Imagine this:

You’ve arrived to my Denver photo studio for your Family Portrait Session.

Your child is being cooperative (at least as much as we can expect for a little one).

They sit right where I tell them to and are ready to have their portrait taken.

And you say “smile nice sweetheart”.

Your child smiles at me but with that kind of smile that is obviously forced.

How do you get a genuine smile out of a kiddo?

My tactic is to not let the child know that I’m getting ready to take their photo.

I play quick little games with them that make them think of silly things.

Therein they’re absolutely going to give me a real smile.

It’s not about them smiling, it’s about them looking like themselves.

By distracting them and playing with them they’ll stop thinking about the camera I have in my hand.

But I’ll be ready to release the shutter the moment they show me their true happy expression.

If you’re one of the many parents who feel like they can never get a real smile out of your kiddo when you take their picture, then click below.

Speaking of genuine smiles. Check out my free guide with 6 tips to Take Better Photos of your Kids with your Phone. One of the tips helps you get that real smile out of your kiddo.