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Simple Props and Child Photography near Mars PA

Jun 25, 2025 | By: Pittsburgh Area Photographer including Mars and Cranberry Township

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Storytelling Through Props: A Peek Behind the Scenes with a Mars PA Photographer

A prop gives a child something tangible to hold and explore, turning a photo session into a playful experience rather than a posed one. When children aren’t asked to look at the camera and smile, they relax and enjoy the moment — and that’s where the magic begins.

✈️ Imagination Takes Flight with Just One Prop

Sometimes, all it takes is one simple instruction and the right prop to unlock a child’s imagination. Like this little four-year-old boy, who walked down a quiet path holding a bright blue metal airplane. Wearing an authentic brown leather aviator hat and goggles, he was ready for takeoff. The only prompt I gave him was to pretend he was flying his plane while walking toward me—and just like that, magic happened.

 

Four-year-old boy in aviator hat and goggles holding toy airplane during outdoor photo session in Mars PA

While older children can often follow a bit of direction, toddlers are a different story—always on the move, full of curiosity, and rarely interested in standing still.

Toddlers + Props = Magic Distractions

Sometimes the best photos happen when toddlers aren’t even aware you’re photographing them. I use simple props to gently guide their attention or spark curiosity—just long enough to stand still for that one perfect moment. That’s often all I need to capture a natural, unposed image.

📸 One of my favorite examples is a one-year-old wearing a Winnie the Pooh inspired outfit, standing next to a rock where a tipped-over honey jar with a few of his favorite snacks was placed on the surface of a rock. The honey jar caught his attention just enough for me to catch his wonder-filled expression and then he reached into the jar—and the result was pure magic.

A close-up of a one-year-old’s wonder-filled face as he watches honey slowly drip down a rock beside him
One-year-old boy in Winnie the Pooh outfit at outdoor photo session with honey jar — toddler photography in Mars PA

From soaring imaginations with airplanes to exciting adventures with maps and swords, simple props open the door to a child’s world of play and storytelling.

 

For adventurous boys or girls...

I use simple props like binoculars, an old map, and a toy sword. This session was all about two brothers and the beginning of their exciting treasure hunt. With just one simple instruction—“Pretend you just found a map and are going on a treasure hunt”—I was able to create fine art images that look like they were taken straight out of a storybook!

Two young brothers with binoculars, a toy sword, and an old map, beginning their outdoor treasure hunt during a children’s photo session near Mars PA

Not every child needs a grand adventure—sometimes, the most tender moments come from stillness, comfort, and a beloved teddy bear.

The Quiet Comfort of a Teddy Bear

A small teddy bear can be the perfect companion—giving little hands something to hold and creating a sense of comfort and calm. In this session, a sweet little girl in a soft blue dress stood quietly by the creek, gently clutching a well-loved bear. This image carries a timeless, nostalgic feel—like a childhood memory you don’t even realize you’ve forgotten until you see it again.

From quiet creekside moments to high-energy games in the fields, each child brings their own energy—and the right prop helps me meet them right where they are.

🦋 A Net Full of Laughter

A butterfly net may seem like a simple toy—but in the hands of children, it becomes the spark for a game of tag, a chase, an adventure. One child runs ahead, laughing while the other clutches the net with determination. With just a simple direction—“Run across the field and try to tag your brother with it”—the race is on. These unposed, joy-filled moments are where the real magic lives, and a playful prop like this helps bring it to life.

Two brothers playing a game of tag with a butterfly net.  Both boys are wearing little overalls.
Two little boys running through a field at the edge of the woods while laying a game of tag with a butterfly net.

Wrapping Up the Magic!

These are just a few of my favorite props that help turn photo sessions into storytelling adventures. If you’re curious how I select the props I use, be sure to check out my next blog, where I’ll share my process and philosophy behind creating these magical scenes.

To Follow my series of blogs about 5 things I consider when planning a photo session for children click here!

Schedule a Fine Art Session or call 724-504-8711 for more information!

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