Melbourne Kids Dancing while being photographed

We’ve all been there… you grab your camera, ask your kids to smile, and what do you get? That weird, forced grin or a dramatic "CHEEEESE!" that looks nothing like their actual happy face. I get it. You want real smiles, not the "I’m being held hostage for this photo" look.

The best photos of your kids aren’t the ones where they’re performing for the camera. They’re the ones where they’re lost in the moment, laughing at something silly, totally engaged, just being themselves. So let’s talk about how to get those moments (without bribing them).

1. Get Them Doing, Not Just Standing

Instead of saying, "Stand here and smile," give them something fun to do. Movement naturally brings out real expressions, and bonus, it stops them from getting bored.

Some ideas:

Tell them to spin until they get dizzy.
Ask who can jump the highest (or the silliest!).
Tell them to sneak up on you like a ninja.
Hand them a flower, a stick, or even a bug, instant fascination!

When kids are doing, they forget about the camera. And that’s when the good stuff happens.

2. Say the Right Things (Hint: Not “Say Cheese!”)

What you say matters. Instead of asking for a smile, get them to react naturally. Try these instead:

“Don’t smile! Whatever you do, don’t you dare smile!” (Cue giggles)
“Show me your grumpy face! Now your happy face! Now your goofiest face!”
“Tell me the funniest word you can think of.”
“Whisper a secret to your brother/sister.”
“I just saw a dinosaur behind you!”
“Yuck, what’s that smell? Did you fart?” (farts are funny)

These little tricks make kids forget they’re being photographed and instead help them feel something and that is what makes a great photo.

3. Embrace the Chaos

The best photos? They’re never perfect. They’re the belly laughs, the wild hair, the crinkled noses, the eyes squeezed shut in full blown giggles. The ones where they’re wrapped up in a sibling hug or making mischief. Let go of the idea that everyone needs to look at the camera at the same time. The magic is in the moments, not the poses.

4. Jump In the Frame

One last thing!… When was the last time you were in the photo? Your kids don’t care if your hair is messy or if you’re wearing your comfiest mum jeans. They just want to see you. And one day, they’ll look back and be so grateful you were there, right in the middle of the moment with them.

If you’re ready for some real, love filled, connected photos of your family, without the stiff poses, let’s chat. Because these days? They’re flying by.