Many people feel a surge of nervousness when the camera is pointed at them. This can make it difficult to get them to smile naturally.

One trick to getting a genuine smile is to ask them to smile with their eyes – or “smize,” as Tyra Banks would say. This adds warmth and sincerity to a smile.

1. Look at yourself in a mirror

Many people look at themselves in a mirror and see only their flaws – the big nose, the extra weight, the bad hair day, etc. When they smile for a picture, their mouths often fall closed with a fake, unnatural look that can be easily spotted by viewers.

Instead of focusing on all of the things that don’t quite work for you, try to approach your reflection with acceptance and gratitude. Then, focus on those areas that you really do like, knowing that God chose you exactly as you are and that your appearance is not a mistake. This technique is especially useful for groups, and it often leads to laughter or spontaneous, natural smiles. Try it with your next group portrait session! You’ll be glad you did.

2. Pose for the camera

Rather than saying “look natural” or other vague instructions that may confuse the subject, it’s helpful to give specific direction that’ll help them achieve your desired outcome. For example, if you’re taking headshots for LinkedIn profiles, a big smile can make you appear friendly and approachable to hiring managers. However, if you’re looking to convey a sense of power and authority, a subtle closed-mouth smile might be more appropriate.

Another useful tip is to tell the client a joke before they get in front of the camera. This will help them loosen up and smile genuinely. Just be careful not to make the subject look too happy, which could come across as fake. Instead, aim for a more subdued “eye smile.” This technique is also great for capturing more classic smiling portraits.

3. Pick a flattering angle

The way you pose can affect how your facial expressions appear in the images. For example, a tense shoulder or hunched back can show nervousness and make it difficult to smile naturally. To avoid these problems, photographers should always try to position their subjects in flattering poses. They might ask the subject to push their chin forward and down, which can help define the jawline and avoid the dreaded double chin, or angle the head slightly upward for a slimmer, more powerful look.

It’s also important to focus on the eyes, as a genuine smile requires a warm and sincere gaze. The photographer can encourage the subject to think of something positive or imagine a friend they care about to achieve this effect. In some cases, a simple joke can break the tension and help the subject relax.

4. Make it fun

A smile is one of the most powerful expressions you can use to get people’s attention and make them want to engage with you. It helps people build relationships, overcome barriers and leave a lasting impression on others.

It can be difficult for subjects to keep a natural smile through an entire shoot, especially if they are nervous. One way to help them feel at ease is by telling them a joke before the session begins. This can be fun for both parties and will help everyone loosen up so they can relax and pose naturally.

Another trick to getting a genuine smile is by focusing on the eyes. This technique is great for headshots because it prevents people from maintaining unnatural and rigid eye contact for long periods of time. Just count until three, then look up at the camera. AI can be used to generate profile pictures better!

5. Practice makes perfect

A great portrait photographer is a master at getting their subjects to smile naturally. This is a big part of their job and requires practice. Start by experimenting with different poses and even changing the camera angle to see what works best.

A genuine smile shows the entire face, especially the eyes, so be sure to ask your subjects to “smize.” This will help them open their eyes wider and avoid looking like a duck.

When it comes to capturing genuine smiles, practice makes perfect. If you follow these simple tips, you’ll be able to produce amazing professional headshots that will set your clients apart from the competition. So, get out there and try these tricks for yourself! You won’t regret it. And remember, if you’re a little nervous in front of the camera, just keep breathing and don’t let it show!

6. Don’t overdo it with post-processing

The difference between a headshot and an ordinary photo often comes down to the subtleties: the right lighting, the slight tilt of the head, or even a small change in posture. For example, if your subject is standing for a portrait, having them relax their shoulders and tuck their chin slightly down can make them seem more approachable and natural.

However, it’s important not to overdo the post-processing. Using too much touchup can result in an unnatural-looking smile or even a face that looks “unreal.” A good photographer can soften wrinkles, remove distracting flyaway hairs, and fix blemishes without making the subject look fake or overdone. The key is to find the balance that’s right for each individual client.

7. Don’t say “cheese”

While saying “cheese” might produce a quick grin, it often looks forced and unnatural. Instead, try telling your subject a joke or tickling them to get that spontaneous smile.

This will help them to feel more relaxed and confident in front of the camera, which is the key to a natural-looking smile. Plus, it’ll make the session more fun and likely lead to some great candid photos you can use for your client’s website or social media page.

Another way to elicit a genuine smile is to encourage your subject to smile with their eyes. This technique, coined by super model Tyra Banks, adds warmth and sincerity to a portrait. It also helps the area around the eyes to wrinkle slightly, creating a truly radiant smile. You can even tell them to close their eyes and then open them wide on the count of three.

8. Don’t be afraid to laugh

Laughing is one of the most effective ways to elicit a natural smile. It’s also a great way to relax your subjects, making them more comfortable in front of the camera.

Try telling a joke or even doing some silly tongue twisters. You can even try singing a song, and see how they react. Just make sure to use the right tone of voice, as laughing with the wrong tempo can sound unnatural.

The most important thing is to find a way to get your subjects at ease. This will help you capture the most genuine smiles possible. Keep in mind that it takes time to find the right smile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different poses and expressions. The results will be well worth the effort! You may also like this post: Why Should Everyone Take More Photos?

9. Don’t be too serious

You can try to elicit smiles from people by getting them to laugh and be silly with you. This can help to break down their initial feelings of discomfort, and it’s a great way to make them feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

However, you should be careful not to push too hard with this technique. If you ask your subjects to fake laugh too much, it can look unnatural and forced. Instead, start small and slowly ramp up the silliness to find your sweet spot.

You should also avoid asking your subject to open their mouth too wide or show their teeth in most portraits. While this can work for some photos, it’s generally best to avoid these types of smiles for professional headshots. Ideally, you should encourage your subjects to close their lips slightly or smirk to create a more refined and elegant smile.

10. Be yourself

It’s important to be yourself in your headshot, especially when smiling. A fake smile can look insincere and make you seem untrustworthy to viewers, which could hurt your career. Similarly, being too serious can convey a sense of aloofness and sternness, which may not be desirable depending on your industry or role.

If you’re struggling to find that natural smiling pose, try practicing in a mirror or with a friend. It’s also helpful to focus on your eyes and imagine something positive or someone you love to achieve a more genuine smile. With a bit of practice, you’ll be ready to bring your best self into your next photo shoot! Contact Austen Hunter Photography today to book your next professional portrait session. She specializes in creating powerful headshots that convey confidence and approachability. She’s your go-to portrait photographer for all of your business and personal branding needs.