I’ve loved getting to watch these kids grow so much over the past few years. When kiddos (like my own) get to the age that they become more aware of the camera…my strategy to get those genuine expressions changes a bit.

Often parents are my biggest tool because they will stand behind me and do whatever it takes to get a laugh (read: embarrass the heck out of) their kids.

Sometimes, I use surprise. These older kids and tweens will be trying their darnedest to show their age and coolness with a solo shot and mom or dad will sneak attack behind them or behind me!

Other times, I take each individual kiddo off to the side and we just hang out chatting a bit (without the camera in their face) so they relax. I love getting to know them more this way too…and they don’t feel like they have everyone’s eyes right on them! Sometimes they feel like they can vent to me a little bit about how brother or sister is driving them crazy. Whatever they need at the moment is great! We can just continue our conversation in between shots and I use this new info to ask them some crazy questions…and these are usually when they smiles and laughs happen.