One of my first clients was the cutest family ever, Cody, Jamison, and Wesley Cornett. They let me photograph their little family last year in New Braunfels where they live. Their little guy, Wesley is the most adorable little angel toddler you've ever seen, so when they asked to do some bluebonnet photos before they leave Texas, I said, "Of course!" Unfortunately, on the day of, Wesley was in no mood. It took an hour of cajoling and toys and songs and jumping but we managed to get some GREAT shots of their little family amongst the Texas state flower.
When I tell you that Wesley was just NOT feeling it... the number of photos I have of him looking like he's about to grab my camera and throw it! But every once and awhile, I'd trick him into forgetting he was grumpy and get a little smile.
One tried and true way I've found to get smiles with toddlers is fake sneezing. I do not get it, but it works like 95% of the time. Wesley loved it and even started doing it himself to make us laugh. Heart-melting.
Jamison and Cody were much better than me at getting him to cheer up and smile for the camera.
Another trick I like to use with toddlers who are in no mood for a photo session is just to let them be. I'll take some pictures of just the parents or the other siblings, and let the little cool down and realize it's not so bad in front of the camera. With Wesley, it worked like a charm!
Wesley alternated between being fascinated by the bluebonnets to being a little bit terrified of them.
Jamison and Cody are such amazing parents. Gently encouraging Wesley to warm up, engaging with him and making sure he's comfortable. You love to see it. And all in all, I think we were able to get some great photos for this sweet family. Hopefully they remember only the giggles and none of the grumpiness! 💙💙💙
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