Chana, Yehudis, and Yaakov were a fun threesome! So this is the second family I did, and I have to say both families’ photos came out looking lovely. I think it’s the kids, they have this special liveliness that is somehow contagious when you’re around them, it makes you want to smile no matter how upset you may be. It’s the coolest thing. I learned this trick in a photography class: if you ever want a serious kid to smile, tell him/her, “Don’t smile! Hey! I said DON’T smile!” It’s human nature to smile when someone tells you not to. This works especially well with kids, and these kids burst out laughing after I told them that. The result of my little trick were these fun pictures. Yaakov, the little boy, kept saying he was getting tickled by his sister next to him, and although she wasn’t tickling him, he was laughing so hard, he forgot my policy with “no smiling”. Well, if you ever have that tough moment don’t forget that trick, it works wonders. Another little story happened to me while photographing a bunch of kids. They all had this idea that they’d convince each other not to look at the camera, and once I said: “Hey guys, is there an elephant on my head? I’m really scared.” That did it, and they finally agreed to look at the camera. There’s many other tips on how to get children to smile for pictures, but these two are my favorites. Remember, if you’re feeling frustrated that the person/kid won’t smile for the camera, don’t worry because every photographer has been there and you’re not alone in your sorrows! And of course, if it ends up looking like your two year old brother took the picture, keep it, because one day it might become a famous photo for its style of art :) Hey, you never know!
FOTW: Forcing yourself to smile, even though you’re in a bad mood, can boost your spirits. Start smiling!
Cute photos!!
Awesome pics Chaya!! Love them!!! And great tips it drives me crazy when the kid I’m photographing won’t smile or look at me, I will try it next time
They’re so cute :) my sister (3) knows that trick and she tries so hard not to smile but it works and get this mischievous smile out of her.
The kids are adorable!
I’ve heard of the 1st trick before, because it works for everything. I believe it’s called reverse psychology, but I’m not sure.
Cool tips! I have a very hard time getting my brother (6) to give a happy smile for the camera. Also I noticed that you seem to like pictures where the subject is leaning on a tree. Any special reason?
first is sooooooo cute
These kids are so cute! :) I personally love all the pictures people have leaning against trees. It might be something about what it does to the background or how it reflects the light. Or maybe just cuz it looks cool! :) I donno!
@Chaya – What Photography class do you take? I want to do a photography course in the summer between camp and school and school and camp. Is it online?
Me too Talya M.
@Hannabee- thank you! @Tzivi Wenger- Ty! G’luck! @miriam maryasha- Thanks! I know, it almost always works :) @saritscher– I know! They’re absolutely adorable ;) You’re totally right, it is called reverse psychology. @Hinda– Try the trick, it works wonders. Good eye, I do love posing the subject against a tree, because usually I’m dealing with kids with lighter complexions, the tree seems to bring out a nice shine to their faces. The earthy colors from the background and tree add a lot to the photos. Experimenting got e there :) @Moussia W- I know, right? @Talya M.- You’re right with both theories :D It looks amazing, brings out the shine in the child’s face, and the light also reflects to create a gorgeous photo.
@baylaf.eb- Yes, I did one online before, it was one of those unofficial courses, basically tutorials I found. I hope to find another one soon.
@Chaya– what camera do u use?