Okay, so most of us, if not all of us, have been there. Whether you are taking pictures of your own toddler or getting your family pictures taken and your toddler will just not cooperate. I photographed this sweet family and their 2-year-old was just not feeling it!! You've tried being silly, waving stuffed animals, bribing with candy/cookies and nothing seems to work.
 

Here are some tips:

1. Engage the toddler in an activity to take his mind away from the fact that you are taking his picture. Give them a favorite toy to play with or blow bubbles at them. For family pictures, I love when parents throw their toddlers in the air or swing them around. Always seems to work and makes kids smile, have fun, and forget the camera! 
 

2. Tickle them. Nothing gets true laughter like a little kid being tickled. Pictures with kids giggling uncontrollable always makes me smile.

3. When all else fails, embrace the moment no matter what it is. At this stage in life, toddlers can just be difficult! Don't be afraid to capture life as it is, even when its not "pretty".  It is a genuine moment that tells the story of this time of your life.