What If My Child Won't Smile?
It’s probably the sentence I hear more than any other before a family photoshoot.
“I’m really sorry… they probably won’t smile.”
Sometimes it’s a toddler who’s just discovered the word “no”. Sometimes it’s a school-aged child who’s decided they’re absolutely not interested. Sometimes it’s a teenager who’d rather be anywhere else.
And do you know what my answer always is?
Good.
Because I’m not trying to make your children smile.
I’m trying to make them laugh, wonder, play, chat, explore and simply be themselves.
The best photographs rarely come from asking children to “say cheese”.
They come from everything that happens in between.
The Best Photos Often Happen After the Meltdown
One of my favourite examples is this little sequence.
The entire thing happened in less than a minute.
First there were tears.
Then curiosity.
Then a little smile.
Then a giggle.
Then… pure joy.
Nothing magical happened.
I didn’t bribe.
I didn’t force a smile.
I simply gave her a little time.
Children are allowed to have feelings. They’re allowed to need a minute.
That’s why I never panic when someone cries during a session.
Because children don’t stay in one emotion for very long.
Sometimes all they need is space.
The best photograph isn't usually the first click. It's the one that happens after your child forgets they're being photographed.
Every Child Has Their Own Personality
Not every child is loud.
Not every child is quiet.
Some are full of endless energy.
Others watch everything before joining in.
Some grin from ear to ear.
Others give you thoughtful little expressions that their parents instantly recognise.
And honestly?
I love photographing every single one.
Because years from now, those expressions become the memories.
Smiles Aren't The Only Happy Expression
One child might burst into laughter.
Another might give you the tiniest smirk.
One teenager might quietly smile with their eyes.
Another will laugh once their little sister tells them something ridiculous.
None of those are better than the others.
They’re simply different.
That’s what makes your family yours.
Parents Sometimes End Up Joining The Fun Too
Children aren’t the only ones who relax during a session.
Parents often arrive convinced they’ll spend the entire time persuading their children to smile.
Instead…
They find themselves laughing just as much.
Sometimes Dad even ends up pretending to be Superman.
(Yes… it happens.)
When families stop worrying about getting the “perfect” photograph, that’s usually when the perfect photograph appears.
Blink... And They're Suddenly Taller Than You
Children don’t stay little for long.
One day they’re learning to write their name.
The next they’re borrowing your shoes.
Every age has its own personality.
Every stage deserves remembering.
Whether they’re toddlers, teenagers or somewhere in between, I photograph them exactly as they are right now.
Because this version won’t last forever.
Back to School Minis Are Almost Here 📚
Speaking of growing up…
One of my favourite sessions each year is my Back to School Minis.
They’re quick, relaxed and full of personality.
No forced smiles.
No awkward poses.
Just your child exactly as they are at this moment in time.
Whether they’re proudly heading into Primary 1, nervously starting high school or simply another year taller, these sessions capture a little snapshot of who they are right now.
Because one day you’ll look back and wonder where those tiny school shoes disappeared to.
📅 This year’s Back to School Minis take place on 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th August.
If you’d love a fresh set of photographs before the new school year begins, I’d love to welcome you into the studio.
Children Don't Need To Be Perfect
If you’ve ever thought…
“We’ll wait until they’re older.”
“They’re too shy.”
“They’ll never smile.”
“Today’s just not their day.”
Please don’t let that stop you.
Some of my favourite photographs have started with tears.
Others have started with complete silence.
The best sessions aren’t about perfect behaviour.
They’re about real childhood.
And real childhood is wonderfully unpredictable.
That’s exactly why it’s worth remembering.
Frequently Asked Questions
That's absolutely fine. Some of the best photographs come from natural expressions rather than forced smiles. My sessions are relaxed and child-led, allowing children time to settle and be themselves.
Most family sessions last around an hour, giving children plenty of time to relax, play and explore without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. Every child is different, and I adapt each session to suit their personality. There is no expectation for children to perform or smile on command.
I photograph families in my relaxed Auchterarder studio and at beautiful outdoor locations across Perthshire and Central Scotland.
