Why I Never Tell Kids to “Say Cheese” || Personality Portraits
What If My Kids Don’t Behave for Photos? A Kid-Centered Approach to Personality Portraits
There’s a reason I don’t ask kids to “say cheese.”
If you’ve ever watched what happens when someone says it, you know exactly what I mean. Kids freeze. Their shoulders tense. A forced, unfamiliar smile pops onto their face, and suddenly whatever spark they walked in with disappears.
And here’s the thing, those stiff smiles? They aren’t who your kids really are.
Children’s portraits should reflect personality, not performance. The curiosity, the silliness, the seriousness, the big expressions and the quiet ones too. That’s what you’ll want to remember years from now, not whether their smile looked “right.”
Personality Over Posing, Always
I want something different for your family photos. I want your child’s personality to shine, and I know you do too.
Some kids walk into a session bursting with energy. Others warm up slowly. Some love being the center of attention, and some prefer to observe before jumping in. All of that is normal, and all of it is worth documenting.
The one thing I believe about photographing kids that I will never compromise on is giving them the space to be themselves. I never tell kids “don’t smile like that” or “fix your face,” because those expressions are part of who they are right now. Instead, I meet them where they are.
I ask about the things that light them up. I play music from their favorite soundtracks. I let them move, talk, wiggle, and settle in their own way. The best photographic evidence of who your kids are in this season comes from allowing them to exist as they are, not asking them to perform for the camera.
“What If My Kids Don’t Behave for Photos?”
This is one of the most common questions parents ask me, and I get it. Truly.
Parents worry their child won’t sit still, won’t listen, won’t smile the “right” way, or won’t cooperate at all. But here’s the honest truth after more than seven years behind the camera and many more helping raise other people’s babies.
There is no such thing as a kid who misbehaves during photos.
Kids move because they’re curious. They talk because they’re processing. They make faces because they’re experimenting with expression. Those things aren’t obstacles, they’re clues. They tell me how to photograph your child in a way that feels natural to them.
When parents can release some of that pressure, kids feel it too. And that’s when real expressions show up.
Real Kids, Real Moments
During a recent family session at Westermier Commons in Carmel, the kids had zero interest in standing still and smiling on command. Instead, they ran across the bridge, played with cousins, and curled up next to their grandparents when they needed closeness.
Those moments were not planned, but they were perfect.
The resulting images felt like them, full of movement, connection, and genuine emotion. Those are the photos families come back to years later because they remember how it felt, not how carefully they posed.
If you want to see how this approach works in practice, you can explore recent family and children’s sessions in the journal.
The In-Between Is Where the Magic Lives
The magic of children’s photography rarely happens in the perfectly posed moment. It happens in between.
It’s the split second before a laugh, the way their shoulders relax once they realize there’s no pressure, the sideways glance, the dramatic expression, the quiet thoughtfulness. Those moments can’t be forced, but they can be invited.
I’ll offer gentle direction when needed, but I leave room for kids to lead. That’s how we get images that feel alive rather than staged.
Why I Created Personality Portrait Mini Sessions
This philosophy is exactly why I created Personality Portrait Mini Sessions.
These sessions are designed to strip away pressure and focus on what makes your child who they are right now. No forced smiles. No awkward posing. Just simple, timeless portraits that showcase personality.
Personality Portraits take place in my home studio in Sheridan, Indiana, using a clean seamless backdrop. Your child wears something they feel good in, we keep things light and fun, and I encourage them to be themselves. Silly, serious, expressive, reserved, all of it is welcome.
Instead of asking kids to “say cheese,” I ask them questions, let them make faces, show me their best dance move, or tell me something they love. And if all else fails, stinky feet jokes still work every time.
You can learn more about these sessions on the Personality Portrait Mini Sessions page.
Who Personality Portraits Are Perfect For
These sessions are incredibly versatile.
They’re great for:
• Children of all ages
• Sibling portraits
• Mommy and me sessions
• Seniors
• Even branding photos
They’re especially loved by parents because they’re quick, affordable, and low pressure. Kids get to wear clothes they feel like themselves in, parents don’t have to stress, and the end result feels honest and fun.
What to Expect During a Personality Portrait Session
Personality Portrait Minis are short and sweet, typically around ten minutes. That pacing is intentional. It keeps kids engaged and relaxed.
Each session includes:
• A fully edited proofing gallery
• Both color and black and white versions of each image
• Up to two people included, with the option to add more
• Your choice of five images, with upgrade options available
We can include something sentimental like a lovey, instrument, or sports equipment, or even fun additions like hats or sunglasses, as long as they support your child’s personality rather than distract from it.
What to Wear for Personality Portraits
Clothing should feel comfortable and authentic.
I recommend:
• Textures and patterns over logos
• Soft stripes, knits, or woven fabrics
• Solid colors that don’t overpower
• Jeans, leggings, or relaxed bottoms
• Bare feet whenever possible
The goal is visual interest without distraction. When kids feel good in what they’re wearing, it shows.
Serving Carmel, Westfield, and Cicero Families
While my studio is located in Sheridan, Indiana, I work with families from Carmel, Westfield, Cicero, and the surrounding areas who are looking for something more meaningful than a traditional portrait experience.
These sessions are designed for families who value authenticity, connection, and letting kids be kids.
Capture This Season Before It Changes
Kids change fast. Expressions soften. Mannerisms fade. What feels constant now won’t always be.
Personality Portrait Mini Sessions are a way to preserve who your child is right now, without pressure or expectations. Just their real, expressive, wonderful selves.
If you’ve ever worried about your child “cooperating” during photos, I promise, they don’t have to. I’ll guide them, embrace their energy, and capture the magic exactly as it unfolds.
If you’re ready to book, you can explore availability on the Personality Portrait Mini Sessions page or reach out through my contact form and we’ll take it from there.
Lauren Lewis || THE HEART NARRATIVE || Indianapolis Children's Photographer
Location: Sheridan Indiana
If you’ve ever worried about your child “cooperating” during photos, I promise you, they don’t have to. I’ll guide them, embrace their energy, and capture the magic exactly as it unfolds.
Want to capture your child’s big personality? Book a Personality Portrait Mini Session—limited spots available!
Looking for a relaxed, love-filled family session? Let’s chat! Fill out my contact form and let’s marvel in your messy.
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