Don’t ever be afraid to give your kid toys during a photo session. Kids play and if giving them toys gives them something to do then that’s great. As I always say, people look awesome doing something -especially something they like doing. Kids tend to like playing with toys so give them toys and let’s get some awesome photos of them playing. Toys can also work as an awesome ice breaker to get rid of those nervous jitters and get that smile out.
In other words, this is just another way to say that if you want great photos of your kids then let them be kids! Whether it is a formal dress event or just a nice day at the park, photos of your kids will be much more authentic if you just let them be themselves as opposed to someone you want them to be for that event. There may be a wedding, but your kids are still kids. There may be some sort of political inauguration with powerful men and women in every seat in the house and your kids are still kids. Let them be kids and that friendly chaos will give you photography gold at some point and give you photos worth having on your wall.