When it comes to snapping pics of our kids, it can be quite a challenge to get that natural, million-dollar smile. Here are some tried and true techniques to give you the best shot at getting the best shot.
1. The countdown
When your child is looking at the camera, count down from 3, but make sure you snap the picture at the “2” count. It will help them avoid blinking and their smile will be brighter than it is at “1”. Smiles are made even more special when the eyes are engaged, so a countdown will hopefully avoid the blink or half-closed eyes as well. It’s also your best chance at capturing great smiles from multiple kids.
2. Make ‘em laugh
Do something that normally makes your kids laugh. For really young kids, acting goofy always helps. If you happen to have someone who can assist you, your spouse for example, have them be a few steps to the side and have the kid(s) focus on them being funny. You can also get great smiles when kids are looking at each other. Get them to make each other laugh and shoot away.
3. Hold the cheese
Saying “cheese” produces fake looking smiles. Try getting them to repeat a word you know will make them giggle.
4. Try one without teeth
If your child is a little older and their smile still looks forced, then tell them to relax their face and smile with their lips closed. You can move to an open mouth from there.
5. Capture funny moments
The best smiles come from taking pictures at activities where they are naturally smiling, like reading a funny book, watching a funny show or joking with a friend. These moments often generate the best shots but can also produce a lot of frustrating duds. The key here is to anticipate the smile and be prepared to take a number of shots until you get the one you like. Don’t keep the duds! If your subject is actively laughing as opposed to just smiling make sure you have enough light or you will get a blurry shot.
6. Don’t forget to smile yourself!
If you can manage it and are using a camera phone, try not to have the phone between your face and theirs – they would rather be smiling at you than a camera. Smiles are pretty contagious.
Great tips! Thanks