Picture day is approaching, but what if my kid doesn't smile?
Little Macy's first photoshoot is coming up, and you're hoping, praying, pleading that she'll flash that smile that you live for. Or at least maybe not run from the photographer.
With two kids of my own and as a professional photographer that specializes in pictures that are often exclusively of or include children, trust me when I say I understand!
The truth is that no one--even me--can get those huge belly laughs and sweet grins every time. They're little people and we can guide them but they do have minds of their own. But that being said, I've learned a few things along the way that may help set you up for success.
And as a side note, I will often send a questionnaire for my clients to fill out prior to their session, asking them questions about the ages of their children and to specify any needs or preferences so that I know if I should be acting like Peppa Pig, singing Daniel Tiger songs or commenting on someone's smelly feet. But without further ado, here are some of my top tips and tricks to get your kid to smile for pictures:
Make sure your kids are fed, and napped (if applicable)
Planning your session for naptime? Not ideal, unless it's for a newborn and you're aiming for sleeping pictures. In which case, disregard the napping part.
I've taken my kids out during naptime, and I've without fail paid for it every single time. How much more so for picture day? This is super important for the littlest ones!
Talk about pictures and pretend practice beforehand
It may sound silly, but some of my clients do this and their kids always shine for their sessions! Kids don't always do super well when they're thrown with the unexpected (especially if it is their first time!), and sometimes talking it out beforehand and making a game of it can help! Just make sure you don't turn it into a chore for them. Maybe even practice as if you're the one getting your photo taken (with them as photographer) to help capture their interest.
Bribery
I may or may not bring treats/surprises for my little clients (with permission from their parents, of course!).
Prompts over posing
Wait, what?
Prompts are a fun method many photographers (myself included) will sometimes use for more candid photos or genuine expressions. Often, telling a toddler to sit "just so" may not work out well (I've seen a few where it did and they were the exceptions!), but get them involved in tickle fights or playing peek-a-boo around a tree and they're all smiles. It's often the most effective way to get sweet expressions from kids, or to help ease nerves or tension. The idea is you use a prompt to get a certain reaction/behavior:
"Hey, Eli! Can you find mommy's nose?"
"Go tickle daddy!"
Using prompts can also help me to capture some more interactive family photos as well.
Follow their lead, give breaks as needed
If you've had or been around a toddler for any length of time, chances are you know how stubborn children can be. If you go head to head with a toddler and try to force them to pose for photos when they don't want to... first off, don't. Second, it wouldn't work anyway. You could in some universe theoretically succeed in getting them to be in the position or place that you want but I can guarantee you that you will see the whole situation on their face every time single time you look at the photo. Better to give them a break, regroup, play a game, ANYTHING but become harsh and critical or try to force them to sit a certain way.
Bring drinks and snacks
Bonus tip: Not messy ones. And because all snacks can be messy in the hands of a toddler? Bring wipes.
You'd be surprised what a pack of gummies can do to pick up a kid's mood!
If you know how to get your kid smile, join me--but stand *right* behind the camera!
So many well-intentioned parents jump behind the photographer, but not close enough, and the difference in where the kid's eyes are focused is noticeable, especially for more close-up shots. Even if you have to put a squeaky toy on my head, I'm good with that. The goal is to get their eyes as close as possible to the lens. I will often bring small noisy toys and perch them right on top of my camera to draw the attention of little ones and much of the time that's enough. But some kids are especially reserved and a parent right behind me does do the trick. Just don't unintentionally draw their eyes AWAY from the camera.
Know that it's okay if they *don't* smile
Many parents are so used to the idea of "say cheese!" that it doesn't even occur to them that non-smiling photos can actually be JUST AS CUTE. My kids smile in some photos, and not in others. One thing that's helped me to let go and not be pushy about it? They're not the last photos they'll have taken. And smiles or not they're still THEM and they can't help but be adorable no matter what they do.
I usually aim to get at least one genuine smile from all of my little clients, but I never try to force the issue, and I always take my cue from the kids and their parents when they're just done. I can easily imagine why being put in front of a complete stranger and told to smile could be intimidating to a child, so I try to let my kids warm up and get used to their environment a little, also!
The good news? Most of them do smile, and I try to always be ready for it!
If you're on the hunt for a photographer with years of experience working with kids, you've come to the right place! I'm based in Winchester, VA and serve the surrounding area. Contact me by clicking the button below!
