5 ways to get your child to smile for the camera without asking

New blog about 5 ways to get your child to smile for the camera without asking

Getting my kids to smile in photos isn’t always easy. Getting them to smile naturally in photos is even more difficult. I learned a long time ago that asking them to say “cheese” doesn’t get the happy joyful look I see on their faces every day. The natural smiles I get to see are the ones I want to preserve. Today I’m going to share some tips to help you do the same.

1. Get silly: This is why I go to first when I’m trying to get a smile out of my kids. Jumping up and down, making a sudden moment or silly sound may get them to crack up if they aren’t expecting it.

2. Play a game: Babies and toddlers love peek-a-boo, but older kids may find that boring. Try asking your child to close her eyes then walk around and surprise her with you standing in a new location. When she opens her eyes and sees your hiding spot snap at her grinning reaction.

My kids’ favorite is a classic “I’m gonna get you!” If I have a long object I can point in their direction it’s even better.

3. Encourage them to play: What does your child love to do? Blow some bubbles or race a car? Play pretend? Capture your child doing what he loves and you’ll likely capture their natural joy too.

4. Jump!: 1-2-3 JUMP! When you have more than one child this is a great way to get smiles from the whole gang. It’s not the jumping action you’re trying to capture (though that is adorable too) but the smiles that come in anticipation and after they land.

5. Bribe: I’m not above bribery. Though just saying “smile and I’ll give you____” isn’t the way to get a natural smile. I opt for tossing mini marshmallows in their open mouths. Whether I make it or miss laughter and bright smiles are guaranteed.

Try some of these techniques next time you’re trying to get a genuine smiling photo of your little one without a plea to say cheese. And for more tips on photographing your childrencheck out my blog Cherish365.

Jennifer Borget is a domestically-challenged part-time journalist, and a full-time mom. She’s a photographer and storyteller challenging families to cherish and make the most of every day on at Cherish365.com. To catch more of her motherhood journey, follow @JenniferBorget on Instagram and join her #Cherish365 community on Facebook.

Dont forget to visit our Baby Shop

Comments

BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat

[gallery] The award-winning BubbleBum is the world's first inflatable, foldable and portable car booster seat. It's perfect for everyday, carpools, play-dates, taxis and vacations. It's narrow design (13" across) makes getting three car seats across the backseat easy. BubbleBum meets and exceeds all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS213) and is designed for children ages 4 to 11, weighing from 40 to 100 pounds. It's the winner of the 2012 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award, 2011 JPMA Innovation Award, and the 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved Award and ranked a 2011, 2012 & 2013 "Best Bet" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It weighs just over a pound and comes with a convenient carrying bag and shoulder belt positioning clip. It inflates in seconds with a couple of puffs of air and deflates/packs down just as quickly. When deflated, it's small enough to fit in a child's backpack or mom's purse. Bub...

Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat with Latch System

New Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat with Latch System Your child will love the independence of being able to buckle themselves with the Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat with Latch System . Made for children 30-100 lbs. and up to 57-inches tall, this high-back booster seat easily converts into a backless booster so your child can use it for years. Designed to securely connect to your car with a one-hand front-adjust latch system, this booster seat also has a front-adjustment strap so your can easily tighten and loosen the strap as needed. Open-loop belt guides helps you to correctly position your car's seat belt and also makes self-buckling easier for your child. Side impact tested and made with EPS, energy absorbing foam for effective impact management, this high back booster meets or exceeds US safety standards. Its fully adjustable head rest keeps your child's head secure even as they grow. Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat with Latch System with An integrated cup holder ...

Graco Pack 'n Play Playard with Automatic Folding Feet

[gallery] Keep a place to play to or sleep close at hand with the ultra-portable Graco Pack and Play Portable. This playard features automatically folding feet for more compactness when it's folded up. Wheels make this playard convenient to move from room to room when fully opened. The durable plastic and metal frame, which stores neatly in the convenient carrying bag, is specifically designed to stand up to travel. Airy mesh sides ensure comfort when your little one is playing, and stylish fabric and a streamlined design will satisfy your stylish sensibilities, while a handy organizer keeps your baby's essential readily available. Dimensions: 39.5L x 28.25W x 29H in.. Fabric, metal, and plastic construction in multi-color. Playard for children under 35 in. unable to climb out. Folding feet and wheels. Sturdy metal and plastic construction. Convenient carrying bag. Handy organizer for baby's essentials. Dimensions: 39.5L x 28.25W x 29H in. Fabric, metal, and plastic constru...

A Baby Stores

Search This Blog