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.
Ducks, Deception, and Toddler Cooperation: How did I get the Picture?
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.
Tip #1: If you want real, joyful moments with little kids, don’t ask them to pose. Ask them to help. Make it fun. And always be ready for the magic.
Also, ducks are surprisingly cooperative co-stars.
Tip #2: For Me, Wardrobe is a Key Factor in Creating Timeless Images That Truly Tell a Story
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.
Tip #3: A Little Bribery Goes a Long Way.
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! 🦆