How Can I Get My Child to Smile for a Portrait?
How can I get my child to smile for a portrait? Do you want to take beautiful family portraits but your child always seems to have a frown on their face? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many parents struggle with getting their children to smile for pictures. In this blog post, I will give you four tips that will help your child smile and create beautiful portraits that you will cherish forever.
How Can I Get my Child to Smile for a Portrait? Prepare them ahead of time!
Prepare your child ahead of time for your portrait session. Make sure they’re rested, your photos are scheduled for a time that your kids are usually in good moods, and talk about how excited you are! Your energy will rub off on them- if you’re nervous, they’ll be nervous! If you’re excited and ready to smile so you can have beautiful family portraits on your walls!
How Can I Get my Child to Smile for a Portrait? Ask for their input!
Make them feel like part of the decision process. Colors, what they want to wear (within reason-this shirt? Or this sweater?), where to hang your new portraits (should we hang a portrait over the couch or over the fireplace?) Kids love to have their opinion valued and this will be sure to keep them invested in the portraits!
How Can I Get my Child to Smile for a Portrait? Bring Them to Your Planning Sessions with Me!
It helps build rapport and makes your child feel more comfortable! They’ll be happy and relaxed on the day of your session!
Now to talk about during your session! It’s really simple!
How Can I Get my Child to Smile for a Portrait? Smile Yourself!
Seriously, just smile and follow my directions! Your child will usually follow your lead and if they need some coaxing, at least you will be happy and prepared the whole time while I focus on getting your child’s attention!
I also want to mention that genuine interactions can also make a beautiful portrait, even if your child isn’t smiling! I always make sure to get at least one of everyone smiling, but those genuine interactions create sweet memories, as well!
How Can I Get my Child to Smile for a Portrait? Follow These Tips and You’re Sure to Capture Beautiful Smiles!
These are just some tips to help get your child to smile in their portraits. When it comes down to it, sometimes kids just don’t feel like smiling. That’s okay! We can still capture beautiful images of your child’s unique personality.
Be sure to check out our blog, “Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer.”
Check out one of our newborn photoshoots- St. Louis Newborn Photographer – Newborn Photoshoot
Are you interested in learning the history behind smiling for portraits?
