We've all been there. Trying to get a good smile or eyes forward out of our subjects.

As budding photographer, mother of kids, or a teenager taking a picture of your classmate, what is it that you do to the person your taking a picture of to give you a genuine smile?

Do you tell them something funny, ask a funny question, what? I have read a few articles and usually the photographer can set up a situation to get the smile you want. Lets say a couple are being photographed. You could get with one of them before the session and tell them that when you say the code word, that person is supposed to grab the others behind.

This act of rear-end grabbing usually gets a natural, surprised reaction out of the grabbie, and even a genuine smile out of the grabber. The genuine reactions keep coming for a little while after the initial grab, so keep shooting and be ready.

Leave me a comment on your go to move or line to get a natural, genuine look or expression.

Be safe, and keep clicking.

Tom