One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, “How do you always get your kids to smile for pictures??” The truth is, I don’t. I mean, they smile for pictures, but if i’m being honest, there are plenty of times they won’t. I do have a few tricks up my sleeve though for how to get kids to smile for pictures, and I thought I would share them with you! If you’re looking for the perfect guide to keep in your camera bag instead of digging through your pinterest boards, check out mom-tographer’s cheats– it’s got quick tips on settings, poses, ideas, and even my personal camera settings for images I have created.
5 tips for how to get kids to
smile for pictures
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Get them to talk to you.
When you start asking question about things that make them happy, they tend to start smiling, and look at the “photo session” a little differently. The minute you show them the session is about them, they tend to loosen up and the genuine smiles make their appearance.
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Tell them to laugh as loud as they can
.
I rarely have a session that I don’t ask my clients or my own kids to laugh as loud as they can. Of course, it’s ridiculously fake, but it’s so ridiculously fake that it ends in real laughter. In other words, genuine smiles!!
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Schedule your session for the right time of day.
If there is one thing I can count on, it’s that my children don’t do anything happily if they are hungry or tired. If I expect to get my kids to smile, I don’t plan on taking pictures when either of those things are likely. They must have full bellies, and be well-rested.
This is a great tip for how to get kids to smile for pictures, and one that is often overlooked!
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Play their favorite song.
No matter what the age, awesome music brings on smiles!!
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Let them play.
Ditch the posed pictures, and go for the candid or lifestyle shots. Letting your kids play, and being a “fly on the wall” will give you the most opportunity to capture genuine smiles.
If you’re dead set on having one picture where your subject is looking at you, Get ready with your camera, and call for them while they’re in the middle of playing!!
I hope this helps when you are photographing your little ones, and takes some of the guesswork out of how to get kids to smile for pictures!! If you’re ready to take your camera out of auto mode, and into manual mode check out my silent ecourse/ ebook! Work at your own pace, and from the comfort of your own home without having to hire a sitter! It’s the perfect crash course for the mamarazzi!Do you have tips to share on how to get kids to smile for pictures? Share them with our readers by commenting below!!
xoxo,
lorrin
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This is such a helpful guide! It is so hard to get that genuine smile from a little one, especially if you are photographing a child that you are only meeting for trhe first time on the day of a shoot.
i’m glad you found it helpful, claire. it is hard with kids you’ve just met, you’re so right!!
A great bit of information!! Thanks for the share. I’ll be using these pointers soon.
I’m so glad you found them helpful. Chantale! Thanks for reading.