Every parent says the same thing when they walk into my studio: “I just want a real smile.” No forced “cheese” grin, no stiff look, just the laugh that makes their kid them. Guess what? That is my favorite part too. The secret? It is not about telling kids to pose. It is about having fun together until they forget the camera is even there.
Why “Cheese” Smiles Never Work
Tell a kid to “smile big” and watch what happens. Either they freeze like a deer in headlights or they get super wide eyes and exaggerated expressions. Real smiles come from real moments, so the “say cheese” type prompts just don’t work.
How I Get the Giggles Going
Every kid has their thing. Some burst out laughing at silly sounds. Some think peek-a-boo is still the best game ever. Others crack up when I pretend to trip over my own feet. I pay attention to what makes your child light up. Sometimes it’s toys, sometimes it’s jokes, sometimes it’s me being ridiculous. Whatever works, I roll with it. That is when the best smiles come out.
Parents, You’re Part of the Fun
Here’s the thing: sometimes kids light up when mom or dad plays along, and other times they relax more when parents hang back a little. Every child is different, and part of my job is figuring out what works best for yours. If clapping, laughing, or being silly together gets the giggles flowing, perfect. If your child opens up more when you kick back on the studio couch with a coffee, that works too. Either way, your presence matters, and together we’ll figure out what helps your child feel most comfortable.
The Smiles That Make Parents Tear Up
These aren’t just smiles for the camera. They are the laughs that bring you right back to who your child was at this age. Years from now, when you look at these photos, you will remember their giggles, the light in their eyes, and that scrunchy little nose. Those are the memories you’ll cling to as your child grows older.
The Photos That Always End Up as Favorites
The best children’s photography is about connection, not posing. When kids are having fun, the real smiles show up without any effort. Those are the portraits families in Berks County treasure most, because they remind you exactly what your child was like at that age.
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