Hold the cheese, please
The command “say cheese!” has been used to invoke smiles since at least the 1940s. While it generally succeeds in getting the mouth formation into a smile, if the eyes aren’t matching a grin then the result is often closer to a terrifying zombie face (something to keep in mind for Halloween). Try conjuring up laughter instead of smiles on command – singing ridiculous songs, making animal noises (I’m working on mastering a seal bark), or telling jokes.

The little details of life
Pay attention to all the tiny details that are making up the whole scene you want to capture. Maybe you want to remember your son’s beautiful curls, your daughter’s tight fist around her favorite blanket, or your children’s hands intertwined as they sit together. Come in close and capture fractions of the entire setting.

Up, down, over, under
Think of different vantage points to photograph your children from instead of staying seated with them. Lay on the ground to be eye level with a baby, climb up on a chair to tower above a toddler, or hang out under a chair and have your child peek out from above you.

Glorious lighting
Soft, even lighting will generally be the easiest to photograph in and will help to produce the most pleasing results. If you’re outdoors, look for open shade (shade caused by large objects such as trees or buildings where a large light source – generally the sun – is still illuminating the area). Indoors, try to move your child close to and facing a window. Having your subject in direct sun will usually cause squinting or shielding eyes, and harsh shadows. You can also try filling in some of the shadows by bouncing a little more light back on to your subject. Anything white will work if you bring it close to the face: poster board, a blanket, or a large piece of paper. This is usually easiest if you have someone else there to hold it while you take the photo.

Most important: have fun!

-Emily Dewan is a Photographer based in NYC. She specializes in glimpses of life of families with their children and pets. She loves barking like a seal to get children to laugh. Find out more on her website, blog, Facebook page, or Twitter feed.