How do you get your kids to smile?

by Mom-to-Mom

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Depending on the age of the kids, I use any one of the following methods

Depending on the age of the kids, I use any one of the following methods

As a professional photographer I can make just about any kid smile. Depending on the age of the kids, I use any one of the following methods: I make a fool out of myself, make silly faces, silly sounds, chase them around, get down to their level, and I always have fun with them, which makes it easy to get a smile. Ironically, that doesn't hold true for my own daughter. She has been the subject of countless photographs and it seems the more I photograph her, the less she wants to be in front of the camera. So I've been trying a new tactic: props. I give her something to hold, something to do, and we have fun with that. Sometimes I have her play with a parasol, toys, flowers, shells, whatever is nearby. In this case, she posed with her new puppy Hershey, and the smiles were effortless. Liz: Tamron SP 70-300mm Di VC USD
Ask about things that make your kids happy

Ask about things that make your kids happy

I often don't try to get kids to smile; I mostly like natural expressions. Generally, when I say "smile" to kids before taking a picture, the photo ends up forced-looking! However, to elicit a smile, I either act silly or ask the kids about things that make them happy. Jeanne: Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 Di II VC
Catch them when they are not paying attention

Catch them when they are not paying attention

I like to take pictures when kids are engaged in an activity and are not paying attention to me or the camera. I have to admit I don't get these photos too often, but it is amazing when I do. It makes me so happy when I can catch someone laughing or smiling naturally! Jeanne: Tamron SP 17-50mm Di II VC
Make them laugh!

Make them laugh!

My teenage son needs a bit more prodding to smile for pictures now. I need to goad him into smiling by joking around with him and making him laugh. When they are laughing, that is the best smile you can get! Janet: Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD
Just ask the girls!

Just ask the girls!

Girls love to smile! Just ask them and they will be happy to pose and smile for you, especially my daughter. Janet: Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD
How do you get your kids to smile?

How do you get your kids to smile?

The moms are here with this month's exhibit "How do you get your kids to smile?" We hope our photos inspire you and that our tips help you to get better photos of your kids. Happy shooting! Hollie, Janet, Jeanne, Liz, Lynda & Stacie
Compliments, compliments, compliments!

Compliments, compliments, compliments!

While taking pictures of my kids I always encourage them with positive comments such as "You guys look great!" Lynda: Tamron SP 70-300mm Di VC USD
And more compliments!

And more compliments!

"What beautiful smiles!" I say. It works every time! Lynda: Tamron SP 70-300mm Di VC USD
Sing to them

Sing to them

With two little kids ages 3 and 1, I know first-hand how hard it is to get them to smile for photographs. I have found that if I make the session fun and inviting, they feel very comfortable and I am able to get those natural smiles to emerge. From a familiar toy or puppet, to a silly voice from mom, I can always make that frown turn upside down. One thing, I found successful is singing their favorite songs to them while behind the camera. I sing in my silly voices and I always get a big smile. :) Hollie: Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD
Talk with them

Talk with them

Sometimes when I am trying to get a certain type of smile, we'll talk about the day, or school, or something fun and happy. Shooting while she's thinking about her answer yields some great thoughtful expressions. Stacie: Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 Di II VC
Go crazy...

Go crazy...

I think photographing a group of girls or boys is always difficult. I like to start with letting them go crazy and make lots of funny faces... Stacie: Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 Di II VC @ f/2.8 using window light
...then ask for a nice smile

...then ask for a nice smile

After a few shots of nutty faces, I ask them to smile nice. It usually works, but I still shoot a few on continuous drive to be sure I get at least one shot with good expressions on all. Stacie: Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 Di II VC @ f/2.8 using window light
Bribery always works

Bribery always works

When smiles are not working, bribe your subject with whatever works! Stacie: Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD using window light

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Hello. Welcome to Mom-to-Mom, a series of photo exhibits that feature non-technical tips and artistic inspiration from image-making moms. The exhibits, which focus on a new theme each month, are designed to encourage other moms like you to experiment with your cameras, lenses, a…

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How do you get your kids to smile? The moms are here with this month's exhibit "How do you get your kids to smile?" We hope our photos inspire you and that our tips help you to get better photos of your kids. Happy shooting! Hollie, Janet, Jeanne, Lynda, Liz & Stacie
Tamron Exhibits
  • Depending on the age of the kids, I use any one of the following methods
  • Ask about things that make your kids happy
  • Catch them when they are not paying attention
  • Make them laugh!
  • Just ask the girls!
  • How do you get your kids to smile?
  • Compliments, compliments, compliments!
  • And more compliments!
  • Sing to them
  • Talk with them
  • Go crazy...
  • ...then ask for a nice smile
  • Bribery always works

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Guestbook for “How do you get your kids to smile?”

Name/Note Date

08/13/12

br549

These are some really great ways to get that smile, Thanks.

04/16/12

bosley

d.e. bosley, jr.

 

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