Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

I have tried THREE times to do my kids Christmas card pics.

I ended up with beautiful individual pics, but HORRIBLE pics of them together.

My older guy doesn't want to sit next to his younger brother, and it is impossible to get them to look at the camera at the same time (never mind SMILE at the same time).

I have tried bribing with lollipops, and all that resulted in was temper tantrums until I handed them to them. Then, I couldn't get them to remove them from their mouths for the pics.

HELP!

Thank you SO much!

PS - they are 2.5 and 1. I see everyone else getting such beautiful shots of their kids...

Re: Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

The little one you are going to have to hoot and holler to get his attention. Maybe use a stuffed animal or something?

Re: Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

have you tried a feather duster? You def need an assistant tho

Re: Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

When they were little, I had maybe 5% of the photos "useable". Since I knew that, I would just take tons and tons of pics....
Definitely agree about *needing* an assistant.

Also, let them play in the area with the camera off, and no pressure to pose. Once they are comfortable, get the camera, and take pics of them just being themselves. You'd be surprised how nice many of those pics will turn out, and they didn't even realize they were getting their pic taken.
If you really want a posed pic, still let them play in the area until they are comfortable, then when they are close to the way you want them, grab the camera, and have your assistant pose them, and before they realize what's going on, snap a few pics. They will usually be OK for at least a few seconds before they start getting cranky and upset again....

Re: Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

I act like a buffooon ...


My kids laugh when I bop the phtographer on the head ( Heather is a good sport, thank goodness ), but it works !

Maybe you can wrap a big box and have them Peek-A-Boo out ?

Re: Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

I tell them they are going to get ice cream..... Most of the times I am lying to them and they forget by the time we are done with the pics.....

Re: Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

I think you need Daddy to help you get their attention so you can be the one taking the pic

Re: Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

I would say at this age its practically impossible, my kids are three years apart and I have been doing individual pics for the past two years. Its just too stressful

I have heard of someone putting stickers on the palm of their hands just before you take the shot and then call their names or act silly and they will look up but just for a milisecond so you have to be quick!!

Good luck

You could do single pics and maybe one pic of the three of them opening up a present - box that you wrap up for the pic only.

Re: Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

In the same boat as you. I ended up with using two adorable individual shots and a couple of candid shots of them together. Candid shots of them together are just as nice one of my shots were them playing in the leaves together.

Re: Can anyone share how they get all of their kids to smile and look at the camera for pics?

i sing their fave song and jump up and down like a crazy person!! i fake sneeze and make some weird noises. but i do remember when my boys were that age. i couldn't get one of them together that year either. Good luck hon!!!