Let’s face it — toddlers are notoriously unpredictable. But guess what? That’s actually a good thing when it comes to family beach photos! It’s a fun space to explore, play, and make some beautiful memories. Preparing your toddler for success can make all the difference, so I’m sharing some helpful tips I’ve learned over the years!

1. Eat a Good Meal Beforehand

• Full stomachs = happy kiddos: Plan to have a full meal (or at least a well balanced snack) before your session, even if its well before normal dinner time. Avoid overly heavy meals that may make them sluggish, but something nutritious will help keep their energy levels up and moods positive.

2. Plan for the Weather

• Being too hot or too cold can definitely impact little ones and their experience. We will be in communication if the weather looks like it will be too windy, cold, or even too hot for your beach session. As a rule of thumb, I usually say to expect it to feel 20 degrees colder on the beach than more inland, simply because the wind off the cold water is very chilly! If it’s a chillier day, adding a simple knit cardigan or bringing a cozy blanket to stay warm can help toddlers manage the cooler temps better. If it’s mid-summer, keeping the clothing light and comfortable will help in the heat!

3. Let Go of Perfection

• The most important thing is capturing the fun, love, and memories. Sand gets messy, there is almost always some wind, kids might run off or splash in the water, and that’s all part of the charm of a beach shoot! We will still get “the shot” of everyone looking at the camera, but embracing how fun it is to simply play together on the beach is a gem all in itself!

4. Bring Snacks

• Snack breaks: Sometimes snacks can help keep kids energized and happy (even if they JUST ate — trust me my own kids could snack every 30 minutes it seems!). I always suggest non-messy, neutral colored snacks if possible so clothing doesn’t get dirty. Foods like animal crackers, graham crackers, or granola bars are great choices!

5. Pack a Towel or Change of Clothes

• For after the session: Sand can get everywhere, and a lot of times we end up partially in the water so bringing a few towels will make cleaning up much easier after the shoot. A change of clothes is also a great idea, especially if the kids do end up splashing around the water.

6. Be ready for anything!

• Stay Positive When We Need to Pivot: I’ve worked with hundreds of toddlers and the one thing we can all agree on is that they can be pretty unpredictable. That’s honestly what makes toddlers SO fun! My job is to lean into that – whether that means giving breaks and extra snuggles as needed (plus, snuggly photos by the ocean are pretty stinkin sweet!) or just rolling with a new game to play (I have a lot of games to suggest and pivot to!). Trust the process. Even when it feels chaotic, being able to happily shift and keep things light and fun is an important part of getting joyful, genuine photos.

Shawna Bielat Photography is a family, newborn, and maternity photographer in Virginia Beach, Virginia. If you’re ready to book the beach session of your dreams, inquire here! I’d love to meet you!