When you asked Mr. I Love Attention to strike a pose, you weren’t thinking the hand-in-the-camera-lens variety.

If all your children’s photos seem to channel Sean Penn, head over to The Pod Photography, where picture taking is a blast. Owner and lead shutterbug Erika Seress uses creative games (hidden Easter eggs, bubbles) and playful sets (vintage steamer trunks, secret gardens) to put the otherwise unpredictable subject in an authentically smiley mood.

In addition to by-the-hour studio sessions, there are also maternity shoots, a baby’s first year package, and a variety of book, album, and wall art options to capture your little one before he’s all grown up.

Which will happen in a snap.

The Pod Photography, 4327 Sepulveda Boulevard, between Culver Boulevard and Wagner Street (310-391-4500 or thepodphoto.com), $250 and up.

SEE
Butterfly Release
What: Children release 4,000 winged beauties into the Arroyo Seco wilderness. Crafts and science activities round out the afternoon.
Why: The very hungry caterpillar comes to life.
When: Sat. & Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Where: Kidspace Children’s Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., at Seco St. (626-449-9144). Museum admission, adults and children, $10.

DANCE
Hip-Hop Tots
What: Instructor Benjamin Allen leads little groovers in a 45-minute class.
Why: Don’t just stand there, bust a move.
When: Sat., 4 p.m.
Where: Beverly Hills Music Together, 8580 Wilshire Blvd.,  b/t S. Stanley Dr. & S. Le Doux Rd., Beverly Hills (310-657-0963). To register, email hiphoptotsla@gmail.com. Children, $13.

WING IT
Family Fun with Fine-Feathered Friends
What: Come face to beak with a bevy of birds, create your own take-home nest, and meet 11-year-old artist, author, and budding ornithologist Olivia Bouler.
Why: It’s a real tweet.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., at Skirball Center Dr. Free with admission. Adults and teens, $10; kids 2-12, $5. Free on Thurs.

Photo: The Pod Photography