Tips for getting a toddler to pose?

[Crystal_27]

I have a 3 year old daughter who, at this point, is sick and tired of me pointing a camera in her face and telling her to smile. However, we are going to Disney in December, and I want to perfect the "1-2-3 Smile" technique before we get there so I can make sure that I get my DD smiling with the characters (who I know only have a few minutes at each table). Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.


-Crystal
Olympus E-500, Zuiko 14-45mm, Zuiko 40-150mm, Zuiko 50mm macro

 

[garris3404]

I have a 3 year old daughter who, at this point, is sick and tired of me pointing a camera in her face and telling her to smile. However, we are going to Disney in December, and I want to perfect the "1-2-3 Smile" technique before we get there so I can make sure that I get my DD smiling with the characters (who I know only have a few minutes at each table). Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.


-Crystal
Olympus E-500, Zuiko 14-45mm, Zuiko 40-150mm, Zuiko 50mm macro

She'll be having so much fun, the smile will come automatically!

 

[GrumpyOne]

I've always preferred bribery.

 

[Crystal_27]

Ahhh, I didn't think about the FUN factor - you are absolutely right! Regarding bribery, I think she's all bribed out at this point (can you tell she's my only subject?!?). I think as she gets older posing won't be such a chore - at least I hope that will be the case.

 

[0bli0]

i honestly wouldn't worry about the smiling and posing. they'll smile but the moments where they see the characters and get to meet/touch/hug are the most precious just keep taking them and see what you like the best after.

 

[DVC Jen]

Being a preschool teacher (3 yr olds) I have found that trying to get them to sit still for any length of time - or even trying to get them to smile simply backfires and they become resistant.

Instead of trying to get that perfect smile go for something more natural - find her playing - doing something she loves or just sitting and being quiet while she concentrates on an activity like coloring or finger painting.

Capture those real life moments - they are much more precious (in my opinion) than a staged smile that usually doesn't look natural anyway.

I do understand what you are wanting - but with my experience with 3 yr olds and how "independant" they so want to be - *I* think it is best to just let them be themselves and try to capture those real (non staged) smiles when ya can.

 

[photo_chick]

If I tell my kids to smile they give me the cheesey fake smile. If I stop to pose them in front of something or with someone I usually say words that make them laugh and distract from the "creepy fake smile". DS is easier to get to relax and laugh, he is 4 and I just have to tell him "say stinky fart" and he laughs. DD is a little harder as she is nearly 7. BUt I have found that a laughing kid, well at least my laughing kid, comes across better in a photo than a "smiling" kid.

Also don't try to train them too well! Otherwise they will detest having their picture taken.

 

[ktulu]

I prefer getting my daughter's natural reaction to things. My wife will take 20 minutes trying to get that perfect picture and trying all sorts of things that don't work. This is one of my favorite pictures, it captures the moment well, sorry about the quality!

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

kutulu - now that is an awesome picture!

OP - I agree w/the others. Capture the natural reactions as those are the ones you'll cherish in the future. I have a 13 year old DS who has grown up with a camera in his face. He refuses to pose but I can still get great shots when he least expects them.

 

[Crystal_27]

Thanks for all of the suggestions and advice (and thanks for sharing your cute Tigger pictures). You guys ROCK!

 

[handicap18]

This is what happens when you tell them to smile:

head down, wants nothing to do with thm.

This is what happens when you let things just happen:

DS was 3 1/2 on this trip and DD was 12 months. Granted DS was a little overwhelmed and took him a while to warm up. No matter what we did, he never wanted to go up to characters in the parks. He was better at the meals when they came to us.

While I do like to have some of the "posed" portraits, I mostly try to get pics of the kids when they are not posed, more natural and laughing. Plus kids tend to oversmile.