Toddler Photographer Rochester, MN

If you’re reading this, you probably have a toddler and want beautiful images before they grow up. Toddler photography is one of the most challenging genres—little ones don’t stand still, they dash off at any moment, and can only concentrate for about 30 seconds. Trust me, I know—I have two kids. That’s why you need an experienced photographer to capture those fleeting expressions.
Our adaptable approach helps ensure a relaxed and fun atmosphere, allowing us to capture your child’s genuine personality and those spontaneous, joyful moments.

Here, we’ll explain what we offer, answer common questions, and share tips to ensure your toddler’s session is well-planned and stress-free.

Pricing

Sessions for toddlers last one to two hours at most, and we bill at the same rate as our regular family photo sessions. If you think you’ll want more shoots down the road—whether a future maternity session, maternity portraits, senior graduation pictures, or even wedding coverage—you may prefer our membership options. Send us an email to learn more.

Digital Images

Every package includes all the images we select and retouch, delivered in full HD with no watermarks and a full print release. While you’re free to print anywhere, we recommend avoiding cheap labs and using our professional printing services for the best quality.

Why do you really need a professional photographer to take your toddler’s pictures?

Photography is a bit like playing a musical instrument. Some passionate amateurs manage to create beautiful music, and in photography, it’s the same. I’ve seen parents take great photos of their kids, and let’s be honest: when it’s your own child, the connection and understanding you have goes far beyond what I could ever have.

But is passion and connection enough? Not always.

Toddler photography is uniquely challenging. First, kids are unpredictable. They change their minds in seconds, move in every direction, and rarely stay still. You need solid action photography skills, almost like shooting sports. Their facial expressions shift constantly, too, and it’s easy to miss the moment if you’re not ready.

On top of that, toddlers don’t wait for the light to be perfect. If you’re moving locations often (as toddlers tend to do), you need to quickly read the light and adjust or gently guide them to the best spot with flattering lighting and a clean background.

And while your bond with your child might spark that big belly laugh, it can also make it harder for them to listen to you. You’ve probably noticed it yourself—kids often behave better with a stranger than they do with you at home.

So, unless you’re a very skilled amateur with good gear and fast reflexes, the answer is probably yes,you’ll benefit from hiring a professional photographer for your toddler’s portraits.

And trust me, as a professional, I can tell you: toddler sessions are some of the most exhausting, but also the most rewarding.

Planning Your Session

Best Age for Portraits

First, wait until your child can sit up on their own. Once they’re walking confidently, it becomes a great window for their first portraits, though still challenging. Generally, waiting until about two years old yields better results: toddlers focus longer, understand directions, and have boundless energy.

Nap Time and Snacks

Kids set the pace, so schedule your session around nap time and bring snacks to keep tummies full. Make sure they slept well the night/morning before—tired toddlers rarely cooperate and may end in tears.

Diapers and Comfort Items

Pack a well-stocked diaper bag—no one wants a rashy bottom on camera. If your toddler has a favorite blanket or teddy, bring it along for comfort and candid moments.

Pacifiers

We generally avoid showing pacifiers in images. If your child needs one, opt for a neutral or clear design to keep the focus on their face.

Location Options

Decide whether you’d like a studio, outdoor park or in-home session. Home sessions are ideal when toddlers need a familiar, safe space—especially in their own room, which lends personalized charm to their portraits. For outdoor shoots, check our park recommendations in Rochester. Unlike downtown engagement sessions, for toddlers, a neutral park works best for minimal distractions (downtown engagement sessions are our specialty, but toddlers need calm).

Weather

In Minnesota, winter can be very cold. Despite snow being very fun to play with (and therefore creating good images), kids being sensitive to cold weather, we recommend not scheduling when temperatures are below 15°F.

On the contrary, on a warm summer day, kids can be uncomfortable. That’s something we want to avoid as well.

Clothing and Props

Bring extra outfits—toddlers get messy. Avoid bright logos or text so the focus stays on your child. Swap plastic toys for wooden ones to prevent color distractions.

Fun Activities for Great Shots

Keeping toddlers engaged means more smiles. Introduce new toys or activities they haven’t seen before. Don’t preview props ahead of time, or interest may fade. Here are a few ideas:

• Offer fruit like apple slices or clementine to capture candid snack moments
• Use sensory games such as Play‑Doh or magic sand—parents can join in for interactive shots
• Set up painting for messy, joyful expressions
• Provide crayons and paper for drawing on a small table
• Have them blow bubbles or use a bubble machine and capture their jumps
• Fill a tin with water or use a water table for playful splashes
• Let them ride a rocking horse or push a toy car for seated action
• Finish with a cake smash—ideal for birthday milestones
• Include a costume change for storybook fun (knight, princess or dragon)
• Read a favorite book or sing a song together for tender parent‑child moments

Variations of portraits

Pets

Cats and dogs can join a shoot, but add an extra layer of challenge. Sometimes it can be cut by capturing interactions with your toddler and your pet.

Be Prepared to Adapt

Our primary aim is to create beautiful, authentic images you’ll treasure. Our goal is to have plenty of options. If one idea fails, we pivot to the next.

Sometimes, the authentic candid shots are even more powerful than the posed portraits!

Our primary aim is to create beautiful, authentic images you’ll treasure

In some rare cases, we’ll need to end early. But then we can discuss options to best capture what we need, which might include rescheduling or focusing on the most achievable shots.

Where to go for your photo session with a toddler in Rochester, MN.

A good place is a place that is safe, doesn’t have distractions for your kids (no loud noise, or games that will attract them too much). And of course, a place that is photogenic (no ugly distractions in the background and good lighting).
For a toddler session, we will remain mostly at the same place, so you do not need tons of options like for an engagement session.

Here is a short list of places that could work, but again, the small neighborhood park next to your home could probably work as well.

• Quarry Hill Nature Center & Park
  We love the lake, the graceful willow tree, and the geese that add charm to the scene. The Nature Center is a great backup option in case of bad weather.
• Silver Lake Park
  This park offers a beautiful lakeside view, a quaint little bridge, and a fun playground—perfect for both portraits and playful candids.
• Foster Arend Park
  We enjoy the peaceful lake and the playground, which offers a simple but effective setting for active toddler shots.
• Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
  We love the tall pine trees and high grasses for natural backdrops. The Nature Center can serve as a rainy-day alternative. The zoo makes a fun distraction—great for capturing kids’ awe-filled expressions. Or use it as a reward after the session.
• Wooden Castle Park (Soldiers Memorial Field)
  One of the most photogenic playgrounds in Rochester. We recommend going early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Essex Park
  We appreciate the open grassy areas, tall trees, barn-style red shelter, and small playground. It’s a quieter park, which helps toddlers stay focused without too many distractions.
• Cascade Lake Park
  We love the expansive view of the lake and the sandy beach, which is ideal for candid, playful shots. The newer playground is great too, but can be busy—like Wooden Castle, it’s best enjoyed early in the day or used as a post-session reward.
• Chesterwoods Park
  With a large lake, wide open meadows, its beach, and a fishing Pier, Chesterwoods offers lots of variety. It also has a nice playground. Consider incorporating toy fishing or beach play for added activity and natural smiles.
• Plummer House Grounds
  Elegant and timeless, Plummer House provides a refined setting for family portraits. While there’s no playground, the beautiful architecture and gardens create a calm and classic backdrop.
• Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center
  We love the open meadow spaces, and the facility provides a covered option in case of inclement weather.
• Sekapp Orchard & Northwoods Orchard
  For a rustic or fall-themed session, apple orchards like Sekapp offer charming rows of trees, colorful leaves, and a warm seasonal atmosphere. Eating apples, playing with pumpkins, or going on a wagon tour are classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking and Planning Your Session

Q: How far in advance should I book my toddler session? A: We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially if you are hoping for a session during a peak season like fall, spring, or around the holidays. This lead time provides greater flexibility for scheduling and ensures we can reserve your preferred date.

Q: What time of day is best for a toddler session? A: The best light of the day is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. That being said, the most important thing is your kid. The best time is always based on your child’s unique rhythm. We recommend scheduling the session when they are naturally most alert and content, avoiding their usual nap and meal times. For many toddlers, mid-morning after a good breakfast is ideal, but you know your child best.

Q: What happens if we need to reschedule due to illness or bad weather? A: Life with toddlers is unpredictable, and we understand completely! If your child is sick, please let us know as soon as possible, and we will happily reschedule at no extra charge. For outdoor sessions, we constantly monitor the weather. If conditions are poor, we will contact you to either move to an indoor backup location (if available) or reschedule without penalty.

Q: My home isn’t a showpiece. Can we still do an in-home session? A: Absolutely. In-home sessions are about capturing your family’s connection in a place that is meaningful and comfortable for your child. We are skilled at using creative angles and natural light to focus on loving moments, not the state of your home. You don’t need a perfectly styled house; all we need is a window with good light and your family. A quick tidying of one or two areas is more than enough.

During the Session

Q: What should we do if my toddler is shy or anxious around new people? A: This is very common, and we always build in time for your child to warm up. We start by building rapport, showing them the camera, and letting them get comfortable at their own pace before we begin shooting. We never force interactions. Often, toddlers respond well to a new face and are less likely to test boundaries than they might with a parent.

Q: What happens if my toddler has a meltdown or refuses to cooperate? A: It’s a normal part of toddlerhood, and we are prepared for it! We can take a break, introduce a new activity, or simply capture the authentic, stubborn moments, which often become memorable photos in their own right. If a toddler is truly having an off day and we can’t get the shots we want, we can end the session early and schedule a complimentary, shorter “make-up” session on another day. Our goal is a positive experience for everyone.

Q: What should our family wear for the photos? A: We recommend choosing comfortable clothing in solid, neutral, or complementary tones for the whole family. This creates a coordinated, timeless look without being distracting. Please avoid bright logos, busy patterns, or clashing colors, as the focus should always be on your family’s faces and interactions.

Q: Should we bring our own props and snacks? A: Yes, please do! Bringing familiar snacks is a great way to keep your toddler happy, and we can even incorporate snack time into the shoot for natural, candid photos. While we may have a few basic props, bringing your toddler’s favorite toys, books, or comfort items will make the images more personal and help your child feel at ease. We find that wooden toys often photograph better than brightly colored plastic ones.

After the Session

Q: How long will it take to receive our photos? A: We know you’re excited to see the final images! Our professional retouching process is done with care and attention to detail. You can expect to receive your private online gallery of high-definition, edited images within 1-2 weeks of your session.

Q: How much retouching do you do on the photos? A: Our style is natural and clean. We edit for optimal color, brightness, and contrast. We will also take care of minor, temporary blemishes like a scratch from the playground, a small bruise, or a runny nose—things that aren’t a permanent part of your child’s appearance.

General questions

Q: Can grandparents or other family members join the session? A: Of course! We love capturing multi-generational portraits. To keep from overwhelming your toddler, we typically focus on the immediate family first and then bring in grandparents and other relatives for group shots afterward.

Q: Do you offer themed sessions, like for a birthday? A: Yes, we love getting creative! We are happy to plan themed sessions for holidays, birthday cake smashes, or just for fun with costumes like knights and princesses. Just let us know what you have in mind when you book so we can prepare.

Q: What makes French Touch Photography different from other photographers? A: As a parent of two, our photographer has firsthand experience with the beautiful chaos of toddlerhood. We combine this personal understanding with professional, technical expertise in action photography. Our approach is patient and adaptable, blending documentary-style candid captures with artistically guided portraits to create images that are both authentic and timeless.

General Questions

Conclusion: Hold Onto These Precious Years

The delightful chaos, the infectious giggles, the pure, unfiltered joy – these hallmarks of toddlerhood are incredibly precious, and they pass by in the blink of an eye. At French Touch Photography, we understand the beautiful whirlwind of these years and specialize in transforming those fleeting, everyday wonders into cherished, professional photographs.

Don’t let this magical time simply become a distant memory. Preserving the happiness, the unique personality, and the boundless spirit of your toddler is easier than you think. One simple call is all it takes.

Contact French Touch Photography today and let us help you capture these irreplaceable moments before they, too, grow up. You’ll be so glad you did.