If you’ve ever had family photographs taken as a parent, you have probably experience this at least once.

Some kids (doesn’t matter what age they are) do not want to smile for their family photos. I’ve seen everything from grumpy toddlers to teenagers who just don’t want to cooperate and everything in between. Sometimes we all have off days, but according to a lot of parents, kids off days always seem to land on the same day as the family photo session.

As a Mom of 4 kids of various ages, I’ve not only photographed client’s children but also mine own who don’t want to smile or at least look semi-happy. One of my sons thinks he’s too cool to smile already, and he’s not even a pre-teen yet! Another one has a wonky, fake smile that looks like he’s been inhabited by a clown.

I get it.

I’ve seen it.

And I’ve personally experienced it with my own kids.

So what happens if your child won’t smile?

I make the photo session fun for them! First off, I don’t ever force a child to smile. A forced smile can always be seen in the photo because you won’t be able to see the smile in their eyes.

So I play with them! I make silly jokes. I sing songs (or make up silly words to songs to make them laugh). I race across a field against them. I play hide and go seek. I do all kinds of fun stuff to get a truly genuine smile!

My goal is for children to have fun and not think of their family photo session as work!

What happens if I pull all my tricks out and your child still won’t smile?

I roll with it. Kids will be kids, and you’ll look back on those family photos and still love them. It will be a story and memory talked about for years to come!