Share your tricks!! How do you get a family warmed up and laughing?

[emilf]

After posting some pics of a not so cheerful family I got to wondering what tricks do other photogs use??

I usually have the family do all the boring walking on the beach shots first to just get them warmed up in front of the camera, then when it's time to do the closer shots I have a few corney jokes ie. "does your brother have stinky feet" .. or if Im doing an ariel of them laying down I say "oh no I think Im drooling" (all depending on the age of the kids of course)

But I would love to hear some new ideas to get fresh material!

Thanks in advance :)

[jenirose3]

I'm like you. I talk make some corny jokes. Play with the kids. Like I said before, I think though there are just some families that are not comfortable in front of the camera and unfortunately it can show. Most of the time though they know it, they are use to it and it (meaning them in the photos) looks natural to them. Once in a blue moon you will get someone like I described before who sees a picture you've done of someone else and wants you to re-create it even though they are no where like the other subjects.

One thing I do find that helps is talking to the families about what they want what the goal is, etc. I obviously did do that with my one client and that's the one client I should of. Live and learn.

[Fenster]

1. I lack maturity so I'm typically on the ground and wrestling with the kids five minutes after they arrive.

1. I also recommend to the family that they give them treats *before* the shoot - I'd rather have a giddy and happy child than one who is grumpy and only being good for the sake of a reward to come.

3. Give the children the camera, show them how to operate it and let them go wild for five minutes.

[-MasterChief-]

it helps if you can talk like Spongebob. :p

[jenirose3]

I like the camera idea! That could be interesting.

[meganrose]

I'm new here but I thought I'd jump in. I also give the kids the camera or at least show them the pictures we've taken and how to use the camera. They always enjoy that. A lot of kids, especially 5-10 year olds, like to help with posing ideas. I ask them how they think the family should pose or if they have any good ideas. Something I do for adults is tell them to look grump until I tell them to smile; that way their smile doesn't start to look fake.

[suecassidy]

I"ve said this before in other posts, but my favorite is to ask a member of the family in the 5-15 year old age range, "How old are you" and when they answer, "I'm five" or whatever, you stay serious and ask, "Are you married?" EVERYONE will laugh at this, guaranteed and you get ready to snap....