Occasionally, I have a session (usually one that includes a two year old), that just isn't coming together well.  Little one is refusing to smile, often repeating, "NO!"  This is when parents are at their whit's end.  They are frustrated and seriously contemplating ending the shoot and going home to cry.  Do you stop?  Do you cut your losses and just curl up in a corner? 

I have had one time where I did.  A 20 minute mini session which lasted for 45 minutes, and guess how many pictures I got.....ZERO!  I was more than disheartened, but I knew this particular child would not settle down.  He was precious!  My camera ached to photograph him, but it was not to be.  

Obviously, I was not going to win him over in a 20 minute mini session.  Have I had children in FULL sessions that took nearly an hour to warm up?  Yes!  What do you do in this situation?  Honestly, you just let the child be a child.  Capture those sweet moments that only a child at that particular stage has.  If he's crying, get it!  If he's telling you "NO", get it!  When all else fails, bribe him.  That's right, a little sugar never hurt ANYONE!  And guess what... it goes a long way!

I just loved this, and thought it might help your feelings if you have EVER had a moment when your child made you feel like you were raising the child from the EXORCIST! Haha!

Much love,

Shan

This being said, this child was a typical two year old, and I totally enjoyed his shoot.  Just when you think your kid is bothering everyone, remember....Mrs. Shanna loves her babies even when they don't particularly love her!