The Blog

Insights from Kati, Founder of Stay the Course and Early Childhood Expert

Hi, I’m Kati, the founder of Stay the Course and a former early childhood educator with Teach for America. My career started in Los Angeles, teaching prekindergarten, where I discovered the magic of working with young children. They’re so full of wonder, curiosity, and personality, and I quickly realized that by honoring every part of who they are—their voices, feelings, and interests—we can help them develop confidence, self-awareness, and resilience.

Now, through Stay the Course, I focus on supporting teachers and addressing educator burnout, but my heart remains in the world of young children. Today, I’m thrilled to share some tips for creating joyful, engaging photo sessions for kids under five—making these experiences feel just as magical as their everyday adventures.

Helping Kids Shine in Front of the Camera

Little ones thrive in spaces where they feel seen and valued. In a classroom, that might mean recognizing their special name tag or seeing dolls with the same hair color as theirs in the dramatic play center. In a photo session, it’s about creating an experience that reflects who they are.

Here are some ways to make that happen:

• Connect to their world. Share something relatable, like “Mary Catherine reminds me of your teacher—so funny and kind! Don’t you think?”
• Give them choices. Ask, “Should we smile or make funny faces for this picture?” or “Do you want to skip or walk along the path?”
• Tap into their imagination. Encourage poses or moments tied to their favorite characters, songs, or activities. “Remember when Daniel Tiger sings about holding hands and feeling less afraid? Would you like to hold hands for this picture?”
• Validate their feelings. If they’re restless, acknowledge it: “You’re getting tired. I’m tired too – we’ve been here a while, haven’t we? Let’s set a timer to take a break soon.”

The more a child feels like the session is tailored to them, the more likely they’ll open up—and that’s where the magic happens.

Keeping Little Ones Happy During a Session

The first step to a great session is ensuring your children’s basic needs are met (as best you can – we all know the occasional hunger or sleep strike can happen at the most inconvenient times!) When kids – and adults, too! – are tired or hungry, it can make it harder for them to regulate their bodies and feelings. 

As parents, you set the tone! Children mirror the energy of their caregivers, so staying calm and joyful can help your child feel the same. In practice, that may look like taking deep breaths and keeping your voice low. 

One trick I loved as a teacher? Whispering. When the classroom noise felt overwhelming, I’d start speaking softly—it always grabbed their attention and made them giggle! Try it during your session if things feel chaotic.

As a toddler mom, I can vouch that there is no such thing as “powering through” with a two year old! If your child needs a break, honor that. Clarify their needs (“Do you need a snack or a cuddle?”) and adjust the session plan if necessary. Avoid asking them to “hang in there a little longer” as this amplifies challenging behaviors and can delay your session even further. 

Bonus Tip: Discuss with your photographer the difference between “needs” and “wants” in terms of your final photo gallery. There may be some poses, outfits, or styles of photos that are more important to you than others. If your children are struggling and it is becoming clear that you cannot “power through”, your photographer can prioritize your “needs” list and let go of the rest so you can honor your child’s limits (while still feeling like the session was a success!).

Preparing for Success

Preparation is key for helping kids feel ready for new experiences like a photo session. Here are some ideas:

• Practice at home. Use your phone or camera to take fun “practice” photos. Let your child see the process from start to finish.
• Introduce the photographer. Schedule a virtual meet-and-greet or show your child their photo online. Talk about the session in an exciting way: “Mary Catherine can’t wait to meet you!”
• Choose the right outfits. Try them on ahead of time to ensure comfort—no scratchy tags or too-tight shoes!
• Explore feelings. Talk about what they might feel during the session, reassuring them that all emotions are okay.

Similar to how families are prepping for their session, photographers benefit from prep too! You may have the photographer set aside a few minutes ahead of the session for parents to share more about their children:

• What makes your child laugh?
• What kind of attention does your child respond to (or dislike)?
• In what ways can I best encourage your child?
• When your child gets overwhelmed, what restores their calm and peace?
• Are there favorite songs or fingerplays that might help put them at ease or keep their attention during lulls in the session?
• What are your child’s special interests or favorite extracurricular activities that I might ask them about?

Parents, you can also volunteer this information if your photographer doesn’t ask for it. You are your child’s best advocate! We are trying to set children up for success, and preparation from all parties involved is a huge part of feeling ready and confident for this experience.

Using Props, Toys, and Snacks

Developmentally, children’s brains and bodies are still learning how to regulate. Parents serve as co-regulators for their children through their calming presence, the example they set, and any tools at their disposal (think: A lovey, pacifier, or blankie). 

Your toolkit for a photo session can absolutely include treats, snacks, or special toys! You will not spoil your children or create bad habits. When you introduce these tools, be clear about expectations or limitations. 

For example, setting a timer to use a fidget toy or eat a snack will help ensure a smooth transition back into the session: “The toy will go back into our bag when the timer goes off and our break is over.”

The Power of Connection

The secret to a great session isn’t in perfect poses or outfits—it’s in helping your child feel loved and supported. By creating a space where they feel like they truly belong, you’ll capture not just photos, but the essence of who they are.

With a little preparation, patience, and understanding, your family photo session can become a treasured memory for both you and your child.