How to Get Natural Smiles from Your Kids During Photos

HOW TO GET NATURAL SMILES FROM YOUR KIDS DURING PHOTOS

"Hey buddy, look at the camera!" "Look at the camera and smile!" "If you co-operate, I'll get you ice cream later!"

Have you ever heard these things come out of your mouth during family photos - all while your own stress level is rising rapidly?

Did it work? Maybe for a short time they obeyed, but were the smiles genuine? Did you enjoy the experience of family photos?

IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE LIKE THAT...

Unfortunately, the fastest way to derail family photos is to add pressure to your little ones. Here are some alternatives to keep things light and playful.

So...how do you get natural smiles during family photos?

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER + TRUST THE PROCESS

It's my job to make sure you get beautiful photos. I usually try to get at least one photo of everyone smiling at the camera, but for most of your session, I like to work with what your children are giving and encourage snuggles and play.

If you're worried that they aren't smiling much, remember photos are fast. It takes less than a second of smiling to get an incredible photo. Don't panic. I'll let you know if we need to focus on getting your little ones to look at the camera.

EMBRACE PLAY + FOCUS ON CONNECTION

You know as well as I do that children feed off your energy. Their little nervous systems don't self regulate - they have to borrow yours. If you're feeling tense and not having fun, they'll probably echo that energy. If you're being silly and having a good time...bam. All the sudden, they're happy and smiling with you.

But you can't fake it. You have to actually let go and embrace the chaos.

Here's a few tips that can help us get amazing photos.

Tell them something silly

Pull them close, kiss their little cheek, and tell them I made a funny noise. Tell them that you think you saw a chipmunk hiding in my camera lens and I haven't noticed. Tell them I said they were wearing a color they aren't wearing.

Make it a little inside joke for just the two of you, but by putting me at the focus, their eyes will naturally wonder to me while they're laughing.

Attack them with kisses or tickles

If they're feeling a little camera shy, this can be an incredible way to get them out of their shell.

Spin around or have a dance party

This is a great way to initiate play and get the smiles going.

Forget the camera - connect with your child

At the end of the day, this is the best thing you can possibly do. Just spend time connecting with your baby. Try to angle faces towards the camera if you can, but don't sweat it. If you're enjoying your child and they're connecting with you - I promise, the photos will be wonderful.

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