This child portrait was from a family session in Gulf Shores this summer. Parents love to see their children smiling and happy. When I do family portraits I strive to capture happy moments at the beach. However, there are times where I think non-smiling pictures capture the essence of a person better than the smiling ones, especially with children. During most photo shoots when it comes to the posed portraits, parents will be behind me trying to get their children to smile. Instead of a portrait it becomes a performance.  While this technique can produce smiles, sometimes it leads to stiff and fake expressions.

If I can, sometimes I like to get one on one with the child and tell them not to smile. Just look at me. This relaxes the child. More often than not they can't not smile and they bust into laughter. This leads to genuine smiles. Sometimes, like this portrait you just get a timeless picture. I don't think her smiling would have improve this picture. Her eyes tell her story. This is the kind of pose and look she can do throughout her life. Each portrait can be compared to her stages in life. What will be constant is her eyes. If she has children and grandchildren they can compare how they are with who she was at this age. To me these type of portraits are timeless.

Child Portrait Photographer in Gulf ShoresA child portrait taken in Gulf Shores, Alabama