Most children will say “cheese!” automatically when they see a camera, but the smiles the word “cheese!” produces are canned and unnatural. The teeth are usually gritted, and the rest of their face just looks fake.
1. Distract Them.
To get natural, beautiful smiles, the kids need to be distracted from the camera. Get them talking about their family, school, what’s around them, pets… Anything and everything. Or, give them something to do, such as running, jumping, holding a flower, or spinning. When they are focused on other things, they are more likely to relax and forget about smiling!
2. Be unpredictable.
They are expecting you to tell them to say “cheese!” Instead tell them to say “pickles!” or “toot!” Try telling them not to smile. Depending on their age, it will work every time!
3. Be silly.
Ask them to be silly and then be silly back. Tell them to show you a grumpy face and then scream. Be as silly as you can.
Your goal is not to make them smile, but give them a reason to smile.
Kylee is the owner and founder of Kylee Ann Studios, where she’s spent more than 15 years building a photography business rooted in creativity, connection, and serving her clients well. She’s a mom, business owner, and photographer who loves making people feel comfortable and capturing the real moments that make their stories unique.
She specializes in commercial and brand photography, family photography, weddings, seniors, newborns, and more throughout Cache Valley and Northern Utah.
January 8, 2016
Kylee Maughan
