Avoiding the Fake Smile
In our house, “cheese” is a four letter word. My husband strongly dislikes everything made with any type of cheese product. Lasagna, fondue, casseroles, mac and cheese, and nachos are never on the dinner menu here at our house. And I strongly dislike the phrase, “Say cheese!” Not only does it produce the same painful look on everyone’s face (pronouncing the letter ‘E’) but it’s boring and, like my husband, not everyone likes cheese. So if you can’t shout, “Say cheese!”, what do you do to produce natural smiles?
Kids are honest. They haven’t yet developed the refined skill of appearing happy when they’re not. So the trick to capturing a genuine smile is to create a happy kid. There are all kinds of ideas out there in the blogosphere but I will share with you a few tips and tricks that I use with clients as well as with my own kids.
KIDS
1. Engage them in a song. Don’t choose one that they’ve heard over and over again, like the ABCs. BORING! Choose something they’ve never heard before. And one maybe you’ve never heard either. Make one up. Preferably one with their name in it. Something silly and fun and playful. They’ll think you’re silly and they’ll laugh. And if you can’t make something up spontaneously like that, sing an old stand-by but change the words to something silly. “On this farm he had a pair of pants, E-I-E-I-O”. The kids will look at you like you’re nuts which makes for a great genuine expression, and then they’ll laugh and give you a fantastic smile.
2. Engage them in a conversation. Tell them about something silly you did as a kid or tell them about something silly that you heard about. Kids LOVE to talk about themselves so ask them if they’ve ever done something like that. Sometimes that will give them the chance to tell you something they think is funny. Snap away!
3. Make Noise! All kids find humor in any and all bodily functions. Even if it kind of grosses you out, don’t be afraid to make bodily sounds. Then ask, “Was that you, or was that Daddy/the dog/the cat?” If you find farting noises difficult to do, there are some free apps for your iphone that will make farting noises of all shapes and sizes for you. I know. I have a husband and three boys who get endless enjoyment from ours.
4. Break out the bubbles. Young kids especially are mesmerized by bubbles. Let them run and chase and blow the bubbles. My favorite photos of kids are unposed, natural, action shots.
5. Use reverse psychology. Tell them, “whatever you do, do NOT look at me”. When they do look over say, “Hey, are you looking at me?!” If they’ve warmed up to you, that should work wonders.
TEENS
1. Compliment! Teenagers crave compliments. Most of the time they are unsure of themselves at this age and feel a little awkward. But once they hear that they are gorgeous, handsome, hot, beautiful, breath-taking they begin to relax and start to enjoy the attention.
2. Show them Proof! Every now and then when I get a shot that makes my heart sing, I’ll show them the image on the back of the camera. They are always curious to see how they look in pictures and love having instant proof that you are making them look awesome. They make more of an effort to follow your guidance once they see the results.
3. Engage them in conversation. Tell them about what you were like at their age. Tell them something that will really date you, like how you really wanted Madonna fishnets and a Lionel Richie tape for your 15th birthday. It’ll help them relax and they might even share something about themselves with you.
4. Belly laugh! This is my favorite and can make for the biggest and best smiles. Ask them to laugh as hard and as loud as they can. If they are too reserved, you do it for them first. Once they see what a fool you are making of yourself, they’ll be more likely to try it.
And remember, if all else fails, there are times and kids who just won’t smile like you want them to. And that’s OK. Take their picture anyway. It will still be a genuine record of them at that time and in that moment. Some of my favorite images of my kids were taken spontaneously and are a true expression of their spirit.
Now go out and never ever again utter the expression, ‘Say Cheese!”
Next Week: Exposure
Thanks Wenderful!
We appreciate the time and effort that you put into your post so we can take better pictures!
And in honor of all your fabulous Photography tips, the fabulous *Shey*{B} is going to give away one of her AMAZING handmade camera strap covers!
I have been lusting after a camera strap cover forever and never bought one for myself, here are some of my favorites:
I love the polka dots on this one.
But I also love the color combination on this one, plus houndstooth!!
{More polka dots!}
Shey also has a wonderful blog I love to visit — with great giveaways. Plus, she also has fantastic tutorials — you can imagine what a great seamstress she is. I also follow her on Twitter — she is hilarious!
She is offering you a choice of a Click Cover:
Such fun colors!
Or, her newest creation — Cherry Limeaid
So – this is how you can win:
1. Leave a comment here with your favorite strap from the*Shey*{B} store.
2. Leave some comment love over at Wenderful’s 365 Blog.
3. Spread the word of this fun giveaway via Twitter, Facebook, or on your sidebar (1 entry each)
4. Follow *Shey*{B} on Twitter
5. If you are a Tatertots & Jello follower or subscriber {love you guys!}, leave another comment.
Tons of ways to win!
This giveaway will run through Sunday night at midnight (MST).
And *Shey*{B} is also offering Tatertots & Jello 10% off your total purchase if you enter “tatertots” at checkout!
Good Luck!
XOXO
Left a comment on Wenderful 365's blog.
Leaving another comment as a tatertots & jello follower. Love your blog!
I love Cherry Limeaid! As an Alabama fan, you can't go wrong with houndstooth! I love that color combination.
LOVE the purple click!
I think I can enter twice since I have been to her site a gazillion times…Still loving the cherry limeaide strap cover
I've been following you on Google Reader since last summer. Would love to get the Cherry Limeaide. So cute and cheerful!
I really really like the Ruffled Black And White Damask … But her new limeade and cherryade are awesome too… so many choices!
I'm a follower.
mormishmom at gmail dot com
I tweeted.
mormishmom at gmail dot com
I left love at the Wenderful's blog mormishmom at gmail dot com
I'm loving the cherry limeade.
mormishmom at gmail dot com
Hello sweet Jen – I've got your button on my sidebar linking to your SheyB giveaway! Thank you for hosting this fun little party. I've had my eye on her camera straps for quite a while now! Fingers crossed!
Blessings,
Marie
marie@waltercom.com
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Hello sweet Jen – I'm a new follower of Wendy's blog, and left a comment on her post from yesterday!
Blessings,
Marie
marie@waltercom.com
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Hello sweet Jen – I just Tweeted about your awesome giveaway! Thanks again for another chance!
tw33tmarie Want to win a pretty Shey{B} camera strap? You still have time to enter. I love the Couture design! http://snurl.com/wozsp
Blessings,
Marie
marie@waltercom.com
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Hello sweet Jen – I am a happy follower of your fabulous blog! You've always got something fun going on. I love to visit!
Blessings,
Marie
marie@waltercom.com
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Hello sweet Jen – I am a follower on SheyB's Twitter! Thank you for another chance to win one of her pretty camera straps. Would love to have something other than the ugly black one that comes with the camera!
Blessings,
Marie
marie@waltercom.com
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Hello sweet Jen – Love all your sweet photos! Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you for this generous giveaway! I love SheyB's designs and would love the chance to win! My fave is her Couture strap. So fabulous!
Blessings,
Marie
marie@waltercom.com
http://emmacallsmemama.com
I love the color ones!!! They rock!!
I just wanted to say – thank you so much for doing this photography set of posts!! I was just asked for the frist time ever to photograph a firends child in a beach setting & your posts are helping out a whole bunch!! Im nervouse to say the least about it.
keep posting – we are all reading!!
oh – & I follow you!
following tater tots and jello!
left some comment love
I follow Shey on twitter
Love the couture!
I actually really love the click covers! Black would be fantastic, since the bf wants to be able to carry the camera too. ; )
I follow Sheyb on Twitter!
I follow you on Twitter!
Black and white damask with black minky is my fave!
Just tweeted it.
Following Shey{b} on twitter
Following Shey{b} on twitter
Commented on Wenderful Day 135. Super cute lil bunny pic! She's an awesome photographer! I'm loving the tutorials!
I love all the camera straps. My fav is "The Couture!"
I'm a follower of your blog…
PS. It's one of my fav's
the couture is GORGEOUS!
I am a follower!
Readg4fun@yahoo
Thanks for the chance to win; I like the cherry limeade.
Marie
readg4fun@yahoo.com
I heart the Ruffled Black And White Damask. Its truly a timeless fabric choice.I heart the Ruffled Black And White Damask. Its truly a timeless fabric choice.
I heart the Ruffled Black And White Damask. Its truly a timeless fabric choice.I heart the Ruffled Black And White Damask. Its truly a timeless fabric choice.
My favorite is the cherry limeade one and the houndstooth!!!
Here's to hoping and wishing..I'm a subscriber too!
Soo hard to pick a favorite! I'm really in love with The Chic… simply gorgeous!!
1. I commented before with my favorite strap from the *Shey*{B} store.
2. I commented on Wenderful's 365 Blog.
3. I tweeted and facebooked!
4. I'm following *Shey*{B} on Twitter.
and
5. This is another comment.
Oooooooo *fingers crossed*
I was lucky (?) enough to win one of Shey's camera straps back on Feb. 10th of this year – over 3 months ago – and I still haven't received it. I've emailed Shey several times and I get excuses about being so busy and trying to get caught up, etc. I know I am sounding petty, but to my way of thinking, she shouldn't offer her product for a giveaway if she can't produce the product. It just kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
i'm a follower, of course!
i LOVE the cherry lime aid design!!! so fun.
Jen of course I follow Tatertots & Jello!!
Loved this series on photography – thank you for hosting it Jen!
I love Shey's black & white damask with pink minky too! That's my fave although they are all adorable…her fabrics are great.
Thanks for the chance!
I subscribe.
I love the Cherry Limeade or the Pink Ruffled Houndstooth. So many cute ones. It would be hard to choose. Thanks for a great giveaway.
And another b/c I'm totally sharing this on FB.
I so hope I win…but it's hard to type with my fingers crossed!
One more because I'm a follower!
Right…. I can pick one favorite! HA! LOVE the black & white damask w/ pink minky. And the summer blooms strap is a perfect mixture of feminine and funky. And Vibrant Paisley is fun, too! Can't….pick….ONE!
The ruffle duo is my favorite!
I commented on her blog!
The cherry limeade is gorgeous!
I'm really liking the Cherry Lemonaid what fun colors for summer!
Also became a follower!
I already follow you too!
I already follow Shey[B] on Twitter.
Left some comment love for Wenderful. I've been following her since she started sharing these tips!
I love Shey[B]'s Couture's line.. so fab!
Cherry Limeaid is awesome!
I follow Tatertots and Jello!
I love The Chic slipcover! But the Cherry Limeade one is great too!
Fabulous photo tips! And I heart the cherry limeade one
The couture, Ruffled Black and White Damask, all of them are fab!!!
Loyal Follower!!!
I'm an existing TT&J follower
I left wenderful's blog some comment love
I love "the couture." It is so beautiful. In some ways you can say I've discovered the joy of taking photographs because of my kids–now I'm taking pics of everything and getting inspired. It's so fun!
I am a follower!
I love the Ruffled Black and White Damask! I have been swooning over these forever!
I am a faithful follower. Yay!!