Tricks to click kids' candid photos

Does your kid have a very cute and adorable smile but whenever you try to capture it, the smile either disappears or changes into something completely unlike their natural smile? A few tricks that I have used over years to get kids' pictures as candid as they can be.

• Asking them to "Look here" may not get you the best shot. Get up close and capture them while they're observing something, while they're drooling over the scoop of ice-cream. Asking them to hold that ice-cream and look at the camera would take away the real expressions.

• Children change expressions in nano-seconds. Set your camera settings to live mode to capture action/ movement. Go to 'Edit' and select the perfect capture and 'Save' image.

• Saying "Say Cheese" every time is as bad as telling the same joke to the same person. Brings zero laughter or smiles. Instead, keep your camera ready and ask the kids to say an unusual or different word. It will make them laugh instantly and you will have a perfect shot. How's "say Roti", or "say Peppa", ask them what's their favourite snack? Pro advice: Say the magic word loved by kids universally. It never fails. And it gets the best of laughs...... So..... ask them to "Say Poopoo".

• Take pictures when they are involved in their favourite activity. Playdough, blocks, lego, dolls, dressups, pretend play, even outdoor sports. They are into themselves and you get the best memorable shots of their playtime.

• Show the pictures you click to you child, once they see and like it; they'll readily enjoy posing for the camera.

• If you intend to do a planned shoot at home yourself. Plan it out with the kid. Explain the thought/ story behind your idea. Ask them what props you could use. Include the prop that your child thinks will be good. Let them help you with setup a little bit.

• Never try to take photos when your child is hungry. They can pretend to be anything when full, and only monsters on a hungry tummy. Choose the most calming time when they are well rested. Late morning to noon are great times to shoot for photos. Sometimes early morning yawns and bed-head or sipping milk make lovely captures too.

• Happy siblings are cute. But sibling rivalry is the universal truth. An upset siblings shot is as good and memorable as a hugging siblings shot. Capture them as they are.

Capturing candids should involve laughters, tantrums, emotional ups and downs; and a range of expressions, timing and corners of the house. Growing up you'll have so much more to remember and share with them.

Would love to hear your tips and tricks for clicking pictures in comments or our Instagram. Let me know what would you like me to share next on my blog.