rather than fighting this, Becca leaned into it. On some days, Lenox barely sat still, or the lighting wasn’t ideal, or she refused every prop or pose. Instead of forcing the image, Becca adapted. She sometimes changed locations, allowed Lenox to direct the session, or simply skipped it altogether.
This approach not only reduced stress but also allowed the project to feel more joyful. The portraits became less about achieving a certain look and more about capturing truth. A toddler wearing sunglasses indoors, covered in face paint, or laughing with a toy in hand may not fit traditional ideas of portraiture, but those moments were real, and therefore more valuable.
Letting go of perfection also applies to technical execution. There were days when the exposure wasn’t flawless, the focus was slightly off, or the shadows were heavier than expected. But Becca chose to keep these images. They were part of the story. The imperfections spoke to the reality of photographing a two-year-old at home, and rather than detract, they added depth and humanity to the project.
This mindset is liberating for anyone considering a similar project. The goal isn’t to build a gallery of perfect images. It’s to create a body of work that feels meaningful, reflective, and honest. By accepting the unpredictable nature of toddlerhood, you open the door to moments that are more heartfelt than anything posed or polished.
Capturing Emotion Through Simplicity
One of the strengths of Becca’s portraits was their simplicity. With a plain backdrop, minimal props, and natural light, the viewer’s attention was drawn entirely to Lenox’s face, expression, and mood. This simplicity was not only a stylistic choice but a practical one. It removed distractions and helped the images communicate more directly.
In child photography, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by setups, themes, or elaborate styling. But toddlers don’t need much to shine. A genuine expression, captured in soft light, is more powerful than any number of props. Becca’s use of simple tools allowed her to focus on timing, interaction, and emotion—elements that truly elevate a portrait.
Simplicity also helped highlight the unique charm of childhood. Whether Lenox was curious, shy, giggling, or contemplative, the portraits had space to breathe. There were no busy backgrounds or overpowering elements. Her face and mood were always the central subjects, and that made the connection with the viewer more intimate.
Even the choice of clothing played a role. Lenox often wore comfortable outfits, sometimes chosen by herself. These weren’t always photo-perfect but reflected her personality and daily life. On some days, she wore a superhero cape. On others, she wore pajamas. Each choice added a layer of authenticity.
This minimalistic approach is accessible to anyone. You don’t need a studio or expensive gear to create powerful portraits. A small area of good light, a stool, and a plain wall are enough. The rest comes from interaction, observation, and the willingness to see beauty in the everyday.
Teaching Toddlers Through Photography
Unexpectedly, the project also became a learning experience for Lenox. As the days went on, she began to understand the concept of sitting still, looking at the camera, and waiting for the shutter click. At two years old, this was a significant development. It showed her growing patience, attention span, and ability to follow through with a process.
By being involved—choosing outfits, taking toy camera photos, giving feedback—she began to participate actively in the process rather than being a passive subject. This helped her feel more comfortable, and over time, she became more confident in front of the camera. While she didn’t always want to pose, she developed a greater sense of cooperation.
Photography also gave her a way to explore self-expression. Through costumes, props, and themes, Lenox could explore roles and emotions. These subtle forms of play helped her understand concepts like performance, observation, and reflection. Even if she didn’t have the vocabulary to express it, she was learning about storytelling through participation.
This benefit can be extended to other children as well. Involving toddlers in photo projects—no matter how simple—can help them explore identity, creativity, and routine. It also deepens the bond between parent and child. Rather than feeling like a forced activity, it becomes shared time, filled with laughter, surprises, and sometimes, quiet reflection.
A Portrait Project Beyond Lockdown
When the project began, it was framed by the unusual circumstances of lockdown. Like many people, Becca was searching for something creative to fill time, bring structure to long days, and stay connected to joy in a difficult period. But by the end, the project had grown into something far bigger than just a way to pass time.
Nine weeks of nearly daily portraits produced a gallery of growth, emotion, and connection. Looking back, Becca could see not just the development in her photography skills, but the evolution of her daughter’s personality. From early resistance to joyful participation, from random props to intentional themes, the journey was rich with meaning.
The success of the project proved that meaningful work can be done in small, consistent steps. It didn’t require exotic locations or flawless technique. It required patience, flexibility, and a desire to see the beauty in fleeting moments.
For those inspired by this story, the takeaway is simple: you don’t need a reason to begin. Start with one photo. Follow it with another. Whether the project lasts for a week or three months, each image adds to the story. Over time, what you create will be far more than just a photo series. It will be a legacy of connection.
From Candid Chaos to Heartwarming Keepsakes
Photographing toddlers is often unpredictable. Their energy, mood swings, and tendency to explore make it difficult to follow any rigid plan. However, it is exactly this unpredictability that creates the most beautiful and authentic portrait moments. In this part, we explore how to embrace the chaos, follow their lead, and use it to your advantage to create images filled with joy, spontaneity, and natural beauty.
Letting Go of Expectations
One of the most liberating shifts in mindset for photographers working with toddlers is to release the need for perfection. Unlike adult portrait sessions where you can pose, direct, and style, toddlers often reject rigid structure. Their sense of time, emotion, and attention span moves fast and in unexpected directions.
Understanding that your role is not to control the moment, but to follow and frame it, is key. Instead of expecting a toddler to sit still and smile, allow them to be who they are—curious, wild, stubborn, imaginative. The moments when they’re belly laughing, clumsily dancing, or making silly faces are far more powerful than a stiff pose.
Letting go also applies to the environment. A studio session with pristine lighting and props may be hard to manage. Sometimes the best photos come from a living room floor, a messy garden, or a sandbox. These familiar, relaxed environments make the toddler feel at ease and lead to natural expressions.
Following the Toddler’s Lead
Instead of directing the session, let the toddler be your creative partner. Allow them to choose a toy, a corner of the house, or even their outfit. This participation gives them a sense of control and comfort, resulting in a happier child and more genuine images.
If the toddler runs to the window, follow with your camera. If they pick up a toy and start talking to it, get down to their level and capture the moment. Your flexibility and attentiveness to their whims help capture their real personality.
Keep your camera ready for unexpected moments. Toddlers don’t wait for your cue. That spontaneous giggle, that look of awe, or that soft, pouting moment might last only a second. Anticipate the unpredictability. Be observant and stay alert throughout the session.
Building a Photo Story, Not Just a Portrait
Instead of treating each photo as a standalone portrait, consider the entire session as a narrative. Capture a series of moments that collectively tell a story—perhaps from waking up with bed hair and pajamas to playing outside and finally winding down with a snack.
This storytelling approach makes the portrait project more personal and memorable. It showcases a day in the life of the toddler, capturing not just their face but their world. Over time, these story-driven projects become invaluable to families, filled with context, personality, and the fleeting beauty of childhood.
Each element—where they play, what they wear, who’s with them—adds a layer to the visual story. These details create emotional depth and authenticity that can’t be replicated in a single posed image.
Using Light to Elevate the Ordinary
Light is an essential element of portrait photography, and with toddlers, using natural light effectively can transform even simple moments into stunning portraits. Observe how light flows into your space during the day and position your toddler accordingly.
Window light is soft, flattering, and easy to work with. Position the toddler near a window or doorway. Pay attention to where shadows fall and how highlights contour their face. Use curtains or reflectors if needed to soften harsh daylight.
Golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset—is another magical time. If you’re outdoors, this gentle, golden light can wrap your subject beautifully and enhance the emotional warmth of the photo.
In low-light conditions, embrace the mood. Grainy textures, deep shadows, and contrast can evoke a dreamlike quality. Just be sure to manage your shutter speed to avoid blur, or intentionally use motion blur to convey energy and emotion.
Managing Meltdowns and Mood Shifts
It’s common for toddlers to go from giggles to tears in seconds. Understanding this rhythm and responding with calm, patience, and flexibility is crucial. Take breaks. Let them rest. Offer a snack. Play their favorite music. Or just give them a moment of quiet.
It’s important not to view these mood shifts as failures of the session. Sometimes, the most tender and vulnerable photos emerge during quiet, reflective moments. A tearful expression, a longing gaze, or a tired cuddle can be profoundly beautiful and emotionally resonant.
Adapt your approach to the toddler’s needs. Don’t push through if they’re overwhelmed. Instead, reset, refocus, or even reschedule. Parents appreciate a photographer who values the child’s well-being over getting the shot.
Editing with Emotion in Mind
Once the session is over, the editing process allows you to highlight the story and emotional tone. Choose images that show variety in expression and action—joy, curiosity, mischief, rest. Avoid over-editing or heavy filters. Let the realness shine through.
Pay close attention to skin tones, especially in natural light. Remove distractions, crop creatively, and enhance contrast or warmth to draw attention to key areas like the eyes or hands.
Keep the child’s world intact. Sometimes that toy on the floor or the crumbs on their cheek are part of the charm. Editing should enhance, not erase, the authenticity of the moment.
Conclusion:
Photographing toddlers is an exercise in joy, patience, and vulnerability. It’s not about achieving perfection or forcing a smile. It’s about showing up with your camera, your heart open, and your expectations lowered. When you meet a toddler on their terms, magic happens.
The beauty of toddler portraiture lies in its rawness and chaos. Every session is different, shaped by the child’s unique personality and energy. As a photographer or parent, your role is to create a space for those moments to unfold—naturally, freely, and lovingly.
These portraits become more than just photos. They become windows into a fleeting stage of life. They hold the essence of who the child is before they grow into who they’ll become. Years from now, these images will carry laughter, love, and a deep reminder of the messy, magnificent days of toddlerhood.
So let go. Play. Laugh. Follow their lead. And trust that the most beautiful portraits aren’t always the ones we plan, but the ones we allow to happen.