If you are familiar with any of these—glazed eyes, fleeing toddlers, and (my personal favorite) barred teeth in lieu of an actual smile… You’ve landed in the right place!
As soon as a camera comes out, it can be really hard to get natural expressions out of kids!
Because there’s nothing I love more than photos that really capture the way I see my children on our best days (the way I want to see them all the time), I asked my photographer friends to give us their BEST tips and tricks on how to coax genuine expressions out of our kids. SO, let’s let the pros do the talking, shall we?
How to Coax Genuine Expressions Out of Your Kids
From Jen Jacobsen
of Jen J. Photography
For kids 3 and under, I usually get great smiles by singing songs like “the itsy-bitsy spider” or “if you’re happy and you know it” in an exaggerated way. Moms: try having Dad or Grandma do the song and dance while you snap away. 🙂
I also keep bubbles in my camera bag since kids love them and bubbles look fun and playful if they end up in the frame.
Of course, tickling is always a win.
For boys especially, I like to give them physical challenges, like “I wonder if you can jump off that chair/stump/(whatever object is around)?” or challenge them to a race with their sibling.
For girls, straight-up direction: twirl for me, sit like a princess, sing “Let It Go,” pick flowers, etc.
With older kids, I like to create banter between siblings, like “tell me who Max’s girlfriend is,” and then I can use that information throughout the session—”All right, let’s have a nice smile for (girlfriend’s name).” The embarrassed laugh that results? It’s the perfect opportunity. 🙂
Relate: How to Choose a Photographer that Fits Your Personal Style
From Beryl Ayn Young
of berylaynyoung.com
I like to first put the camera down and engage in conversations with kids to encourage natural expressions. Asking questions, telling jokes, singing songs. From there I really try to anticipate what they’ll do next. When I sense a laugh or a smile is coming, that’s when I’ll put the camera to my face and start snapping.
(LOVE these shots from Beryl’s recent pillow fort with her girl!)
From Jen Fairbanks
of Fairbanks Photography
As a mother of four boys, I have to admit that I rely on good old kid humor and even sometimes potty humor with the boys (I’m so embarrassed to admit that publicly!).
I try to get some good family secrets out of the kids that I can use throughout the session. Things like Dad snores, baby brother has stinky feet, big brother has a crush on so-an-so.
I talk about birds landing on my head or spiders crawling up my back. Sometimes by the end of the session my skin is crawling, but kids are fascinated by the idea of critters on the photographer!
For shy kids, I ask them their favorite super hero/princess and talk about that for a while. Or I have them show me their favorite app on the phone.
One key with kids is taking turns. If they let me choose a spot for a picture, then I let them choose one. Overall, I try to let them feel like they are in control of the photo shoot.
Last thing—Kids are really good at reading adults, so you’ve got to jump in with both feet! Don’t be shy!
I hope you got a few new ideas to try—I know I did! I especially love the concept that taking photos of our kids can be a great time to get silly and really bond with them.
For the common good (ha!), here are a few potty jokes to commit to memory!
What did little William Shakespeare ponder when he was potty training?
“To pee or not to pee…that is the question.”
What do you call a little one who fills his diaper at a birthday celebration?
A party pooper 🙂
Some crooks broke into the police station and stole all of their toilets.
The police are investigating, but for now they have nothing to go on!
Good luck to us all!
Related: Capturing the Heart of Your Family through Honest, Authentic Photography
Update! Starting November 7, Beryl is hosting a free email challenge, Embrace. In three short days, you’ll walk away with a simple system to starting preserving more memories + you’ll get a personal photo project selected, organized, and ready to order. (Read: no more guilt about that photo project you never manage to get around to!)
I LOVE Beryl’s passion for documenting motherhood and her contagious enthusiasm for bringing those photos into our lives and homes. I bet if you get to know her, you will feel exactly the same. So head on over and check out her challenge!
These are some great ideas! Definitely going to try them out. Thanks for sharing, Erica!