Tickling

You’ll definitely need a bit of help to do this, but it’s still the easiest solution. If you want a photo of your child on their own, or if you don’t have anyone to lend a hand, you can still start with a good tickle session. Then all you need to do is approach your child as if you’re going to tickle them, and they’ll start to laugh in anticipation.

Whoops!

Mistakes are funny. Tell your child to look into the "banana" instead of the "camera". Change the words to a song your child knows well, or call them by their sister’s or grandmother’s name: "Okay Gertrude, say cheese!"

Somersault

For photos that are a little more "acrobatic" ask another adult to hold the child by their feet and take the photo while they are upside down. You’ll get a fun, original shot.

If you don’t have anyone to help you, ask your child to get into position to do a somersault. You’ll get a wonderful funny face with their head between their legs!

Mirror, mirror

The best results often come when your subject can see themselves. Turn your camera’s screen around, use a mirror or turn on your cellphone’s selfie function.

Boo!

Play monster. Ask your little one to scare you and act as if you’re terrified. Or tell them to scream as loud as they can. Their expression will be very animated!

Dress-up

Playing dress-up is always lots of fun. A pirate, a superhero, a grownup—there are always things around the house to dress up in. And if your little princess won’t change out of her costume? Her smile will be much more genuine if she’s wearing what she likes.

Spy

For photos that are even more natural, play the spy and photograph your child while they are playing, immersed in their own world. Position yourself level with them in the corner of the room and wait till they forget you’re there. This trick requires some patience, but your shots will reflect how you see your child on a daily basis.