If you’ve ever worried about whether your child will “behave” for photos—trust me, you’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve photographed countless sessions where kids were less than enthusiastic about smiling for the camera. The good news? I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to help bring out their genuine personalities and capture those natural smiles you love.

Start with Fun, Not Photos

The first thing I try to do is not even mention the word “photos.” Instead, I talk to kids about what excites them—maybe butterflies, bunnies, or something silly and unexpected. I’ll say, “Do you think we’ll spot a butterfly?” or “What if a fluffy bunny pops out of those bushes?” Before they know it, they’re laughing, engaged, and we’re easing right into the photos without any pressure.

Adding a little urgency helps too—“Quick, let’s take the photo before the bunny hops away!” It becomes a game, and suddenly, cooperating feels fun.

Playing to Their Personalities

Every child is different, and part of my job is reading the moment. Sometimes I bring out “Miss Megan’s silly side” with funny voices and playful distractions, while other times I balance calm direction with a little help from mom and dad.

One of my favorite tricks is the “Super Secret Surprise Shot.” I’ll tell the kids, “Okay, this one is top secret—Mom and Dad have to turn around and no peeking!” They think it’s hilarious, and those smiles are pure gold.

Three Tips for Parents

Here are three things I’ve noticed over the years that really help when kids don’t feel like cooperating:

1. Save discipline for later. I completely respect parenting styles, but punishing a child mid-session rarely helps. The goal is genuine smiles, and stress usually works against us.

2. Avoid critiquing in the moment. If your child isn’t giving a “real” smile, let me handle it. When a parent calls it out, kids can start to feel self-conscious. I’d rather joke with them, lighten the mood, and work toward that natural expression.

3. Use incentives wisely. I often keep a little treasure chest for kids, and parents sometimes bring their own motivators—like promising ice cream afterward or letting their child bring a favorite toy into the photos. Even a quick trade—“give me one sweet smile and then we’ll do a silly photo”—works wonders.

Letting Go of Perfection

At the end of the day, kids don’t need to be perfect for their photos to be beautiful. Sometimes it’s the giggles, the silly faces, or the unposed moments that become your most cherished memories. My goal is always to capture your child as they are right now—authentic, unique, and full of personality.