How to Get Kids to Smile for the Camera

When photographing young children do you find yourself telling them to “Say cheeeeese?”

It’s a natural reaction to repeat this familiar term, however it actually confuses kids.  Even children who know and understand that you are going to ask them to “say cheese” when taking their picture will have somewhat of a face that really says, “Why?”

While smiling and saying cheese, you are just about guaranteed to receive the largest FAKE smile possible.  Why? Because young children are

• 1) confused by the reasoning of having to use the term and
• 2) they may already expect that you will request this term and are bored with the idea of having to do so.

How then do you get a young child to relax and take a photo that will produce an award winning genuine smile?  Have fun!  Be silly.  Be prepared.

What do we mean?

First, have fun.  Be sincere. Experiment with fun ideas. Pending the child’s age, tell a joke. Ask them to tell you a joke, which many times will produce a smile at the end when they deliver the punch line. Maybe try doing something silly such as telling them you are going to try to lick your nose and for them to watch. (Then try it.)  Children love to observe adults being silly and for them to join the realm of being absurd.

Also, be prepared.  How so?  Know what a child likes or dislikes. Talk about what drives a child. For example, if they love video games tell them to think of their favorite video game and for them to use their imagination and while standing still to pretend and to think of winning; yes beating their most fierce opponent.  Add excitement in your voice when speaking.  You may be surprised at the light in their eyes.

When an individual thinks of something they love doing, the excitement and energy they place in that thought can be captured in a photo.  (This type of thinking is even used by professional models.)

Being prepared may also mean acknowledging the child’s mood.  A child who is determined NOT to smile has to be won over, otherwise your efforts in obtaining a genuine smile will be futile.  Patience may be needed if this is the case.  But even a difficult mood or moment can be overcome by building  the trust of a child.

One thing is for sure: Be honest to your word.  If you promise to reward a child with a piece of candy, toy, sticker or any other item, be prepared to deliver. 

So, try being silly and absurd while being honest and understanding that’s when you just might get to capture an award winning smile you’ve been looking for.

--Stephen Glass Photography is a family company owned by Stephen and Merlina Glass. For more information, visit Stephen Glass Photography online or on Facebook.