Apr 12, 2025 | By: Photographer for Mars, Pa
Toddler Adventures at Nanny’s: Baby Ducks, Mud Puddles & Magical Moments
I absolutely love when my grandson comes to stay with me—there’s nothing better than having him here, exploring the outdoors and getting into a little bit of fun. This weekend, we took the baby ducks for a walk, splashed around in mud puddles, and watched the ducks take their very first swim. Every moment was a treasure, and as a photographer near Mars, Pa, having the chance to capture these special memories is truly a dream come true.
You might be wondering—how on earth did I get my two-year-old grandson to cooperate with the ducks for pictures? Easy. I didn’t ask him to take pictures at all.
Instead, I used a classic technique: strategic toddler misdirection.
I told him I wanted to take pictures of the ducks and asked if he’d help me. If I had said, “Hey buddy, let’s take some pictures,” it would’ve been game over. But giving him a little “job” made all the difference.
Boom. Instant buy-in. He had a mission. He was my duck scout. And once we were out there, the rest of the day was pure play—mud, giggles, feathers, and all.
Also, ducks are surprisingly cooperative co-stars.
I made sure his outfit was picture-perfect—because nothing sets the stage for magical, storybook moments like the right wardrobe. But let’s be honest… the second he stepped outside, that clean outfit didn’t stand a chance. And that’s totally okay! Muddy knees, grass stains, and a happy little boy? That’s the good stuff. I didn’t stress for a second—because little boys are basically magnets for dirt, and honestly, it just adds to the story. With my camera ready, I caught all those playful, heart-melting moments.
Before the weekend was over, I managed to sneak in a couple of studio portraits of my favorite little guy.
My grandson knows my studio like the back of his hand—he’s well-acquainted with every truck and toy. So when he wanted to play, I told him if we could snap a picture of the ducks downstairs, we could then have some fun. After the ducks, I asked, "How about a cookie?" When he grinned and said "yes," I asked if he could help me take a picture of Mr. Teddy first. And just like that, we were on a roll.
The grand finale? I pulled out a jar of my homemade snickerdoodles, and his little face lit up with the best smile ever. 🍪✨
Oh, and then there was the final picture. Nap time came, and I put him down in one of my antique toddler beds. With the lights already set, I quietly turned them on and added a few ducks to the shot. He’s a light sleeper, so I wasn’t brave enough to move him, but I love how it turned out. Sometimes, you just have to work with what you’ve got! 🦆