This post is all about TODDLERS! You know, the little humans in our lives who give the best hugs and open mouth kisses everrrr. Though incredibly cute and ever growing, setting up a family session can be a little intimidating as there is no guarantee on how your precious one will react.

To help set you up for the best success for your family beach photo session, I have compiled a list of five things you can do to make sure your session is everything you are hoping for!

Note: Even though the points below are directed towards vacationers, the topics apply to Pensacola Beach locals as well!

1. Naptime

Vacations are such an exciting time. From playing on the beach to fun packed days visiting Fort Pickens, the Naval Aviation Museum, or walking the Pensacola Beach Pier- vacation days can wear your little one down. It is very important to make sure that your toddler gets a nap on the day of your session.

I know it is easy to get caught up in all the beach fun and skip naptime, but playing naptime hookie is really best saved for all the other days during your beach stay.

A mother and two of her sons embrace as she kneels down in the white powdery sands of Pensacola Beach, fl. Her oldest stand behind her giving her a gentle kiss on the top of the head as the youngest hugs her tenderly.

2. Sand

For many vacationing toddlers, this maybe their very first time dipping their pudgy toes into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. This means it is also likely their first time walking, jumping, and sometimes falling into the fine white sand that brought you to Emerald Gulf Coast in the first place. For some youngsters, the sand is very scary and unfamiliar which may cause some tears.

To help prepare your toddler for your family beach session, I highly recommend finding a park with sand or a neighbor with a sand box and letting him/ her get acclimated to the feeling of the sand before you leave for your vacation. If you find that they hate it, NO WORRIES! There are plenty of ways to still capture your important beach memories without putting your toddler in the sand.

A family of four sits together on the white sandy beaches of Pensacola Beach, FL. The father holds his two year old son while the toddler kisses his mother. The baby sister in sitting in her mothers lab and her mother holds her close to her.

3. Eat Before the Session

One of the most looked forward to parts of vacations is the food, am I right?? This means that you aren’t settling for the nearest McDonalds while visiting our white sandy beaches. You and your family are looking forward to sitting down and enjoying the beach cuisine which may result in you choosing to eat dinner after your session. If that is the route you choose, no harm done! I personally recommend giving the children in your family a hefty snack before your family beach session.

Hungry bellies make for cranky kiddos, so a late day snack will be exactly what they will need to be happy and energetic for your session! While you are at it, make sure dad gets a snack too!

A four year old girl is hugging her fathers leg while being sweetly embraced by her older elementary aged sisters while vacationing on Pensacola Beach, FL

4. Treats Post Session

Sometimes our little ones just need some encouragement to keep having fun and making memories. A treat waiting for them post session, is the perfect way to motivate your child to continue playing or snuggling with the rest of the family!

If you have chosen me as your photographer, then your child’s post session treat is on me! During our pre-session call I will ask what your child(ren)’s favorite treat is and bring it to the session. If choosing another photographer, please be sure to grab their treat before arriving at the session.

5. Understanding

It isn’t often, but there are times that even though our beautiful kiddo, whose eyes glisten and smiles melts us, isn't in the best of moods. No amount of naps, sand play, snacks, or treats will change the way that they are feeling at that particular time. Parents, instead of getting upset or angry, please choose to be understanding. Our little youngsters are people too. They feel and think just like us, and though extremely inopportune to happen on picture day, are allowed to have bad moments.

If this happens to you during your session, do NOT be discouraged!! Yes, he may be screaming. Yes, she may be losing her mind. But we are seeing the entire motion taking place while your gallery will only show pictures of this time. Pictures of individual moments that nine times out of ten you can’t even tell they weren’t themselves. Stay calm, be loving, and please just be understanding.

I hope this list helps you feel more confident and ready to tackle your beach family session with your toddler!! If visiting Pensacola Beach, Navarre, Perdido Key, or Destin, FL I would love to be considered as your photographer.

Kristen Coberly is an award winning lifestyle photographer based in Pensacola, FL who specializes in photographing families, especially those with young children. As a mom of seven children under the age of nine, Kristen is equipped to help you capture the moments and memories you cherish during this beautiful stage of parenthood.