Three year olds are smart, maybe that's why they find so much trouble. They can also have periods where they have very nice behavior. They are also usually capable of sitting and looking right at the camera and being pretty cooperative. That is, when they want to be cooperative. Here are a few tips to help them want to be cooperative.

1. Help them get excited about their photo session. 

Make the upcoming photo session sound like fun! Talk it up and be super positive for several weeks or days before. Say things like "next week is really special because we get to go get your pictures taken." Show them a printed picture and talk about how they will get to give or mail some pictures to their grandparents. Say things like "You get to meet a new friend who is also a Mommy like me. Her name is Mary. She's going to show you her camera. It's different than Mommy's phone but it takes pictures of you. Mary is going to set up a fun spot for you with a pretty picture on her wall that you get to go see soon, and see what new toys she has." You can even make a paper chain to count down the days until picture day. You can even plan something special afterwards like ice cream or your child's favorite dinner and talk about that as well. 

2. Bring their favorite snack or treat, but don't tell them.

We can pull out the snack at just the right moment, if we need to. I have prizes to give out but sometimes fruit snacks or the child's favorite snack will get them more excited. You know what your child will respond to the best.

3. Schedule their session right.

Make sure you schedule the session for a time of day that they are usually happy and well rested. Avoid errands, appointments, and distractions before the photo session. If your three year old will be the only one getting pictures, find someone to watch the siblings during the photo session. Make it an easy day so you are relaxed and your three year old is relaxed. Make the day fun and about them.