How to Get Kids to Smile for Pictures Naturally

Ahhhh, the age old question: “how to get kids to smile for pictures naturally?” As a mom of four, I can tell you firsthand that some kids hear the word “smile” and immediately forget how their face works. In fact, I have two children who do exactly this. But I’m not naming names here. 🫠 The second someone says, “Smile for the camera!” their entire face freezes. Their lips stretch into something that technically resembles a smile, but it looks more like they’re enduring a dental procedure than having fun. You know the look.

Eyes wide.

Cheeks tense.

A smile that says, “Please make this stop.”

It’s not them. It’s just what happens when we suddenly become aware of a camera. (Adults do it too!)

That’s why I don’t spend our session asking your children to look at me and smile. Instead, I focus on creating moments that make smiling happen naturally.

Because the secret to getting kids to smile for pictures usually starts with one thing:

Stop asking them to smile.

Because Genuine Smiles Come From Genuine Moments

Think about the smile your child gives when their sibling tells a silly joke at the dinner table, the laugh that sneaks out when Dad starts acting ridiculous, and the grin they get when they’re being chased through the backyard…

That’s the smile we’re looking for.

The one that appears when they’re completely focused on having fun.

When children are engaged, connected, and enjoying themselves, they stop thinking about the camera.

And that’s when the magic happens!

Family Sessions Should Feel More Like Play Than Posing

If you’ve never worked with me before, here’s a little secret:

Most of our session won’t feel like a photoshoot.

We’ll walk.

We’ll explore.

We’ll play games.

We’ll race to a tree.

We’ll snuggle.

We’ll probably make animal noises at some point.

Your kids will move.

They’ll wiggle.

They’ll laugh.

And yes, sometimes they’ll completely ignore me.

That’s okay too.

Because children aren’t meant to sit perfectly still and smile on command. (Especially when it’s an heirloom portrait.)

They’re meant to be playful.

They’re meant to be themselves.

When we give them space to do that, the photographs become so much more meaningful.

The Best Photos Usually Happen Between the Poses

Some of my favorite images from every session happen in the moments parents don’t expect.

It’s the split second after a joke.

The giggle that happens when everyone is trying to hold still.

The look your son gives you when you pull him in for a hug.

Those moments can’t be forced.

They can’t be posed.

They simply happen when everyone relaxes and enjoys being together.

And those are the photographs families treasure for years.

What If My Child is Shy?

I’ve photographed enough children to know that every child shows up differently.

Some are outgoing from the start. Some need ten minutes to warm up. Some never stop talking.

None of those things are a problem.

When it comes to how to get kids to smile for pictures naturally, the answer looks a little different for every child.

My job isn’t to force your child into becoming someone they’re not.

My job is to create an environment where they feel comfortable enough to be themselves.

Because when that happens, genuine expressions follow.

And those genuine expressions will always be more beautiful than a forced smile.

The Goal Isn’t Perfection

Yes, we’ll get the family portrait for the Christmas card, and we’ll also get those little sparks that of who you all are as family in this season right now.

Because someday, you won’t need a photograph to prove everyone could sit still and smile at the same time.

You’ll want to look back and remember what it felt like to be their mom right here.

And that’s the smile I’m looking for.

Ready for Family Photos That Feel Like Your Family?

If you came here wondering how to get kids to smile for pictures naturally, I hope you’re leaving with a little peace of mind. They don’t have to sit perfectly still, look at the camera, or smile on command to create photographs you’ll love. 🤍

My Fall Family Portrait Calendar is now open, and I’d love to create photographs that capture your family as they are in this season. The smiles, the laughter, the movement, and all those little pieces of them you never want to forget.

Ready to plan your fall family photos?