How To Get The Best Smiles From Your Kids

The best, real smiles, come most naturally when your family is relaxed and able to stay in the moment.

One of the most common things that parents worry about when taking pictures is if their kids will smile and when they do, whether it will be with a “good” smile.  

The best, real smiles, come most naturally when your family is relaxed and able to stay in the moment. Here are a few tips for getting genuinely happy expressions.

Being open to and expecting to have fun will help your family have a relaxed session

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Kids Will Be Kids

My first tip is to not worry whether your kids will behave. 

Family photography sessions feel like high-stakes situations. We can put a lot of pressure on our children to pay attention, sit still or smile on command but by prioritizing your family during your session we can do our best to keep everyone happy. If kids need to wiggle or run around a little there’s absolutely time for that to happen. Expecting them to be themselves is one of the best ways to stay relaxed. 

Being The Focus Of my Camera Is Not As Scary As You May Think

I completely understand that it can be hard to keep things easy going with a camera pointed directly at you. But most of the families I work with feel comfortable with me by the time we get going. By the time we have a family session, we’ve already met. 

My job is to see the best in your family and photograph those loving connections.  I’m looking for the connections between you and your family. Who is making who laugh? Who likes to hold hands with their parents? These are the things I’m looking for not a perfect pose (though I can help direct you into one )

I got you.

Knowing You’re Getting Great Images Of Your Family Makes It Easier To Let Go and Have Fun

Sometimes it’s hard to relax worrying about whether you’re getting the photos of your family that you were really hoping for.  At certain points during the session I’ll show you a couple of photos if it’s in the studio at the end or at the back of the camera so that you can see they’re getting the photos that you love.

I can’t tell you how many of the absolute best smiles come from unplanned moments of connection and just straight up silliness. 

I always have a plan and that plan allows for you and your family to be themselves for those real moment laughs and grins. 

Sometimes being relaxed is really nothing more than giving yourself over to the process, knowing that I see and I’m looking for only the best in your family and trusting that who your kids are and who you are are all the real you. It's going to make for the best images and the most realistic smiles.

If you have a question or have an idea for your family portraits, I’d love to hear it. Send me an email.