How to Get Natural Smiles During Family Christmas Photos
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Natural smiles don't happen because children are told to smile—they happen because they're having fun. During my holiday family photo sessions, I encourage children to play, explore, bake pretend cookies, cuddle with siblings, and simply enjoy the experience. Those genuine moments create timeless family Christmas photos that capture your children's personalities, not just their faces. Families from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge, and throughout Los Angeles appreciate this relaxed approach because the memories are just as meaningful as the finished portraits.
Quick Answer
Natural smiles happen when families stop worrying about smiling. Instead of asking everyone to look at the camera and say "cheese," a great photographer keeps the session relaxed by encouraging conversation, laughter, movement, and genuine interaction. When your family is focused on enjoying the moment together, authentic smiles and real connections naturally follow—and those are the photographs you'll treasure most.
Helping Babies, Toddlers, and Young Children Enjoy Holiday Family Pictures
One of the biggest concerns parents have before their family Christmas photos is whether their children will smile.
If you've ever worried that your toddler won't cooperate or your preschooler will refuse to look at the camera, you're certainly not alone. It's one of the most common questions I hear from families planning their holiday family photos.
The good news is that children don't need to be perfect to create beautiful family Christmas pictures.
In fact, many of my favorite holiday portraits happen between the poses—during a hug, a laugh, or a quiet moment that no one planned.
As a Certified Professional Photographer and former special education teacher, I've learned that genuine smiles happen when children feel comfortable, curious, and connected to the people they love.
That's the experience I try to create during every holiday family photo session.
There Isn't One Magic Trick
Parents often ask if I have one special phrase that makes every child smile.
I wish I did.
The truth is that every child is different.
Some children love to pretend.
Some enjoy telling jokes.
Some want to explore everything around them.
Others simply need a few quiet minutes before they're ready.
Rather than using the same routine with every family, I spend the first few minutes getting to know your child's personality.
That flexibility almost always works better than asking every child to smile the same way.
I Welcome Babies and Toddlers
One thing that makes my family Christmas photography a little different is that I happily photograph babies and toddlers.
Many photographers prefer children who are six years old or older because younger children are naturally unpredictable.
I don't see that as a problem.
I've spent many years photographing newborns, babies, and toddlers, and before becoming a full-time photographer I spent more than twenty years as a special education teacher.
Young children don't need to behave like adults.
They simply need a little patience and an environment where they feel safe enough to be themselves.
Children Respond Better to Activities Than Instructions
Instead of asking children to stand perfectly still and smile, I try to give them something fun to do.
Depending on their age, I might encourage them to:
Give Mom the biggest hug they can.
Whisper a Christmas secret into Dad's ear.
Count the ornaments on the Christmas tree.
Tell me who decorates the tree at home.
Hold hands with a brother or sister while walking.
Snuggle together under a cozy blanket.
Find the tiniest Christmas decoration on the set.
Tell me what cookies they think Santa likes best.
Children become interested in the activity.
The smiles usually follow naturally.
Movement Creates Natural Family Christmas Pictures
Parents sometimes apologize because their toddler won't stand still.
Please don't.
Movement is completely normal.
Some of my favorite family Christmas photos happen while children are:
Running into Mom's arms.
Walking hand in hand.
Holding a parent's finger.
Being lifted into the air.
Laughing with a sibling.
Cuddling together on a blanket.
These moments feel genuine because they are genuine.
Parents Play an Important Role
One of the best ways to help children relax during holiday family photos is for parents to enjoy the experience too.
Children notice when adults are stressed.
If parents spend the session worrying about perfect smiles, children often become anxious as well.
Instead, talk with your children.
Laugh with them.
Look at each other.
Share a hug.
Those real interactions almost always photograph better than everyone staring at the camera.
Sometimes the Best Picture Isn't a Smile
Not every wonderful portrait includes a huge grin.
Some of the images families love most show:
A toddler resting their head on Mom's shoulder.
Siblings laughing together.
A child looking up at Dad.
Tiny hands holding a Christmas ornament.
A quiet cuddle before everyone realizes the camera is clicking.
Those moments tell your family's story.
Years from now, they're often the photographs that mean the most.
It's Okay to Take Breaks
Young children have short attention spans.
That's exactly what we expect.
If someone needs a snack, a drink, or a few minutes to cuddle with Mom, that's perfectly fine.
Sometimes we'll photograph parents together.
Sometimes siblings.
Then we'll invite the little one back when they're ready.
There is no prize for rushing through a session.
Relaxed children almost always create better holiday portraits.
Holiday Family Photos Should Feel Like Family Time
Whether you're celebrating your baby's first Christmas or updating your annual Christmas card photos, I believe your session should feel enjoyable—not stressful.
My goal isn't to create perfectly posed photographs.
My goal is to preserve your family's real connection.
Because years from now, your children won't remember being asked to smile.
They'll remember laughing with you.
Family Christmas Photos Throughout Los Angeles
Every holiday season I photograph families from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge, Montrose, La Crescenta, Tujunga, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and throughout the Los Angeles area who are looking for timeless holiday family photos, beautiful Christmas card pictures, and a relaxed portrait experience.
As a small boutique studio, every holiday mini session is personalized as much as possible. I even include an outfit change whenever time allows so your gallery has more variety—one look for your Christmas cards and another for family portraits you'll enjoy all year. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too, because they're part of the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child won't smile?
That's perfectly okay. Some of the best family Christmas pictures capture laughter, curiosity, hugs, and quiet moments rather than traditional smiles.
My toddler never sits still. Should we wait until they're older?
No. Toddlers are naturally active. I plan my holiday family photo sessions around movement and interaction instead of expecting young children to pose like adults.
Should I tell my child to smile?
Children usually respond better to conversation and playful activities than repeated reminders to smile. My goal is to create situations that encourage natural expressions rather than forced ones.
Can babies be included in family Christmas photos?
Absolutely. Babies and toddlers are always welcome. I have extensive experience photographing young children and enjoy helping families preserve these fleeting early years.
Continue Planning Your Holiday Session
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