Fun Prompts to get shy kids to smile

getting shy little ones to smile is always a tough job but here are some fun prompts to help get the little one interested in the camera and bring out that smile

1) start your session off with a conversation with them rather than just jumping right in to the camera in the face talk to them as if there the client

ask them there name, there age, there favorite things.

act excited for whatever they say to you this will build trust and confidence in you which will be crusial for prompts and poses

2) find common ground, maybe there really into dancing, trucks, or bluey. whatever it might be see if you can spark there interest with that common knowledge which will often allow them to open up a bit

3) funny word (often just a string of randomness) I find kids have responded really well to funny food words like spaghetti or ice cream

4) before every session I always ask in my booking form if there are any specific interest there kids have or if things can be used as an incentive, like looking forward to going out to dinner or, a treat

5) if the child is younger using sound or even a toy to bring there attention often works, having one parent stand behind you while making noises to gain there attention

6) knowing that kids attention span is low and often you need to move quick before they get board and are over the session.

here are a few shots showing the progression of getting a little one to fully smile and be involved with the shoot