5 Proven Tips for Getting Kids to Smile Naturally
Getting kids to smile naturally during a photo session can feel like chasing a rainbow. Just when you think you’ve got it, it slips away. As a family photographer, I know how crucial genuine expressions are. A natural smile lights up a photo, tells a story, and captures the spirit of childhood in a way a forced grin never could. But how do you coax those heart-melting smiles out of little ones who might be shy, tired, or just not in the mood?
Whether you’re a parent trying to snap the perfect holiday card photo, or a professional photographer looking to up your game, these five tried-and-true tips will help you bring out those real, joyful smiles.
1. Make It a Game
The quickest way to get a child to smile is to stop asking them to. Instead, turn the session into a game. Kids are wired to play, so engage with them on their level. Ask them silly questions like, “Do I have a banana in my ear?” or challenge them to a staring contest. Tell them to try not to smile—and watch them struggle to hold back their giggles.
When the focus shifts from “smile for the camera” to “have fun with me,” their guard drops. Before long, you’ll be catching candid moments full of genuine joy. This playful energy is one of the secrets to getting kids to smile naturally.
2. Let Them Lead (Sometimes)
Kids love to feel like they’re in charge. Give them a sense of ownership during the shoot by letting them suggest a pose or pick the next backdrop. You’d be surprised how quickly this can turn a frown upside down.
Ask open-ended questions like:
By giving them a role in the creative process, you foster cooperation and engagement. And a child who feels seen and heard is far more likely to share their authentic smile. This empowerment technique supports getting kids to smile naturally because it builds trust and comfort.
3. Get the Parents Involved
If you’re photographing someone else’s children, don’t underestimate the power of familiar faces and voices. Parents can help their kids feel secure—and sometimes, they’re the best tool you have for a belly laugh.
Encourage parents to:
Keep in mind, though, that pressure from parents to “smile nicely” can backfire. Instead, let them know ahead of time that you’ll be doing everything you can to keep things light and fun. When kids are relaxed and enjoying time with their loved ones, getting kids to smile naturally becomes much easier.
4. Bring Out the Belly Laughs with Humour
Children have an amazing sense of humour, but it’s not always the same as an adult’s. What we find cheesy, they often find hilarious. Be goofy. Be loud. Use your face like a cartoon character. Bad knock-knock jokes? Yes, please.
Try:
One of our go-to moves is the “serious face challenge.” I’ll look super serious and say, “Whatever you do, do not smile.” Almost every time, they break into a grin trying to hold it in.
Humour is a magic tool for getting kids to smile naturally because it taps into the joy of the moment rather than forcing a performance.
5. Know When to Take a Break
Sometimes, no matter what you do, a kid just isn’t having it—and that’s okay. The best photographers and parents know when to pause and reset. A five-minute break to run around, have a snack, or get a snuggle can do wonders.
Remember, kids are intuitive. They’ll pick up on your stress or frustration if things aren’t going well. Stay calm, stay playful, and keep things light. By respecting their needs and pacing the session accordingly, you create an atmosphere where getting kids to smile naturally happens with less effort and more ease.
Bonus Tip: Be Ready for the Moment
Natural smiles don’t always happen on command. Sometimes, the best smiles appear between the “real” shots—when a child looks at their sibling, giggles after a tickle, or snuggles into mom. Keep your camera ready and your finger on the shutter.
Those fleeting in-between moments are often the most powerful. They don’t just show a smile; they capture emotion, connection, and personality. And they’re the heart of what we’re after when we talk about getting kids to smile naturally.
Final Thoughts
Getting kids to smile naturally doesn’t come from rigid direction—it comes from connection, trust, play, and a dash of good humour. Whether you’re photographing your own children or working with a client’s family, the key is to let go of perfection and focus on the experience.
Every kid is different, and what works for one might not work for another. But with these five tips in your toolkit, you’ll be better prepared to draw out the kind of smiles that are pure, real, and utterly unforgettable.
So next time you step behind the lens, remember: forget “say cheese,” and start saying “let’s play!”
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