We've all done it! "Say Cheese" we yell just before taking that "perfect" picture of our kid on the first day of school, or the moment they loose their first tooth. Only to be ruined by the dreaded, and yes, CHEESY, "Say Cheese" smile.
The good news is, you never have to get stuck with another fake smile again, here are a few simple ways to get a genuine smile EVERY time
1. Cut the Cheese - Vow right now to never again utter the words "Say Cheese". In fact you can say anything but "Say Cheese". How about, "Say.... Ravioli" or "Say.... Elephant". I promise the unexpected, new and improved version will have your kids in stitches. And seriously, who doesn't love a picture of a child laughing??
2. Don't be so serious - If you want your subject to have fun, you will have to have fun too. This is especially true when it comes to children. Its perfectly okay to act your shoe size. Crack a corny joke, or sing off key. Kids love it when they see adults having fun! Go ahead, try it
3. Reverse Psychology, works every time - What would your child do if you said in the most serious voice you could muster, while holding your camera "Whatever you don DONT smile"? I don't know about yours but every kid I know would give you their biggest, toothiest grin ever. If it doesn't work for your tike, try... "make a scared/funny/silly/sad/happy face" I love "faces"
4. Let them be the judge - always show your kid how awesome they look when they are being real. show them the "Say Cheese" image and the "Ravioli" image and ask them which they like most.
Ain't that the truth?! Great post - one that needs to be shared with parents of our littlest clients, too. I can't tell you how often I have a Mom over my shoulder, yelling at their kid to say cheese!
ReplyDeleteBest trick for the 2-4 year old crowd (that I've found) is getting them to recite their ABCs if they can - anything with an 'e' ending results in something that looks like a smile, but by the end they're usually so proud of themselves that they're grinning anyway.
OMG! That is soo true! I must try this with my daughter and clients! :-)
ReplyDeleteKids have the capability to be freaking adorable when we aren't trying to force it on them. Sometimes us adults need to just chill and let kids be kids!
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