How to Get Natural Smiles from Kids During a Photoshoot - Tips from a Kent Photographer

Capturing genuine smiles from children is the holy grail of family photography. Parents don’t want stiff, forced grins, they want real laughter, personality, and those fleeting, authentic moments that truly reflect their child. If you’re a photographer (or even a parent with a camera), knowing how to bring out natural smiles can transform your images from average to unforgettable.

In this guide, you’ll learn practical, proven techniques to help kids relax, have fun, and actually enjoy being photographed—resulting in beautiful, natural expressions every time.

Why Natural Smiles Matter in Children’s Photography

Authentic smiles tell a story. They capture a child’s personality, energy, and emotion in a way that posed expressions simply can’t. Natural smiles also:

• Create more emotional, timeless images

• Help children feel confident and comfortable

• Make sessions enjoyable for both kids and parents

• Lead to more relaxed, candid-style photography

  
  

  

1. Ditch “Say Cheese”

Nothing kills a genuine smile faster than asking a child to “say cheese.” It often results in awkward, forced expressions that feel unnatural. Instead, focus on creating moments that cause smiles rather than demanding them.

Try this instead:

• Ask silly questions (“Do you think your dad smells like cheese?”)

• Make unexpected sounds or faces

• Use playful prompts instead of instructions

2. Turn the Kids Photoshoot into a Game

Kids respond best when they’re having fun. Turning your session into a game instantly lowers pressure and encourages natural reactions.

Game ideas that work brilliantly:

• “Run to me as fast as you can!”

• “Can you spin like a ballerina/superhero?”

• “Let’s see who can jump the highest!”

These activities create movement—and movement creates genuine smiles and laughter.

3. Let Kids Be Themselves

One of the biggest mistakes is trying to control every moment. Kids aren’t meant to sit still and pose perfectly.

Instead:

• Embrace their energy

• Follow their lead

• Capture candid moments between “posed” shots

Some of the best photos happen in between—when kids are simply being themselves.

4. Build Trust First

If a child doesn’t feel comfortable with you, it will show in the photos.

Take a few minutes at the start to:

• Chat at their level

• Ask about their favourite things

• Show them the camera (curiosity helps!)

When kids trust you, they relax—and natural smiles follow.

5. Use Parents as a Secret Weapon

Parents can be incredibly helpful in getting genuine reactions.

Encourage them to:

• Play with their child

• Whisper something funny

• Tickle or cuddle (depending on the child’s personality)

Often, the best smiles come from interactions between children and their parents—not the photographer.

6. Embrace Movement Over Stillness

Static poses can feel restrictive for kids. Movement creates freedom—and freedom creates authentic expressions.

Capture moments like:

• Running through a field

• Spinning in circles

• Jumping off a small step

• Being swung by parents

These actions naturally bring out laughter and joy.

7. Be Patient (and Flexible)

Children have their own pace—and sometimes their own agenda.

If a child isn’t cooperating:

• Take a break

• Change the activity

• Give them space

Pushing too hard usually backfires. Patience almost always wins.

8. Keep Sessions Short and Sweet

Long sessions can lead to tired, grumpy kids—and forced smiles.

Aim for:

• 30–60 minutes max

• Plenty of variety to keep things interesting

• A relaxed, pressure-free environment

When kids stay engaged, smiles stay genuine.

9. Capture the In-Between Moments

Some of the most natural smiles happen when kids think you’re not taking a photo.

Be ready to shoot:

• Right after a joke

• During transitions

• While they interact with family

These unscripted moments are often the most magical.

10. Bring the Energy

Your energy sets the tone for the entire session.

If you’re:

• Playful → kids become playful

• Relaxed → kids feel relaxed

• Engaged → kids stay engaged

Don’t be afraid to be a little silly—it’s often the fastest way to get real smiles.

Final Thoughts: Connection Over Perfection

At the heart of every natural smile is connection. When kids feel safe, seen, and free to have fun, the smiles come effortlessly. Forget perfect poses and focus on real moments. That’s where the magic is.