5 Ways to Get Authentic Smiles at Photography Sessions

Getting real, authentic smiles can be one of the biggest challenges in a photo session. At Indy Family Photo, I’ve run into my share of kids who’ve only been told to say “Cheeeeeese” in front of the camera.

So for my family photo sessions, I strive to help my clients “relearn” how to act in front of the lens. Don’t get me wrong, a quick smile can sometimes be all a photo needs. But if you really want to capture those truly wonderful, happy moments — especially with the kiddos — then here are five quick tips to capturing authentic smiles at your next family session!

5 Ways to Photograph Authentic Smiles

1. Never Underestimate Funny Faces

For the really little kiddos (like toddlers), have mom or dad stand directly behind, or even crouched over the photographer. We’re talking as close as they can get! Then have them make the silliest faces they can. If all goes to plan, it will look like the kids are looking directly into the camera.

The mistake most people make is standing up higher, or off to the side, and the kids never look like they’re looking at the camera.

2. Grab Yourself a Sound Machine

Sound machines can be a lifesaver! I have one that makes amazing noises — everything from clapping to sad trombone to fart sounds! (You can probably guess which sound is the most popular…)

So grab a good sound machine, hit play and capture all that authentic smiles!

3. Remember the Game of Telephone?

Put your family in a row and have mom or dad start a game of telephone — only make it extra silly. This is a surefire way to get the kids rolling over with laughter.

4. Use “Bubbles”

No, not actual bubbles, though that could be fun. Instead, have the kids in the session say the word bubbles… only have them say it in their angriest voice. Or better yet, have dad say it. This never seems to fail when trying to get those authentic smiles from the kids in the session — even the adults!

5. Faking the Laughs

I love employing this technique because it always works wonders when nothing else will. Tell your subjects — the whole family — to start fake laughing as hard as they can. In a few moments, they’ll actually start laughing because the whole thing sounds so ridiculous and silly!

At Indy Family Photo, we use many of these kinds of techniques and more! We love capturing authentic smiles and laughter from our clients — it’s what we live for! If you’re interested in book a family session, or even a session just for the kids, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

James, Jacob, and Sophia | Kids Adventure Sessions

Childhood should be an adventure. And the beautiful thing about childhood is that every tiny kiddo’s adventures are unique. There’s no “one size fits all” adventures for kids. That’s why I love thinking creatively about my adventure shoots. An Indy Family Photo Adventure Session is built to encourage children’s imaginations to run wild. From princess gowns to forest adventures, my goal is to let kids play in an imaginary dream world, and to capture those memories, smiles and laughs to be enjoyed for years to come. That’s what I did with the three Beeson kids: James, Jacob and Sofia. Each of them had their own adventure, and I had such a blast photographing them.

Adventure Photos Shoots

These adventure sessions took place at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, the Indy Family Photo studio, and the area outside and around the studio. Because each of the three kids have very unique personalities, I wanted to make sure that their adventures were as unique as they are! Sophia is a kind, gentle, voracious reader who loves learning. James and Jacob love being silly and fun together. James is an amazing Lego-builder, and Jacob would love to be both a farmer and a surgeon when he grows up.

I pulled together two very special adventure shoots for this family - one for Sophia, and one for the two boys together. For Sophia, we rented several dresses. What little girl doesn’t love to dress up from time to time? I photographed her at home, with the grand piano that is special to her while she was wearing one of the beautiful dresses. The resulting photos were stunning and really capture her love for music! Together, we took more photos outside the studio, and in the studio as well. I made sure to get a few pictures of her with piles of her favorite books.

For the boys, their adventure photo session happened in the studio. They got dressed up for a few photos, and I made sure to get a few photos of James (the master builder) with his Legos. After, I transformed the studio into an epic playground! I dumped out 1000+ ball pit balls for them to all play in! It was soooo fun!! Then we headed over to the state park. That’s one of the huge benefits of the Indy Family Photo studio being nestled in the heart of historic Fort Ben! Together, they played in the creek and fields.

Making Photo Memories

Both shoots were full of sibling moments of jokes, pinches, wrestling, laughs, and more. But what’s more important is that we made memories during these adventure shoots. James and Jacob found crawdads, and Sophia told us about her favorite books and who she wants to be when she grows up. It was an experience for all of us. And, best of all, it’s captured in beautiful photographs to be enjoyed for years to come.

Adventure Session Vendors:

Sophia’s red dress - by Dollcake

Sophia’s blue dress - Rent the Runway

If you love this adventure session, you might also enjoy Jodie, Trent & Drake’s Fmaily Adventure Portraits and Lola and Lillian’s Colorful Adventure Session!

Modern Kids' Photo Sessions

It wasn’t all that long ago when getting your pictures taken meant a stuffy backdrop, forced smiles, and awkward poses. The resulting family portraits were equally as awkward! But that is not the case with portrait sessions at Indy Family Photo! We have modern kids sessions where the focus is on your kiddos and their unique personalities. Here's what a modern kids session at Indy Family Photo is like!

Modern Kids’ Sessions at Indy Family Photo

What’s so different about a photo session at Indy Family Photo? Here’s what happens during our modern kids’ sessions.

Photo Sessions Filled with Personality

Our kids’ sessions are all about celebrating the lives of your children, no matter their ages. It’s my goal that everyone should have an amazing time during their photo session. That’s why the sessions are focused on your little one. Not all kids have the same tastes and that’s what makes it fun! I take the time and care during the photo session to capture the personalities and quirks in each of your little ones.

Simple Photo Backdrops

Rather than having elaborate, fancy backdrops, a Modern Kids Session features a simple photo backdrop here in the studio. With a white or grey backdrop, we’ll capture tons of personality! I found that using a simple photo backdrop really lets a kid’s personality shine.

Photo Props? Why Not!

I welcome any props that will help your little ones feel at home. Feel free to bring their favorite toys, dress-up accessories, super hero capes and more! If your little one is a soccer whiz, bring the ball so they can show off. It’s all about capturing your little one, and who they are right now. Kids change so much and go through so many amazing stages. It’s important to me to capture their personality today in all its wild, crazy, individual glory.

Timeless Photography

Say so long to those old fashioned ‘school picture’ photo sessions! Our modern kids’ sessions are never trendy or dated looking with cheesy décor. You will be happy to hang up these photos on your walls. They’ll look great on your walls or on your mantel forever! Or, if you prefer a more hands-on look, you might consider putting your unique children’s portraits into a photo album to keep those precious memories close at hand.

Fun Kids’ Photography at Indy Family Photo

This is a photo of my own kiddo, who absolutely loves to hang out at the photo studio. For this shot, I pulled out our jumbo fan (which we affectionately call the "Beyonce fan") and he ran and jumped in his batman cape and just loved every minute of it. That’s what modern kids’ photo sessions are all about. Kids being kids. Kids having fun. Kids having the freedom and permission to be fully themselves. And me with a camera to document the whole thing.

Are you ready to schedule your own modern kids photo session? Make sure to reach out and contact me to talk more. I’ll be in touch shortly!