Family photos with toddlers don’t always go according to plan, and honestly, I don’t think they need to. When this sweet family booked their family photo session at Carmel Valley Ranch, I was given a little heads-up: their toddler had had a rough time with family photos the year before. Naturally, I took that as a personal challenge. Not a challenge to make him sit perfectly still, look at my camera, and smile on command.My goal was to make sure he actually had fun with me. And by the end of our session? We were besties.
Family Photos at Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch is such a beautiful setting for family photography because there is so much variety without needing to make the session complicated. For this session, we wandered through the vineyard, explored the lavender, found beautiful pockets of California sunshine and, most importantly, gave their little guy plenty of room to be a toddler. Instead of expecting him to perform for the camera, we played, and I made elephant noise.
We explored the lavender. We played peek-a-boo. He ran around with Mom and Dad, loved on his baby sister, hung out with the family dog, and got to investigate everything around him. Those little in-between moments ended up being some of my favorites from the entire gallery.
What If My Toddler Won’t Cooperate for Family Photos?
This is one of the biggest worries I hear from parents before a family session.
“What if my toddler won’t smile?”
“What if they have a meltdown?”
“What if they won't sit still?”
My answer: they don’t need to.
Toddlers are going to toddler.
Rather than spending an entire session trying to force a two-year-old into poses, I’d much rather get down on their level, play with them, be a little ridiculous, and figure out what makes that particular kid light up. We’ll absolutely try for the classic family portrait where everyone is looking at the camera. But the photos that often become favorites are the ones where your child’s actual personality comes through, the silly faces, exploring, snuggling with Mom, running toward Dad, or crouching down in a patch of lavender with the biggest grin. And yes, sometimes winning them over becomes my personal mission. 😂
This little guy went from being the kid I was warned might not love family photos to holding my hand as we got off the shuttle together at the end of the session. My mamma heart was basically a puddle.
Relaxed Family Photography in Carmel Valley
My approach to family photography in Carmel Valley and the Monterey Bay area is a mix of lightly posed portraits and candid, playful moments. I want you to have the photograph where everyone is looking at the camera that you can frame for Grandma, but I also want the photographs that feel like your family.
The way your toddler laughs when Dad throws him into the air.
The way your baby looks curled up against you.
The tiny hand reaching for lavender.
The family dog patiently tagging along.
The expressions and relationships that exist right now and will look completely different a year from now. Especially with babies and toddlers, those are the details worth remembering.
Planning Family Photos While Staying at Carmel Valley Ranch
If you’re visiting Carmel Valley for a vacation, wedding, anniversary, or family getaway, scheduling portraits during your stay can be an easy way to document everyone together in a place that already has meaning attached to the trip. Carmel Valley has a completely different look from the beaches of Carmel and Monterey. Think vineyards, rolling hills, oak trees, lavender, warm California light and a relaxed countryside feel. It’s especially beautiful for families who want something a little more natural and rustic than traditional Carmel beach family photos.
And if you’re traveling with young children, keeping the session playful and flexible makes a huge difference. You don’t need perfectly behaved kids to have beautiful family photographs. You just need to show up and let me handle the rest.
Looking for a Carmel Valley Family Photographer?
I’m a Monterey Bay family photographer photographing families throughout Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Pebble Beach and the surrounding Monterey Peninsula.
My family sessions are relaxed, kid-friendly and focused on giving you a combination of beautiful family portraits and the candid little moments that actually feel like you.
And if you have a toddler who supposedly “doesn’t do photos”?
Send them my way. 😉
