As a parent, you’ve probably experienced it—asking your child to smile for the camera, only to get that familiar forced grin with scrunched nose and squinty eyes. While those moments have their own charm, they often miss the natural joy you want to remember.

Through my years as a Bay Area family photographer, I’ve found that the most treasured images come from letting children simply be themselves. Instead of prompting a stiff “say cheese,” try these seven gentle ways to capture real, heartfelt smiles.

1. Follow Their Lead Through Play

Kids naturally light up when we step into their world. Instead of directing them, try joining their play with these gentle approaches:

• Pause to notice what they’re creating and ask about their ideas.
• Become part of their imaginative adventures.
• Let their natural enthusiasm guide the moment.

When children feel seen and heard, their expressions become genuine and full of joy—and those are the moments you’ll treasure.

2. Embrace Their Current Passions

Every childhood stage brings new favorites—dinosaurs, princesses, superheroes, or beloved stuffed animals. These might seem like small details now, but they’ll become precious windows into who your little one was—treasured glimpses of this fleeting age.

• Let them share their favorite toys and books.
• Capture them fully immersed in their beloved activities.
• Document their genuine excitement about what they love.

These precious moments often emerge most naturally during play.

3. Welcome Playful Moments

The most authentic smiles naturally emerge during playful moments:

• Make silly faces or share gentle jokes.
• Invite siblings to join in and create natural giggles.
• Play simple games that bring out their unique personality.

When kids are having fun, their joy shines through effortlessly in photos.

4. Use Reverse Psychology

One of my favorite gentle approaches? Playfully telling children not to smile.

Try saying: “No smiling allowed! Not even a tiny one!”

Most kids can’t resist breaking into laughter when given this playful challenge—creating perfect moments for capturing genuine joy.

5. Incorporate Gentle Movement

Little ones love to move—and that’s perfectly okay! Instead of asking them to sit still, use movement to your advantage:

• A few gentle tickles (while being mindful of comfort levels).
• Twirling, dancing, or jumping in a safe space.
• Letting them skip, spin, or move naturally.

When movement is part of the experience, natural expressions follow effortlessly.

6. Allow Safe Independence

Children’s faces light up when they feel a sense of freedom:

• Let them explore a few steps ahead (within safe boundaries).
• Create playful hide-and-seek moments.
• Give them space for their own silly ideas.

A little independence often leads to the most carefree, genuine expressions.

7. Share Their Joy

Your energy shapes every moment. When you’re relaxed and present, they will be too:

• Laugh together and enjoy the moment.
• Keep your camera nearby, but let the connection with your child take center stage—sometimes the quiet, thoughtful moments create the most beautiful memories.

The Secret to Genuine Smiles? Letting Go of Perfection.

Instead of chasing the perfect pose, focus on connection, play, and joy.

When you let children be exactly who they are in this moment, you’ll capture the stories that truly matter—no ‘cheese’ required, just genuine moments you’ll cherish as they grow.