How to Eliminate Fake Smiles During Your Session

Let’s be real—there’s nothing worse than a stiff, forced smile in a photo. You know the look: bug-eyed, lips stretched tight, the sparkle in the eyes replaced with sheer panic. Whether you’re wrangling a toddler or getting in front of the camera yourself, it can be tough to capture genuine smiles that show off everyone’s true personality. But the good news? There are simple ways to loosen up and get those natural, joy-filled expressions that make your photos truly magical.

Here’s how to prepare ahead of time to avoid those dreaded fake smiles—and have a lot more fun in the process.

Let Kids Be Kids (and Let Us In On the Secrets)

Children are beautifully unpredictable. One minute they’re laughing like they’re at the funniest comedy show on earth, and the next they’re staring blankly, suddenly shy or distracted by the tiniest speck on the ground. That’s totally normal—but there are ways to help us tap into their natural charm.

1. Share Their Favorites Ahead of Time

A week or so before your session, send us a list of things that make your child giggle. Silly sounds, words that crack them up, characters they love—anything and everything helps! We’ll sneak those things into our conversation or games during the shoot to get those real belly laughs.

2. Break the Ice With Familiar Topics

What shows are they currently obsessed with? Who’s their best friend? What’s the name of their favorite stuffed animal? These little nuggets of information give us instant conversation starters, so we’re not strangers—we’re just new friends who happen to love Bluey or Minecraft as much as they do.

3. Practice Smile Triggers at Home

Try out a few phrases, sounds, or jokes at home and see what makes your child light up. And please—skip “Say cheese!” unless it truly works. Phrases like “Don’t smile… don’t do it!” or silly prompts like “Show me your dinosaur roar, now show me your princess face” tend to bring out the giggles way more naturally.

4. Let Them Tell the Joke

Sometimes the best way to make a child laugh is to put them in charge of the fun. Have a few jokes ready that they can tell us during the session. Kids love feeling like they’re the ones entertaining you—and they’ll usually crack up while trying to get through their punchline.

5. Bring the Music

Have a favorite song that always gets your kid dancing or smiling? Load it up on your phone or be ready to belt out the chorus (we promise not to judge your singing). Music can instantly change the mood and help them feel more comfortable.

6. Set Up a Reward

Don’t be afraid to bring a little motivation. Whether it’s a new toy, a trip to the ice cream shop, or just a reminder that you’ll be visiting the zoo afterward, it gives kids something to look forward to. (And if they get to see that toy or treat during the shoot, even better.)

Adults Fake Smile Too—Let’s Fix That

It’s not just kids who freeze up in front of the camera—adults do it too! Whether it’s the pressure to “look good” or just not knowing what to do with your hands, that tension can show up as awkward smiles or stiff poses. But don’t worry, we’ve got you too.

1. Let Go of Perfection

This session isn’t about looking flawless. It’s about capturing you—your joy, your connections, your personality. The moment you give yourself permission to let go of the “perfect smile,” the real one usually shows up.

2. Think Happy Thoughts

Instead of thinking about posing, think about someone or something you love. Your partner’s laugh. Your child’s snuggles. A memory that always makes you smile. That authentic warmth will show in your eyes—and that’s what makes the photo.

3. Laugh, Even If It Feels Weird

I might ask you to laugh on command. I know, it feels goofy—but trust the process. That fake laugh almost always turns into a real one within seconds, and that’s the magic moment I’ll capture.

4. Move a Little

A lot of stiff, fake smiles happen when you’re standing still and overthinking everything. I’ll have you walk, twirl, hug, dance—anything that gets you moving. Movement naturally relaxes your face and body, and suddenly you’re just having fun, not “posing.”

5. Let’s Chat

The best photos often happen in the in-between moments—when you’re talking, joking, or even sharing a little story. I’ll guide you into natural prompts that feel more like a conversation than a photoshoot. The result? Real smiles and genuine connection.

Final Thoughts

The most beautiful photos don’t come from perfect poses or stiff smiles. They come from real moments—giggly kids, playful energy, spontaneous laughter, and authentic expressions. If you come to your session ready to let go, play a little, and be yourself, I promise we’ll create something you’ll absolutely love.

So let’s skip the “Say cheese,” and make some real magic instead.