How to Help Kids Smile Naturally for Family Photos (Yes, Goofy Faces Help!)

If you've ever tried to get a child to smile for a photo, you know it's not always easy. One minute they're full of energy, the next they're giving you a frozen grin—or no grin at all. Here’s the secret: smiling on cue is a skill, not natural instinct. That’s why I always tell parents during photo sessions—let them warm up, get silly, and have fun. Real smiles come from real joy.

Telling a kid to smile on command usually leads to a tight-lipped expression or a very enthusiastic but totally unnatural grin. That’s because most kids are trying hard to do what they think we want—while also feeling a little awkward in front of the camera. So instead of chasing the perfect pose, I encourage something else: play.

Here’s a trick that works every time: start with silly faces.It gets the giggles going, helps kids feel relaxed, and makes them forget that a camera is even there.

Try these during your next photo session:

• “Make your silliest face ever... now show me your serious face… now your real smile!”

• “Pretend you just smelled something terrible.”

• “Smile without showing your teeth. Now smile with all your teeth!”

• Or challenge them to not smile at all… they always break first.
  

By turning it into a game, you’re not just helping them feel comfortable—you’re helping them practice what a real, relaxed smile feels like.

Another way to get natural smiles? Let them see the photos as you go. Kids love seeing their own goofy expressions and may even want to try different poses or “direct” the next shot. That confidence and curiosity leads to more genuine expressions. Whether it’s a toothy grin, a soft smile, or a burst of laughter, these little moments are what make a photo feel real.

The truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect kid photo. The best shots show personality—even if that includes a tongue-out, eyes-crossed moment before the “good” one. In fact, some of my favourite family photos come from those unscripted, goofy in-between seconds. They’re honest. They’re joyful. And they show who your child really is.

If you want beautiful photos that feel like your child—not just a stiff pose with a forced smile—I’d love to help. My sessions are playful, relaxed, and built around connection, not perfection.

Let's book a session that captures real smiles, real moments, and yes —a few goofy faces too.