The Toddler Challenge

How can you do successful family portraits with an energetic toddler?

I'm sure you've tried a few times at home, and you may have found that it's no easy task when your little one is just not interested in sitting still OR looking at the camera OR making a nice smile...


I have a lot of photographer friends, and a lot of them tell me they do NOT enjoy the challenge of taking family portraits involving little kids and toddlers. But I actually love it! I'm down for the challenge, and I have the patience and skills needed to make it happen.  Here are my 3 tips for your next family photo shoot!

tip #1 - add a prop

A prop that your kiddo can safely hold and enjoy can work wonders, while also adding a personal touch to the photos.  Here are some ideas:



  • Fake florals
  • Favorite blanket
  • Special stuffed animal

tip #2 - playtime

Take a look at how we channeled this little one's energy into a series of candid, fun photos. Mom absolutely LOVED these and so did I!

TIP #3 - don't stress

My family portrait sessions are never rushed or constrained to a short time period, and you can trust me to get the shots, whatever it takes!

they're growing fast... don't wait!


Book a free call today.

I can't wait to create something special for your family!

With love,
julie adams
By Julie Adams January 15, 2026
featuring designs by Chelsey Ceja
By Julie Adams September 9, 2025
location: DOWNTOWN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA goals: E-COMMERCE, SOCIAL MEDIA, MARKETING models: BRICKELL FRENCH, IESHA MASON photographer: JULIE ADAMS wardrobe stylist: ALIYAH COLEY assistant: ASPEN BROWN
By Julie Adams February 28, 2025
location: JULIE ADAMS' STUDIO goals: E-COMMERCE, SOCIAL MEDIA + MARKETING, EDITORIAL models: BELLA BISHOP, ASPEN BROWN, MARIANA CRAVER photographer: JULIE ADAMS videographer: DEREK FARMER creative director: BELLA BISHOP
By Julie Adams February 21, 2025
location: LINDEN ROW INN goals: EDITORIAL, VALENTINE'S DAY CAMPAIGN production team: 24 CREATIVE model: JASMYN WILLIAMSON photographer: JULIE ADAMS directors: STEFFENE CHEEKS + LEILANI KABIGTING hair: DAJOUR ARTIS makeup: NAYA CAIN wardrobe stylist: ALIYAH COLEY styling assistant: DE'QUAN MADYSON necklaces: SODR3AM coat: TRAVIAN VANN
By Julie Adams January 23, 2025
location: JULIE ADAMS' STUDIO goals: HOLIDAY EDITORIAL, SOCIAL MEDIA, E-COMMERCE production team: 24 CREATIVE PRODUCTIONS models: PARIS HOLMES, JAYDUHHH, PHANTASIA MASON photographer: JULIE ADAMS wardrobe stylist: ALIYAH COLEY hair stylist: MARY PUGH makeup artist: JASMINE MOOS creative director: STEFFENE CHEEKS co creative director: LEILANI KABIGTING
By Julie Adams December 18, 2024
this was my second time doing portraits with this dapper duo...
By Julie Adams June 25, 2024
need some ideas for your maternity shoot?
By Julie Adams August 3, 2023
on a down-pouring summer day like this one was...
By Julie Adams June 23, 2023
what to wear, what to wear?!
By Julie Adams June 2, 2023
AS SOON AS I BEGAN PHOTOGRAPHING ANNA & ELLA, I KNEW WE WERE GOING TO CREATE SOMETHING SPECIAL....