"Say Cheese" - Kew Gardens,NY

Don't correct your son - you'll probably make him self-conscious. Just take your camera with you every time you can. You have to catch him unaware!

I know because I have grandchildren who do this. The good thing is that when a shot is needed, I'll always get smiles (and they're nice smiles). But it takes some doing to get the candids. However, that's a lot of fun - and when you need a predictable smile for the relatives, you know you'll get that, too.

So think of your photography as being documentary photography from now on, and go from there.

Not too bad a problem to have!

(A zoom lens is good. You'll have fun with it anyhow.)

My 2 girls totally do the "cheese" smile. I usually have them do another activity so I can catch them in a more natural state (jump, twirl, hug) or give them a "silly phrase" to say (popcorn! stinky feet!).

My daughter hit the point where she wouldn't allow a photo. She would turn her head or put her hand up.

I suggest you give it a break and come back to it when it is no longer the "Cheese" game.

I actually tell children to "just ignore the camera unless I ask them to look into the camera."

I used to put down the camera if the kids kept doing the "Cheese face".

My husband is a photographer and there is nothing worse than the same fake smile from everyone saying cheese.

He has learned to be stealthy at events, but I am too short to get those shots.

My kids soccer coach would yell "say whiskey"! Worked like a charm.maybe start saying off the wall stuff you know will make him giggle-to disarm the cheese face.