I still remember one little girl who walked into my Sinking Spring studio, full of energy and excitement. She was giggling, twirling her dress, and clearly ready to have fun. The second mom told her to “smile better,” though, her shoulders dropped. Her smile vanished and she froze in front of the camera.
That moment reminded me why there are certain things I will never say to kids during a photo day. Children don’t need pressure, they need space to just be themselves, because that’s the formula for the best photos
1. “Say Cheese!”
We’ve all heard it a million times, but here’s the truth: it doesn’t work. When kids are told to “say cheese,” you usually end up with unnatural, goofy grins and super wide eyes. Those aren’t the smiles parents want hanging on their walls.
Instead, I spend time interacting with kids in a way that feels natural. We tell silly jokes, play little games, or even make funny noises. The laughter that follows is genuine, resulting in photos that truly showcase each child’s personality.
2. “Be Good” or “Don’t Be Silly”
It might seem harmless, but telling kids to “be good” or “stop being silly” piles on unnecessary pressure. Adding too much structure removes the fun and kids worry about doing it “right.”
The truth is, playfulness is what makes children shine. The quirks, the goofy expressions, the unstoppable giggles, those are the moments parents treasure most. By encouraging kids to stay true to themselves, the session feels relaxed and fun, and the photos reflect their real personalities.
3. “You’re Not Listening!”
Scolding never helps in front of the camera. It only makes kids shut down faster and that’s the opposite of what we want. When kids hear “you’re not listening,” their confidence dips and they’re less likely to feel comfortable.
Instead, I use calm redirection and simple resets. Sometimes that means taking a quick break, asking a question, or shifting to a different activity. Kids bounce back quickly when they feel understood and those resets keep the energy light.
Why These Simple 3 Things Matter
When kids aren’t pressured to perform, their natural smiles come out. Parents relax, too, because the session doesn’t feel like a struggle. The result is photos filled with connection and personality, the kind of images that feel like your family, not a forced version of it.
At my Sinking Spring photo studio, I’ve shaped every session to be relaxed and child-centered. These small shifts create not just better photos, but better memories of the day itself.
