by Jennifer Borget posted in Life

Getting my kids to smile in photos isn't always easy. Getting them to smile naturally in photos is even more difficult. I learned a long time ago that asking them to say ?cheese? doesn't get the happy joyful look I see on their faces every day. The natural smiles I get to see are the ones I want to preserve. Today I'm going to share some tips to help you do the same.
1. Get silly: This is why I go to first when I'm trying to get a smile out of my kids. Jumping up and down, making a sudden moment or silly sound may get them to crack up if they aren't expecting it.

2. Play a game: Babies and toddlers love peek-a-boo, but older kids may find that boring. Try asking your child to close her eyes then walk around and surprise her with you standing in a new location. When she opens her eyes and sees your hiding spot snap at her grinning reaction. My kids? favorite is a classic ?I'm gonna get you!? If I have a long object I can point in their direction it's even better.

3. Encourage them to play: What does your child love to do" Blow some bubbles or race a car" Play pretend" Capture your child doing what he loves and you'll likely capture their natural joy too.

4. Jump!: 1-2-3 JUMP! When you have more than one child this is a great way to get smiles from the whole gang. It's not the jumping action you're trying to capture (though that is adorable too) but the smiles that come in anticipation and after they land.

5. Bribe: I'm n...