In some cases, even the liveliest kids all of a sudden end up being shy when the camera comes out. When the smiles go into hiding, bringing out the “Cheese!” isn’t generally the very best concept.

Those phony smiles your kids will give you don’t even reach the eyes, which make them half-smiles, at best. While CHEESE might be the universal language for smile, kids know better and avoid smiling, even though that’s what you want.

Let’s look at a few ways to make your kids want to be photographed.

Make the picture an experience

When you make it an experience, kids will have more fun with a photo session with a professional. Instead of having pictures done in a studio, take them somewhere new.

While they are having fun, your photographer can snap some candid pictures and it will be much easier to get them to pose for several pictures, too. If they know they get to play at a cool park or enjoy the beach after the pictures are done, and a little during, it can make the experience better for everyone.

Stay positive and concentrate on enjoyable

Let’s keep it genuine. Often photoshoots simply do not go as prepared.

Few photo sessions go exactly as planned. It’s more common that kids get a bit crazy or have a meltdown. Stay positive and focus on the enjoyable moments throughout your session.

While you might have this perfect plan for specific pictures, don’t expect things to go as planned. Instead, enjoy the day and know your professional family photographer will capture great moments throughout.

Get innovative with props

Lively, unique props can make for great pictures. Props give your kids something to focus on, play with, or capture their interest. With the right props, you can get your kids playing, looking in the right direction, or at the very least, doing something you want during your photo session.

Even something as simple as a ball or a balloon can be enough to capture the attention of your children.

Reward good behavior

Providing support when kids do something that you like is a great way to reinforce the behavior. This can be used during a photo session, too.

A reward system allowing your kids to earn ice cream after the session or to gain something else they want can help make your photo session successful.

When you use these tips and ways to make your kids want to get their pictures taken, you’ll be happier with the end result. Instead of pictures filled with fake smiles and irritated parents, you can gain lasting memories from a good family photographer in the Bay Area.