4 Photography Prompts for Natural Smiles
There's nothing quite as frustrating for a photographer as trying to capture natural looking smiles from their subjects. But fear not, there are simple and effective prompts that you can use to ease your subjects into a happy state and snap the perfect shot. From silly jokes to unexpected prompts, there are so many ways to encourage natural smiles in your subjects without making them feel forced or uncomfortable. In this blog post, we'll be sharing 4 easy prompts that you can use to get your subjects grinning from ear to ear and capturing those genuine, joyful moments. So next time you're struggling to capture that perfect smile, try using one of these prompts and watch your photos come to life.
Prompt 1: Use Humor
As photographers, we all know how important it is to capture genuine moments between our subjects. However, sometimes it can be a bit challenging to get them to loosen up and interact naturally. That's where tip #1 comes in - using playful prompts like "Who has the stinkiest feet?" or "Who has morning breath?" may sound silly, but it's an incredibly effective way to break the tension and get your subjects laughing and enjoying the session. Not only will this result in more authentic and memorable photos, but it also creates an overall enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Plus, these prompts are suitable for all ages and can be easily tailored to fit any desired theme or mood for the session. So, next time you find yourself struggling to get your subjects to smile naturally, don't be afraid to embrace the stinkiness!
Promt 2: Hum a Tune
Humming a tune is a simple yet effective way to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere during your photo session. Research has shown that music can have a profound effect on our emotions, and humming a tune can activate the same pleasure centers in our brains that listening to a favorite song does. Not only does this tip add a touch of lightheartedness to your shoot, but it also encourages interaction and engagement among your subjects. As they work together to guess the tune, they will naturally let their guards down and become more comfortable in front of the camera. This, in turn, will result in more natural and authentic smiles that make for great photographs.
Prompt 3: How Old?
When it comes to photographing children, it can be difficult to get them to smile and interact naturally in front of the camera. This is where the age-guessing prompt comes in handy. Kids love the idea of being considered older than they really are, so by over-guessing their age, you are not only making them feel good but also putting them at ease. This prompts genuine and candid smiles that capture the beauty of their innocence and joyfulness. As a photographer, it is important to remember that a child's smile is the greatest asset to any photo, and the age-guessing prompt is the key to unlocking it. So, next time you are photographing kids, try this trick and see the magic unfold before your eyes.
Prompt 4: Surprise!
Our last prompt suggestion, "surprise," is a great way to capture these natural moments of joy, laughter, and love. By telling the kids that you have a secret signal, you can facilitate an excellent surprise moment between them and their parents. The signal can be as simple as patting your head, and the result is always a happy and contagious smile that everyone will cherish. By using prompts like this one, you can turn an ordinary photoshoot into something memorable for everyone involved. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process together while creating remarkable memories that will last a lifetime. So go ahead, give this prompt a try, and surprise everyone with a genuine and natural smile that will remain etched in their memories forever.
To truly capture the warm, genuine smiles of your clients during family sessions, humor, music, guessing games, and even surprise signals can be great tools to use for inspiration and natural expressions. If done right, these prompts can result in a session full of beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy on everyone's faces when they look back at the photos taken during the session. Even if it takes a ridiculous amount of silly noises or making weird faces to get your clients to laugh and feel comfortable behind the camera lens – it’ll all be worth it in the end! So why not give these prompts above a try? And if you need a great space to capture your next client or any space to create - consider Lux Rae Loft! Lux Rae Loft offers creative spaces for photographers of all levels with 3 unique studio looks (modern/industrial, homestyle, and all white spaces). Be sure to check us out today.