When considering going to a family photography studio, many parents and guardians are concerned that their little ones won’t cooperate. Thankfully, there are many ways to get kids to smile during a shoot. Here are four tips you can try to get ready for your big family photo debut.

4 Tips for Encouraging Kids to Smile for Pictures

1. Get Silly

Toddlers are excellent at knowing how to drown out familiar sounds and sights. You will get them to grin by getting as silly as possible. From making airy noises with your mouth to imitating a monkey, the weirder you get, the more likely the kid is to crack a smile.

2. Prepare Ahead of Time

Parents and guardians are used to planning outings – from running errands to playdates – around their kids’ schedules. Setting up a family photography session should be no different! Make sure the children have eaten and napped appropriately before heading to a shoot, so they’re in their most awake, happy moods.

3. Tell Them Not to Smile

Many kids enjoy telling jokes and making people laugh. If you’re struggling to get a child to smile, start a game of dare. Encourage the child to make you laugh without smiling themselves. You’ll likely have them chuckling in seconds as they belt knock-knock jokes and tell silly stories.

4. Bring a Toy

Family photography sessions may take place in areas that are unfamiliar to your kids. Give them comfort and joy by bringing along a favorite plaything. From a stuffed bear to a toy truck, keeping these items on hand will help the little one feel at home and give them something to play with that will make them grin.

When you’re ready to have a professional take family photos, contact Meredith Struebing Photography in St. Charles, MO. The creative photographer has over 20 years of industry experience and is skilled at getting even the most stubborn children to smile. Call the Cottleville-area family photography expert at (636) 255-4679 or visit the website for information on her personal approach to creating memories that will last a lifetime.