7 Prompts to Get the Best Natural Smiles for a Family Photoshoot
As a family photographer, you know the golden shot is never the stiff, posed one. It is the scrunched up nose giggle from a toddler tickle. It’s the glance between siblings when they think no one is looking. It is that moment where parents let go of the idea of perfection and simply enjoy being together. That is when the camera really captures the magic.
But how do you guide families into those relaxed, in between moments without making it feel staged or forced?
The answer is simple: prompts. Not poses. Not rigid instructions. Just gentle nudges that will help families fall into the kind of interaction they already know how to do. They just need a little encouragement to that will get the perfect shot.
Whether you are a family photographer like me or a parent wondering how photographers manage to capture real smiles, here are 7 brilliant prompts to get natural smiles during a family photoshoot.
1. “Whisper something silly in their ear”
This is a classic. Ask a child to whisper something funny into their sibling’s or parent’s ear. Most children will think up something completely ridiculous and they often end up cracking up themselves while doing it. The reaction of the person listening is just as good.
Why it works:
It encourages interaction between people who already have a natural bond.
It allows little ones to take the lead, which makes them feel confident and playful.
You are not asking them to smile, you’re giving them a reason to.
Photographer tip: Don’t worry about catching the whisper itself. The magic happens in the moment just after when they burst into giggles.
2. “Run towards me like you’re chasing your favourite ice cream”
Movement is your best friend when it comes to capturing real life. Especially with children who are full of energy and not always keen on standing still.
This prompt is brilliant for breaking the ice early on. Parents can join in or simply watch with big smiles as their children run wild for a few seconds. You get natural expressions, wind tousled hair and the kind of action that brings photos to life.
Why it works:
Movement loosens everyone up.
Running creates laughter almost instantly.
It gives you a break from the standard ‘everyone standing still’ images.
Photographer tip: Use a long lens and a fast shutter speed for this one, and let them do a few takes so you catch a variety of expressions.
3. “Look at each other now pull your silliest face!”
There is something disarming about making a silly face. Even adults, who might start off awkwardly, often end up laughing at themselves and each other. That moment just after they’ve pulled the face is where you press the button. That’s where the magic is.
Why it works:
It takes the pressure off looking perfect.
It helps everyone, including the grown ups, to loosen up.
It creates a rhythm of laughter and connection.
Photographer tip: Count them in with a fun countdown “One, two, three go!” and keep your camera ready for the moment straight after when they drop their silly face and naturally smile.
4. “Who’s does the smelliest farts?”
This one is gold with young children. Sit the family close together maybe snuggled up on a blanket or sitting on the grass and ask who does the smelliest fart. Cue dramatic reactions, laughter, finger pointing and genuine connection.
Why it works:
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It creates natural laughter without needing to say “Smile!”
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It allows you to shoot a group dynamic with personality.
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It keeps children engaged in the session.
Photographer tip: Let them talk over each other, tease each other and go off on little tangents. It works every time even teenagers!
5. “Tell Mummy why she’s the best” (or Daddy, or Grandma you get the idea)
This is a heart melter and works especially well in quieter moments of the photoshoot. If things are slowing down or someone is feeling shy, use this prompt to shift focus.
Ask a child to tell one of their grown ups why they love them. It might be sweet, it might be hilarious, but it will always be real. The grown up’s reaction is where the smile lives so make sure that’s where the camera is pointing.
Why it works:
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It creates meaningful interaction and warmth.
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It helps the camera fade into the background.
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It allows families to see themselves with love.
Photographer tip: Shoot from a little further away to give them a bit of privacy. You are simply observing the love that is already there. It will remind you to get a wider location shot too.
6. “On the count of three, say your favourite food!”
This one is especially fun with little ones. Get everyone to shout their favourite food at the same time on the count of three. You will get surprised faces, cheeky grins, and often a few giggles when someone yells “chocolate pizza!”
You can repeat this with favourite animals, colours, or even holiday destinations – whatever fits the family you are photographing.
Why it works:
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It builds energy into the session.
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It distracts from the camera.
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It captures personality and playfulness.
Photographer tip: You can also ask the parents to guess what the children will say. It gets them engaged and keeps the momentum going.
7. “Walk together bumping into each other
Ask the family to walk towards you bumping into each other and skipping. This is best to leave until the end of the shoot as so much energy will be used in this shot! What happens is everyone gets really into it and forgets that the camera is there, falling about laughing. It’s chaotic and results in the kind of photo they will treasure forever.
Why it works:
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Physical closeness helps emotional closeness show.
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It creates smiles through interaction rather than instruction.
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You can repeat it with different combinations parents and children, just siblings, the whole group.
Photographer tip: Let them bash about and skip holding hands even suggest a piggy back competition and keep shooting. Make sure your shutter speed is high to keep up with the movement and avoid blurry images.
Extra Tips for Natural Smiles During Family Photoshoots
These prompts are powerful but your approach as a photographer matters just as much. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Create a relaxed atmosphere from the start
Greet each family member by name if you can. Compliment their outfits. Make a light joke. If people feel welcome, they relax and relaxed people smile without thinking about it. I talk to the children, get down to their level and tell them we’re going on an adventure.
Don’t rush the magic
Natural smiles often come in the pauses. After the prompt, stay quiet for a few seconds. Give people time to settle into the moment. The real smiles often come just after the instruction, not during it.
Let children lead
Children are wonderful at helping everyone else forget about the camera. If they run off or start doing something unexpected follow them. These spontaneous moments can turn into the most beautiful parts of the shoot.
Be silly yourself
If you want others to let go, you have to lead the way. Whether it is making a funny noise, lying on the ground for a better angle, or playing peekaboo behind the lens. This show them that this is not scary and that it’s going to be fun.
Why Natural Smiles Matter in Family Photography
Families do not want stiff, formal portraits that could belong to anyone. They want images that show them how they really are laughing, playing, cuddling and connecting. Prompts that draw out natural smiles are the bridge between a technically good photo and a meaningful one.
By guiding families into real moments of connection, you help them see the beauty of their every day. The messy, giggly, full-of-love side that they might forget to notice. That is what they will treasure in the years to come.
Final Thoughts
Getting natural smiles in a family photoshoot is not about waiting for luck or relying on cheese. It is about giving people the space and confidence to be themselves. With these 7 simple prompts, you can bring natural giggles and connection into every frame and create photos that feel just like home.
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