People always ask me, “how do you get your kids to always smile so perfectly?” or “How do you get them to act so nuturally?”  I am here to say, in full honesty, “always” is “almost never.” I just take a billion pictures.  There are some tricks though and I am about to share with you how to get amazing images of your child in a laid back way. And get this… no bribes needed!

My son Liam just turned 5 in November and he is in the height of his forced smile phase.

Exhibit A

Yes, in his mind, that is his best smile.

So here is the trick, which, by the way, won’t work for group/family shots (leave getting those smiles to the professionals….ahem…like me).

Here are the rules:

1. Pick an afternoon that you have nothing to do and nowhere to be.
2. No siblings alowed.
3. Bring some fun props.
4. Dress them comfortably.
5. Don’t reveal to them that  you’re goal is get pictures of them!  Tell them you are going on and adventure and say, “We better bring them camera so we can remember our day”. 
6. Go somewhere open where they can be loud, silly, annoying and active without ever getting in trouble or looks from bystanders.
7. Finally, the most important rule:  Tell them they are in charge and they get to tell you what pictures to take of them.  But, here is a hint:  break that last rule and just snap away while they are playing.  They won’t notice and the pictures you get while you are interacting will most likely be the best.

So here is my afternoon with my newly turned 5 year old.  Just him and I, and a day I will always hold close to my heart.

BEWARE: PICTURE HEAVY

First up…

The G Family!

Choice E

Choice F

Choice G

Choice H

Choice I

Choice J

Choice K

Choice L

Choice M

Choice N

Choice O

Choice P

Choice Q

Choice R

Holiday Mini Special Giveaway!

Happy Holidays!! !  Um…Can you really believe it is already time??  This year I want to give back to all of my amazing clients and friends! Today I’m announcing the start of my holiday mini-session give-away!

To win simply follow the one of the entry options below and One lucky person will be drawn at random!

Here are the entry options!
1. Comment below and tell me what you love about the Holidays -1 Entry
2. Like Jennerrose on Facebook – 1 Entry
3. Follow @Jennerrose on Twitter – 1 Entry
4. Book your Holiday Session- 5 Entries (If you win your session is free!)

Contest runs through Wednesday, 10/14/11 at 10pm PST. Please leave a separate comment for each entry item and make sure to leave your email address in the comment so that I may contact you if you are the lucky winner! Email addresses will not be published or used in anyway. Winner will be announced on 10/15/11!

Portrait Session includes:
1) A 45-hour portrait mini-session on location
2) 10-15 proofed images in a private, online gallery
3) 5 digital files of your choice with exclusive rights to print
4) 1 custom-designed Digital Holiday card

The Details:
1) Portrait session must take place in South Orange County
2) Session includes up to 5 people; there is a fee for additional family members
3) Portrait Session package is non-transferable
4) Portrait session must take place before 12/5/11