Photo hacks: ways to get young kids to smile

Zofia May has a knack for capturing kids just as they are. The London-based family photographer – and mum of three – specialises in honest, joy-filled images. Here, she shares her go-to tips for photographing children in a way that’s natural, relaxed and fun.

Photographing children is a joyful mix of spontaneity, chaos and love. One moment they’re giggling uncontrollably, the next they’re hiding under the table or running in the opposite direction. As a parent, there’s nothing quite like the sound of your child’s laughter – and capturing that joy in a photo is pure magic.

As a mum of three and a family photographer, I’ve worked with children who love the camera – and plenty who don’t. Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of tricks to draw out those genuine smiles and moments of real emotion. These are the seven approaches I always come back to. Whether you’re using a phone or a camera, these tips are designed to help you capture joyful, natural images that reflect your child’s personality and spirit.

Get on their level

Whether you’re snapping with your phone or a DSLR, the first thing to do is physically get down to your child’s eye level. Holding your camera lower – roughly in line with their face – provides a better connection with the children and a more flattering portrait. It helps you engage with them in a playful, relaxed way rather than looming from above.

I also avoid saying, “Let’s take a photo.” Instead, I keep it casual with, “Let’s have some fun!” The less pressure they feel, the more likely they are to relax and enjoy the moment.

Make a game of it

Children don’t need direction, they need fun. If you want real smiles, make it a game they already love. Once you’re at their level and ready to shoot, try:

• Playing “red light, green light” or “Simon says” 

• Making animal sounds – especially if you get them hilariously wrong

• Fart noises (yes, really – toddlers can’t resist them)

• Freeze dancing – play music on your phone and pause it suddenly for surprise moments

• Singing a favourite nursery rhyme or clapping along

It’s about making them laugh because they want to – not because you asked them to.

Creative prompts for classic portraits

If you’re hoping for a more classic portrait, the trick is to draw their attention to the camera without making it feel like a pose. Use playful curiosity:

• “Can you see a rainbow in my lens?”

• “How many circles can you count on my phone?” (pointing at the phone camera)

• A finger puppet peeking out from behind your camera

• Good old peek-a-boo – perfect for babies and toddlers

These gentle prompts bring their gaze towards you naturally, and with a smile.

Use the world around them

Some of the most meaningful portraits happen when children are simply doing what they love. Whether they’re building a tower, bouncing on a trampoline or swinging at the park – that’s when they’re in their element.

At home, take a moment to tidy distracting clutter before you start. Then focus on capturing the moments you know you’ll want to remember: their favourite teddy, the messy play corner or the park they always ask to visit. These familiar spaces help kids feel comfortable and bring out the most authentic expressions.

If you’re photographing indoors, try to encourage play near a window – either facing it or with the light softly falling from the side. Natural window light is gentle and flattering, so turn off overhead lights to avoid clashing tones. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference.

Encourage sibling interaction

If you have more than one child in the frame, let them engage with each other rather than focusing on you. Playful nudges, shared secrets, hand-holding and tickles often lead to the kind of spontaneous smiles that can’t be staged.

You can try games like, “Who can make the other laugh without touching them”, or “Do bunny noses with your sister”. These shared interactions are where genuine emotion lives – and they often create the most heart-melting images.

Embrace movement and chaos

Children rarely sit still – and that’s not a bad thing. Movement is where their joy lives. Use burst mode on your phone or sports mode on your camera to capture fast motion without blur.

Some movement moments to try:

• Balancing on or jumping off a log in the park

• Playing tag (run away with your camera pointed back at them)

• Spinning in circles until they fall over laughing

• Running towards you shouting something silly (“Run to me like a dinosaur!”)

• Pretending to be an airplane, a rocket or a hopping bunny

• Tickle monster. Anywhere soft and safe works – a bed, a rug, a picnic blanket

Let go of perfection. Messy hair, cheeky expressions and muddy knees all tell your family’s real story – and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.

Keep it short and sweet

Young kids aren’t built for 30-minute sessions. Their energy fades quickly – and the best smiles usually happen within the first 5–10 minutes. Keep your photo time playful and brief. If things start going downhill, stop and try again later.

Sometimes the best hack is simply knowing when to call it. A handful of joyful, relaxed photos is far better than dozens of forced ones. Ending on a high note means they’ll associate photos with fun – and be more open and excited next time.