I’ll let you into a little secret…I hate fake smiles! You know the ones where you’ve been ordered to grin for the camera. But I love, love, love smiles that happen 100% naturally and are often accompanied with laughter. Now those are the types of smiles I adore! So, here are my tips to get kids to smile for the camera naturally!
- LET THEM PLAY!
I love holding family photo shoots in playgrounds. It’s the perfect place for children to explore, run, swing and climb to their heart’s content! And as you can see from these shots, it’s a great way to capture naturally happy expressions! No forced smiles here!
- HIDE THE CAMERA!
As soon as you tell them you want a ‘nice’ photo you’re doomed! However, if you play a game of hide ‘n’ seek they’ll soon forget about the camera! You could hide behind a huge tree, a tiny comfort blanket or even a garden bench!
- FAST ACTION SHOTS!
It’s near on impossible to jump, run, twirl or scoot without a smile on your face! And as they get faster or the jump gets more adventurous, you’ll find their smiles get larger and larger! Why not add some props into the mix? A superhero cape or giant bubble wand will add extra fun to proceedings and really distract them from the camera!
- LET THEM DRESS UP!
Talking of superhero capes, there’s nothing better than having an alter ego in front of the camera! So, grab that unicorn costume, Batman cape or Harry Potter wand and let their imagination run wild! It’s a great way to boost their confidence and record this phase of their life! Just imagine their faces when it’s shown on their wedding day!
- LET THEM LAUGH AT YOU!
This shot is a great example of what I mean! Before I took this photo, I pretended to sit in poo! Really sticky poo that was ohhh so stinky and pooey! The more I described the poo the louder he laughed! So, relax and have fun with your kids and let your camera capture the moment they erupt into giggles!
BONUS TIP TO GET KIDS TO SMILE FOR THE CAMERA!
Don’t worry if you can’t get kids to smile for the camera naturally. Sometimes grumpy faces are just as much fun and even goofy expressions can bring a smile to your face. So, forget trying to get the perfect smile and simply embrace the moment!
And finally, remember to print it! Don’t leave it on a USB stick or your phone. Print it, frame it and display it…that way your kids are more likely cooperate when they see your camera next time!
Of course, you always book a photoshoot with me I’ll create a gallery of fun images you can enjoy for generations! Simply visit www.alexandra-tandy.com
