When photographing children, it can be somewhat ;-) difficult to get them to look at the camera and smile with a natural grin. Of course, there are many times when I snap photos of my children when they're engaged in normal activities and not posing for the camera, and I love that. But there are also times when I want them to look at the camera and smile. How does one accomplish that? Is saying "cheese" the best way? No, not at all.
Recently I learned (and I forget where, or I would certainly give credit where credit is due) a new trick for coaxing happy faces from my children. It goes something like this...
Me, with mock sternness: Whatever you do, don't laugh!
Tobin and Shav: (laughing)
Me: I said, do not laugh!
Them: (laughing)
Me, with hands on hips and a twinkle in my eye: Didn't you hear me? Don't laugh!
Them: (laughing)
Me, with a teasing grin: Don't even smile! It's time to be very serious.
Them: (grinning like fools)
And so on...
I used this technique today while taking some photos of Shav for his third birthday, and it worked beautifully. Even when Tobin hopped into the picture, too, and I was trying to get them to both look and smile at the same time, I was able to accomplish it, with the help of that simple trick. What's more, it turned what can be a stressful situation (trying to get that "perfect" shot) into a really fun one (that they'll likely giggle about the next time I pull out the camera).
I haven't tried this before but I will have to next time. I usually have Sammy say something super silly like belly buttons then he cracks up!
ReplyDeleteLove this! It sounds so much better than what I am usually saying, "Just one smile. Please? Just one! Come on! Look at me! No, not over there. Look here! Show me your teeth!"
ReplyDelete:)