How to get natural expressions from kids | Boston Photographer

Nothing compares to a genuine, heartfelt smile from your kids. Throughout the years I have discovered some of the best ways to get authentic emotions out of kids, and I’ll let you in on my secrets. It’s not as difficult as you think, just get ready to be a little goofy!

I absolutely love working with kids. They typically don’t fake how they feel, especially the younger ones, and kids tend to wear their expressions very honestly; creating a light-hearted atmosphere can give you the genuine look you want. When I’m on a shoot, I am always ready for those candid shots to capture them in their natural setting. 

Try kissing them. Babies and toddlers can be the most unpredictable, as one moment they may be laughing then the next it's like a little rain cloud is over them. But one of my favorite ways to bring joy to their faces is having mom, dad, brother, sister, you fill in the blank here, kiss different body parts. Their eyes, nose, fingers-try it all! 

Another safe option to melt those serious expressions is Peek-a-boo. You’ve got to love a classic. This one works best on kids under the age of 2.

Here comes the tickle monster! If you know your child is ticklish this can be a great secret weapon to turn any frowns or discomfort into a toothy grin. 

Toss your child up in the air! (safely)

Who doesn’t love a good dance party and sing along? Dancing can help a child relax and get out any jitters. Young ones love songs, so bonus if you sing in a silly voice. For upset babies, try putting on their favorite song to see if that can crack a smile or at least change the mood.

Make everything a game. See who can jump the highest, or if they can pop out from behind a nearby prop on the count of 3. Play Simon Says-but add an accent! Or tell them to hold a serious face and keep it as long as they can.

Break out the jokes! (Yes, even dad jokes) This one can work on both younger and older children. Maybe it’s a knock-knock joke, or a family inside joke. Perhaps you might even use some bathroom humor for the younger ones-whatever gets them cheesing!

Connection is key for older kids. Teenagers will whip out their phones if they have the chance. Ask them if they have any photo requests so they feel more invested. Find out their interests by taking some time to chat.

Make a funny sound. I tend to use this one for babies and younger children to grab their attention, but you can also make an older kid laugh this way as well.

Take. Breaks. Period. An hour can be a long time for any kid (and parents too if we’re being real here). If anyone needs a break, we take it. Taking 5 quiet mins in exchange for a happy 10 mins is always ok with me. .

Next time try one of these tactics to get a real smile, sometimes it just takes a little trial and error.

Boston Family Photographer | Chicago Family Visits the East Coast to Create Lasting Memories

One of our favorite places to photograph is the Boston Public Library courtyard. It is a hidden gem in Back Bay, and we had a blast photographing the Tashima Family there. They were all visiting from Chicago and Ohio, and we are so happy they picked Boston for their family photos. They were on a New England vacation together, and Boston was a stop on their way to Bar Harbor, Maine.

No one was safe from these cuties tickles and laughter!

We like to play a game called, “What’s your favorite animal?” which always entails silly animal noises. The kids’ favorite animals were zebras and penguins, leading to neighs, squawking, and chirping. The jury is still out on what a penguin sounds like.

We took a short walk down the street to some of our favorite brownstones and the fun did not stop. From Copley Square to Beacon Street the kids were giggling and smiling the whole way.

Mom and Dad got cozy under a tree and the kids snuggled in. We love capturing these special moments a family has together!

Boston Family Portrait Photographer | The Brooks Family

Did you know some of the best portrait sessions happen on rainy days? The Brooks Family did not let the soggy weather dampen their mood. If anything, it was the perfect excuse to act a little silly and puddle jump! When we asked them if they would be up for playing in the rain, without hesitation they said yes

If anyone has any questions about Sonic the Hedgehog, these cuties are the experts. The boys are avid Sonic fans, and their faces absolutely lit up as they taught us about all their favorite characters. They could not resist running around their home as fast as Sonic can, which of course ended on the couch in a pile of giggles.

Mom and Dad got in on the fun too. Mom stood up and sat on the table, and soon the whole family piled on. We love spontaneous shots like this, because they are often they bring the most genuine smiles.

Pets are always welcome on our photoshoots, as a pet is a family member after all! We loved that Sneakers the Dog got in on a few shots too.

Also, nothing makes me happier than when mom and dad are able to get in a little of their own snuggle time. Usually when we ask the question "When was the last photo you had together?" the response is "our wedding day!" So yes, we like to give mom and dad a few snuggly moments on their own, afterall, this is where it all started. It was particularly sweet to see the way these two make each other laugh without even directing them, so much love.

Boston Photographer | Two Sisters and their New Brother at Prescott Park

I LOVE photographing a family the second time around. It’s always a great experience for me because I know them. I know their taste, I know what they already chose for albums or wall art, and I know their personalities. Karen and Dick Fitzpatrick have 5 grown kids and 8 beautiful grandkids. I had a blast photographing them at their house on the beach in Rye, NH.

Fitzpatrick extended family portrait from summer 2014 on Rye Beach

Erin's two little girls at last year's family portrait on Rye Beach

Karen and Dick's five kids being silly together for our last photo of the day

When one of their daughters, Erin, asked me to photograph her family this year (with their new brand new addition, Bode), I was ecstatic. I can’t even describe in words how cute her family is. Erin chose Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH as their spot. When I arrived, there were these gorgeous white flowered draping trees (which I later found out were Japanese flowering crab apple trees). Gorgeous location, happy kids, beautiful family. Yes please.

Their oldest, Liv, is an old soul with a shy smile and a serious gaze. She listened to every word and direction I gave her, as long as I photographed her doing a cartwheel at the end.

Lia, the middle child, is far from the typical “middle child”. Her eyes light up when you talk to her and her cute laugh will make anyone’s heart smile. She found a flower when we got there and didn’t put it down once during the whole session. She also expressed her sincere regret that she didn’t pick me any lilacs from their garden… <3

Their baby boy, Bode was Mr. Smiley and at 8 months old, I couldn’t believe how easily Grandma was able to make him laugh. He was responsive and candid… and I could have brought him home with me.

Seriously, this family couldn’t be any better to have a portrait session with...

What I didn’t tell Erin at the time, was that this was the perfect opportunity to launch and announce my new product – the Video Slideshow. The slideshow is a combination of video from your session, and your finished still images. Watch the full video below:

If you are interested in video with your portrait session, contact me here