The Secret to Getting Natural Smiles in Photos | Lancaster PA Family Photographer | Angie Englerth

The Secret to Getting Natural Smiles in Photos

(Even with Toddlers)

If you've ever walked away from a photo session wondering, “Did we get anything good?”
You are so not alone.

As a Lancaster PA family photographer (and a mom of four), I’ve been on both sides of the camera with toddlers who would rather do literally anything else.

But here’s the truth: natural smiles…the real, belly-laugh kind…are totally possible. And no, it doesn’t have to require bribery or perfectly behaved kids. It just takes a little connection, some silly questions, and a whole lot of play.

It Starts With Banter (The Sillier, the Better)

Want to know my favorite question to ask during a session?

→ “Who has the stinkiest feet in your house?”

It never fails. Someone always shouts “Dad!” and the giggles just roll from there.

As a family photographer in Lancaster PA, I love using humor and conversation to bring out kids’ true personalities. We chat about favorite pizza toppings, pretend birds are landing on my head mid-photo, and even see who can make the best fart noise (with their mouth, of course).

It’s not about making them behave. It’s about making them laugh.
When they’re laughing, they’re relaxed. And when they’re relaxed? We get the magic.

Play Over Posing

I guide families into simple, natural moments.

Tickles. Races. Squeezes so tight they spill into laughter.

Toddlers especially thrive when we lean into what they’re already doing: running, exploring, being silly. I’ll follow their lead and capture the in-between magic.

If you’ve been searching for a Lancaster PA family photographer who can roll with the chaos and still deliver timeless, heartfelt images, I might just be your girl.

Your Energy Sets the Tone

Here’s a secret: kids take their cues from you.

If you're tense or worried about how they’re acting, they feel it.
But if you lean in and just enjoy them for who they are, you’ll be amazed what we can create together.

Trust me with the chaos. I’ve got four kids, and I know how to find beauty in the messy moments.

The Best Smiles Are Never Forced

Some of my favorite shots are the ones that happen in between, the ones you didn’t plan for.

A little giggle at my camera noises.
A glance up at mom during a quiet moment.
A surprised laugh when I pretend to trip over a pinecone.

Real smiles come when we’re not trying so hard.
That’s where the heart is.

Let’s Capture the Real Stuff

If you’re looking for a Lancaster PA family photographer who knows how to turn chaos into keepsakes and bring out the best in even the busiest little ones, I’d love to work with you.

📸 Click here to see session details and availability!

Ainsley | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Ainsley

When Zach and Rebecca reached out about booking a session for their newest baby girl, I was thrilled! Amelia was in the studio last spring and now I had the privilige of capturing sweet Ainsley!

I asked Rebecca a few questions and would love to share what she said with you all!

What was your favorite part about our session together?

“Seeing all the cute outfits Angie picked for our girl! It was also fun getting our first daughter into a few pictures with her new sister.”

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

Angie had done our first baby's newborn shoot, so we knew we wanted her to do the second, too. We wanted the same "tone" to the pictures so we could display them side by side and didn't want to go to another photographer who didn't have the same vision.

Do you have a favorite photo from your session? If so, which one?

Yes! Angie found a beautiful lace wrap with a dusky rose / floral pattern on it and a matching headband and photographed Ainsley in a basket with dusky pink lining - it's BEAUTIFUL.

What would be your advice to someone considering booking with AEP?

If you have any preferences as to how you want your pictures to look, talk to Angie either before or during the session. She's really good about working with your tastes and what you're envisioning for poses/colors/props/etc.

What is the first thing that ran through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?

I was SHOCKED. Our first baby came after years of unexplained infertility, tests, and treatments, and I was not anticipating a second one being so uncomplicated. I found out I was pregnant again when my first baby was six months old.

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?  

This pregnancy was significantly more challenging, as I was already taking care of a baby, but there were plenty of good moments - most memorable was announcing that Amelia, my first daughter, was going to be a big sister and finding out on Christmas morning that we were having another girl! We used hot chocolate bombs with pink marshmallows inside to tell our family members.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings? What were they?

This time around, I loved Taco Bell chicken quesadillas (same as with my first pregnancy) and iced coffees.

Do you have other children? How do they react to the pregnancy?

Yes, I have a fifteen month old named Amelia - she was thrilled when we brought Ainsley home! From the first day we introduced them, Amelia referred to Ainsley as "May May" so that is now her name around the house. Amelia is a great helper and likes to rock her sister in the swing and the car seat, and she helps me change diapers and give bottles. We are working on being "gentle" with the baby, and so far, she's doing a great job!


What was the first thing you thought when you saw your baby for the first time?

I thought she looked exactly like her big sister!


And now, the part you’re really here for…here are some favorites from Amelia’s newborn session!

Amelia | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Amelia

When Zach and Rebecca reached out about booking a session for their baby girl, I was thrilled! We used to go to church with these two and seeing them become parents was such a joy for me! Their baby girl Amelia is clearly their world…and rightfully so! She is the sweetest!

I asked Rebecca a few questions and would love to share what she said with you all!

What was your favorite part about our session together?
My favorite part was being able to rest and trusting Angie completely with our daughter - changing, posing, adjusting - and knowing she was safe the whole time. Even that two hours gave us a little break from the stress of being newborn parents!

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?
We have known Angie for years and were very comfortable with her skill level and expertise. Before the shoot, we fed our daughter so she was sleepy and cooperative, knowing that even if she wasn't, Angie would be able to work with her anyway. She was the perfect client, and we were all were very happy with how the shoot went and how Angie kept it fun the whole time and worked with props we brought along.

Do you have a favorite photo from your session? If so, which one?

Yes! The pictures with Daddy's bird feathers came out beautifully. I did not even anticipate our daughter looking like an egg in a nest, so that was an awesome surprise - just a testament to Angie's eye!

What is the first thing that ran through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?
I was surprised and relieved and scared all at the same time. We underwent fertility treatments and eventually an IUI procedure and got pregnant on our first round, which I was not expecting, so when the nurse called and told us it had worked and we'd have a baby in nine months, my whole world suddenly changed. I knew my body worked, I was capable of bringing a baby into this world, and that we had gotten what we had prayed for for years!

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?
I was blessed to have a very easy pregnancy, so I really enjoyed it! I loved feeling my daughter kicking and moving around and sharing those moments with her daddy. Watching my bump get a little bigger each week and documenting it in my daughter's baby book was really fun. I also can truthfully say I loved the birth experience, meeting my girl at the end of it, and getting to see my husband become a father.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings?
In the very beginning, I wanted feta cheese on everything. Then I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes around 30 weeks and craved everything I wasn't allowed to have. Taco Bell quesadillas were a favorite throughout my pregnancy, though!

And now, the part you’re really here for…here are some favorites from Amelia’s newborn session!

Ellie | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

ELLIE

Better late than never, right?! When Lauren & Jeremiah reached out about booking a newborn session for their newest addition, EXCITED is an understatement! I was so happy for them to have another bundle of joy and honored that they chose me to capture her for them! Ellie was due on Christmas so I could relate to Lauren with that because my Sawyer was due and came on 12/23! Ellie ended up arriving a little ealier though! Maddie is the best big sister to sweet little Ellie and capturing them was an absolute joy! Here are some favorites from their session with me!

**Take note of one where Ellie was on the beanbag posing and sweet Maddie came to lay her hand on her as to reassure her that all is well! It was the sweetest moment!!!