8 Ways to Get Kids to Smile Naturally for Photos

Capturing genuine smiles from your children can feel challenging, especially when they tend to pose with grumpy faces instead of their charming smiles. Parents often crave more candid photos of their little ones, and it's completely understandable! Whether you’re planning to take the photos yourself or enlist the help of a professional like Locations Photography, here are some effective strategies to encourage those natural smiles during your photo sessions.

1. Play Peekaboo.
This classic game is particularly effective with toddlers. Ensure your camera is at the ready to capture their joyful reaction as you engage in this playful interaction.

2. Use Tickle Time.
If your child is ticklish, this can be a delightful way to provoke laughter during your photo shoot. Timing is crucial, so be mindful of when to initiate the tickling to avoid being in all the pictures yourself. Embrace the fun, and let your child enjoy the moment.

3. Toss Them Up.
If your child is still small enough to be lifted, tossing them in the air can evoke genuine delight and laughter. Just be sure to join in on the fun so you can capture their blissful expressions!

4. Try Reverse Psychology.
If you’ve ever told your child to stop doing something, you know they couldn’t resist. Tell them not to smile, and chances are they will break into giggles, resulting in wonderfully candid shots.

5. Make Funny Faces.
A simple yet powerful technique—putting on a silly face can often coax real smiles from your little ones. Don't hesitate to mix in some amusing sounds to elevate the laughter!

6. Engage in Games.
Children naturally gravitate toward games, making them ideal for getting delightful photos. Encourage your kids to pop out from behind objects or challenge them to jump as high as they can. Be ready to snap those joyous moments!

7. Encourage Belly Laughs.
If you want to elicit genuine smiles, show them how to belly laugh! Though it may seem contrived initially, it often leads to contagious laughter from both kids and parents alike.

8. Share Some Jokes.
If your kids are a bit older, prepare a few light-hearted jokes to tell during the session. Classic knock-knock jokes are always a favorite and should get them giggling.

If you're working with Locations Photography, rest assured that our professional photographers will offer guidance to capture these special moments, so relax and enjoy the experience!