What is the best way to get your 1 year old to sit still for a picture?

Answer 1

When you find out, let me know. Just kidding... one year olds are tricky critters... you never know how they will react to an experience. Sometimes, you can bring a favorite toy, and that will help. Other times, nothing helps. A recommendation is that you take pictures all the time of your child to help them get used to the idea of having their picture taken. Every once in a while, try to get them to sit still long enough to get a posed picture, but most of the time, just get action shots of what they do all day. Sometimes taking pics with an older sibling or cousin can help at a photo shoot... having someone familiar near them when they are taking pictures can help allieviate some of the stress. Make sure that the person who will be taking the pictures has experience with children. Many children are scared when the person pulls out a puppet, starts making funny faces or starts hitting themselves with a toy hammer on the head. Go a few minutes (or even days) before your session, and watch the person who will be taking pictures. See if they seem to have good technique for getting young children to smile. Also, dont' have too high of expectations... as long as your child isn't wailing- it's a good picture. I've seen parents who try for an hour to get their child to take a picture, and end up frustrated and angry because they couldn't get their child to smile at some stranger who is putting pressure on them to smile. Make sure you set your appointment for the best time of the day for your child... first thing in the morning is usually good. Make sure they are not tired, and have eaten. Take a snack with you in case you have to wait for someone else to finish, and some toys as well. If it doesn't seem to be working after about 20 minutes of trying to get your child to smile, ask the photographer if you can come back later in the day and try again. Give your child a rest, and try again later. You want the experience to be positive- since you are probably going to take them to get pictures done again in the future, so try your best to remain patient and responsive to your child's needs. They have an entirely different agenda than you do- and sometimes they don't want to go along with what you have planned. Go with the flow... that has to be the motto of a parent of a toddler!

Answer 2

outside pictures or even ones with your child doing an activity are far more interesting and easier than trying to make a kid sit still. my son refused to sit for a picture. he kept crying and fidgeting on the table. it just made me very angry and him upset. it was not worth the effort. doing a photo shoot in a natural setting is more meaningful. snapping photos of them at the park or playing in the water. you can have the picture printed to whatever size you want and put effects on them yourself and have them matted and framed.

Answer 3

give them something new to look at. Eg. before one christmas i brought a lovely gold star about 8cm. It matched the theme and they were interested enough to sit still for a while. Also do outdoor photos - peeking through a ladder etc. They are busy and you can snap away.

Answer 4

I know how hard it is to sit still!

keep it short, dont keep them there all day...

tell your wee one that if they are well behaved they will get a reward....

know that no matter what...a child will move when they want to!

and when they are the age of my babies (11,12, 14, almost 16) you will be glad to see even those pics you use to think of as 'bad' lol

Answer 5

I used M & M's they would get one candy I did photo shoots of my twins and my son and they are close in age. Real close. Just hold tehm up or give them something to hold. a present at christmas a non breakable ornament. Candy cane ets..... try breaking them in half for a little one.

Answer 6

after they have napped, been changed and fed..they should be in a happy mood and ready to smile. good luck.

Answer 7

The photographer will know what to do... don't worry.