4 of My Go-To Studio Poses to Make Kids Laugh for Photos as a San Jose Family Photographer

As a San Jose family photographer, one of the most common concerns I hear from parents before a session is, “What if my kids don’t smile?” Let me tell you a little secret: the best smiles aren’t the ones you force or ask for—they’re the ones that happen naturally when kids are having fun! That’s why my approach to family photography is playful, engaging, and filled with movement.

Over the years, I’ve found a few tried-and-true poses that work like magic to bring out the biggest belly laughs from little ones. If you’ve ever worried about stiff smiles or shy faces, these four poses will have your kids giggling in no time!

4 of My Go-To Studio Poses to Make Kids Laugh for Photos as a San Jose Family Photographer

Bringing Their Favorite Stuffed Animal to Life

Every child has that one special stuffed animal—whether it’s a well-loved teddy bear, a floppy-eared bunny, or a tiny plush dinosaur. This pose turns that beloved toy into the star of the show while making kids burst into laughter.

How it works:

• I encourage the child to introduce their stuffed animal to me, talking to it like it’s a real friend.
• I ask silly questions, such as, “What’s your stuffed animal’s favorite food? Oh no! Is it going to eat my camera?!”
• Sometimes, I make the stuffed animal “whisper” a joke into their ear, prompting even more giggles.
• If the child is shy, I let the stuffed animal pretend to be the “photographer,” making them feel more at ease.

This approach works wonders because kids love when adults enter their world of imagination. Instead of feeling like they’re posing for a picture, they’re simply playing with their best buddy—and that joy radiates in every photo!

The Classic “Flying Kid” Pose (aka Dad Tossing Them in the Air)

This is hands-down one of the most fun, high-energy shots to capture! Kids adore the thrill of being tossed in the air, and it never fails to bring out the most genuine smiles.

How it works:

• I guide the dad (or a strong family member) to securely hold the child and gently toss them up while staying within a safe height.
• As the child soars through the air, their face lights up with excitement, and I capture the moment at just the right time.
• Sometimes, I add an extra playful prompt by asking, “Who can touch the clouds first?”
• For hesitant kids, we start with small lifts or big swings to build confidence before going higher.

This pose taps into the sheer thrill of movement. There’s no forcing a smile here—it just happens naturally as kids enjoy the exhilaration of being up in the air with their parent’s reassuring presence right there with them.

Family Tickles While Sitting Down

Few things bring out deep belly laughs like a good old-fashioned tickle session! This pose works beautifully for kids of all ages, whether they’re toddlers or big kids, because it creates natural interactions filled with love and laughter.

How it works:

• The family sits closely together on a blanket outdoors or a comfy couch at home.
• Parents gently tickle their little ones—belly, neck, feet, wherever they know their child is most ticklish!
• If a child is hesitant, I jokingly warn them, “Uh oh, I think Dad has the tickle monster hands!”
• To switch it up, I let the kids take charge and tell them, “Okay, now it’s YOUR turn to tickle Mom and Dad!”

The beauty of this pose is that it doesn’t feel like a pose at all—it’s simply an interaction that is full of fun and connection. The laughter is 100% real, and the resulting images show that deep love and bond in the most authentic way.

The “Do Your Toes Smell?” Game

This one is a total crowd-pleaser, especially for younger kids! Anything involving silliness and a little bit of “gross” humor is sure to get the laughs going.

How it works:

• The family gathers on the bed in a cozy, relaxed position.
• I ask a parent, “Okay, you HAVE to check… do their toes smell bad?!”
• The parent leans in for an exaggerated sniff and reacts dramatically: “OH NO! Those feet are SO stinky!”
• Sometimes, I turn the question around to the child, asking, “Do you think Mom’s toes smell funny?”

Kids love anything silly, and the playful reactions from Mom and Dad make this moment even funnier. The best part? It embraces pure, unfiltered fun, turning a simple moment into a lasting memory full of laughter.

Why Playful Poses Make for the Best Photos

When kids are genuinely laughing, moving, and engaging with their parents, the photos turn out so much better than forced smiles or stiff poses. My goal as a San Jose family photographer is to create an experience where your children feel comfortable, happy, and free to be themselves.

By incorporating movement, imagination, and play, I ensure that your family session is filled with natural joy and connection. The result? Beautiful, timeless images that capture the real personalities of your little ones and the love you share as a family.

Curious about an experience with a San Jose Family Photographer? Check out my most recent family session blog post to see the magic we can create! If you are looking for a lifestyle Bay Area family photographer, be sure to check out my portfolio and contact me today to discuss your ideal Bay Area family photography session! Also be sure to follow me on Instagram to see my latest work!