Why You'll Never Hear Me Say "Cheese"

And why the best children's portraits happen when kids are free to be themselves.

One of the questions I'm asked most often before a session is:

"What if my child won't smile?"

The answer usually surprises people.

I don't ask them to.

In fact, if you visit The Little White Studio, you'll probably never hear me ask a child to say cheese.

Not because I don't love smiling photos. I do. But after years of photographing babies, toddlers and children around Christchurch and Selwyn, I've learnt that the moment a child feels like they're performing for the camera, something changes.

The smile becomes practiced.

The sparkle disappears.

For a moment, they're no longer simply being themselves.

I'd much rather photograph the grin that appears after a silly joke, the tiny nose scrunch when they're trying not to laugh, or the look they give Mum after doing something cheeky.

Those are the moments that feel real.

Those are the photographs that still make parents smile years later.

Every child is different

One of the biggest worries parents have before a family photography session is whether their child will "behave".

Please don't worry.

Children don't have to perform for me.

Some arrive chatting from the moment they walk through the door. Others take ten minutes to decide whether I'm trustworthy. Some want to explore every corner of the studio before we even think about taking a photo.

That's all completely normal.

I don't expect children to fit into my session. I shape the session around them.

So what actually happens during a session?

We play.

With babies, that might mean funny noises, peek-a-boo or singing songs that probably shouldn't be sung in public.

Toddlers usually love little games, tickles, races back to Mum, and being told ridiculous secrets.

Older children need something different. They respond to conversation, challenges, little competitions and, occasionally, my truly terrible jokes.

I'm not afraid to make a complete fool of myself if that's what it takes to get a genuine laugh.

Because my job isn't really to make children smile.

It's to help them forget there's a camera.

The best photos aren't always the ones you planned

Some of my favourite photographs happen in the moments between poses.

A toddler running back for a cuddle.

A newborn stretching after a nap.

A burst of laughter because Dad accidentally said something silly.

A quiet moment where a child suddenly rests their head on Mum's shoulder.

Those aren't moments you can direct.

They simply happen when everyone feels relaxed.

That's why my photography style is gently guided rather than heavily posed. I'll give you direction when you need it, but there's always room for personalities to shine through.

I want your photographs to feel like your family

Children change so quickly.

One day they have chubby little hands. The next they're missing front teeth. Then suddenly they're too big to be carried.

Those changes happen so gradually that we barely notice them until they're gone.

That's why natural children's photography means so much to me.

I'm not trying to create perfect portraits.

I'm trying to preserve the little expressions, habits and personalities that make this season of your child's life unforgettable.

Because years from now, I don't want you to look at your photographs and think,

"What a lovely smile."

I want you to smile and say,

"That is so them."