3 things Not to do to Get Your Child to smile for Your Family Photo Session

Your family photo session should be a joyful, stress-free experience, but getting your child to smile can sometimes feel like a challenge.

At Haus of Portraiture, we’ve worked with countless families and have seen firsthand what works—and what doesn’t.

Here are three common mistakes to avoid when trying to get your child to smile naturally during your session:

Do Not Bribe Them

It might be tempting to promise candy or toys if your child smiles for the camera, but this often backfires. Instead of creating genuine joy, bribes can lead to forced, unnatural expressions—or even frustration if they don’t get the reward right away. Children are intuitive and can sense when they’re being pressured, which can make them less cooperative. A professional photographer knows how to create an environment where smiles happen naturally without the need for external rewards.

“Show your teeth!” or “Smile wider!” might seem like harmless coaching, but these instructions can make kids self-conscious. Rather than resulting in a natural smile, this approach often creates stiff or awkward expressions. Children don’t need a tutorial on how to smile—they need to feel relaxed and happy. Trust your photographer to guide them with playful prompts or activities that bring out their most authentic smiles.

Don’t Try to Teach   

Them How to Smile

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Talking up the photo session too much beforehand can put undue pressure on your child. Phrases like “This is so important” or “You have to do your best” can make kids feel nervous about meeting expectations. Instead, keep the tone casual and positive. Focus on how much fun it will be to play and spend time together as a family. The less pressure they feel, the more relaxed and natural they’ll be in front of the camera.

Let Us Help You Capture Authentic Smiles!

**What You Should Do Instead**

Now that you know what not to do, you might be wondering what the secret is to those beautiful, authentic smiles.

The answer lies in creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

At Haus of Portraiture, we excel at creating an environment where kids feel comfortable, safe, and happy. Our sessions are carefully designed to feel more like play than a chore, which is the key to capturing those genuine moments.

We also encourage parents to take a step back during the session and let us work directly with your child. This gives us the freedom to build rapport and engage them without the added pressure of parental expectations. 

Trust us—when kids feel free to be themselves, their personalities shine through in every frame.

Don’t OverhypeThe Sesssion 

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Ready to Capture Smiles You’ll Treasure Forever?

At Haus of Portraiture, we know that family photos are about more than just the final product—they’re about creating an experience that everyone enjoys. Let us handle the details, the laughter, and the magic, so you can focus on what matters most: spending time with your family.

 

Our award-winning portrait sessions are tailored to bring out the best in everyone, from the littlest members of your family to the most camera-shy adults. Don’t wait to create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

 

Book your session today and let us help you capture authentic, heartfelt moments you’ll treasure forever.