The first rule when smiling for a photo: don't say “cheese”. The sound "i" does nothing but stretch the mouth in an unnatural way, and it is better to pronounce a word that ends in "a", such as "panda" or "banana". If you want to receive more information on this topic and are looking for other tricks to get a spontaneous smile in the photos, read from the first step.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Mastering the Pose
Step 1. Smile with your eyes
When it comes to smiling for photos, the worst offense is just showing your teeth, with dull eyes. To give your smile authenticity, you need to use your eyes and show off a so-called “Duchenne smile”. A true Duchenne smile is authentic, being very difficult to strain the muscles around the eyes, unless you really have something to smile about.
- Check the difference in the mirror. See how less happy you look when your eyes aren't involved?
- When you smile for a photo, pretend to smile at someone you love. Your eyes will fold convincingly and the smile will be genuinely gorgeous.
Step 2. Show your teeth
You don't need a 32-tooth smile, but a little bit of teeth will brighten your face. Try showing only your upper jaw, rather than smiling so much that all of your teeth are exposed. If you prefer a closed-mouth smile, that's fine - but be aware that you'll probably look more serious than the other subjects in the photo.
Step 3. Find your best profile
Looking at the lens from the front isn't the best for most people. It flattens your features, and may make you look a little distorted in photos. Instead, show your profile by turning slightly to the side. If you think you have a "better profile" - a side that makes you look more attractive - show it to the camera.
- While turning around can make the photo more flattering, it can also feel forced if you overdo it. Make sure your face is at a natural angle.
- If possible, keep a position slightly lower than the target, so that it points slightly downwards at you rather than upwards.
Step 4. Keep your face perpendicular to the lens
Pulling the chin in will make the face shape appear distorted. If you lift your head and pull your chin out, it will look like you're trying to hide a double chin. The most natural position for the face is perpendicular to the camera, as if you are talking to her.
Step 5. Say a word ending in “a”
Photographers love to say “cheese”, but this tends to produce poor results for two reasons. First, the “i” sound widens the mouth creating a fake and unnatural smile. Then, your smile won't look authentic if you're not really cheerful, and having to say “cheese” annoys most people over 8. The solution? Think of something you love that ends in "a". The pronunciation of the "a" causes the lips to create a more natural smile. Thinking about someone you love can also make you smile spontaneously. Doing both at the same time will help you get the ideal expression!
For example, if you love someone named Valeria, think of them and say their name when you have to smile for a photo. Any other person, object, or place is fine too, as long as it makes you smile at the very thought
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Refresh the Smile
Step 1. Take care of your dental hygiene
The best smile will come in part from the confidence in your appearance. If your teeth aren't clean, you won't want to show them to the world. Be sure to wash them, floss, and go to the dentist regularly to keep them shiny and attractive.
Step 2. Naturally whiten your teeth
If they are yellow or faded, you may feel safer to smile after bleaching them. There is no need for an expensive treatment: you can give new light to your smile in a few minutes, with natural techniques. Here's how to do it:
- Brush your teeth with hydrogen peroxide. It is a safe natural whitening agent, which will lighten them slightly.
- Brush your teeth with baking soda. Add some to your toothpaste, or make a mixture of baking soda and water, then brush. Don't do this too often, though, or you could damage the enamel.
Step 3. Women can wear lipstick that can give their teeth a pearly look
Certain shades of lipstick lower the yellow tone of the teeth and make them appear brighter and whiter. You can give your smile a boost by applying one of these shades before taking a picture of yourself:
- Red fruits. They contrast a lot with the teeth, making them stand out.
- Shades with blue tones. They minimize the yellow of the teeth.
- Stay away from orange or yellow lipsticks. They bring out the yellow and extinguish the smile.
Step 4. Make sure your lips are hydrated
Smiling with dry or chapped lips can make you feel insecure and lead to an unflattering photo. Exfoliate your lips with a facial scrub and use lip balm or lip gloss to keep them in shape. When it's time to smile, you won't worry about how they look.
Step 5. Use other tricks to emphasize the contours of your smile
Foundation, blush and bronzer can provide contrast to the smile and make it stand out even more. Choose shades that suit your skin tone. Teeth will look whiter if you move towards darker makeup, giving the illusion of tan.
Step 6. Be sure of what you have
A beautiful smile isn't the same as looking perfect - it's about feeling happy and confident. Your smile will be more beautiful if your face releases confidence and relaxation. Worrying too much about your appearance emerges from your facial expression and you end up looking tense or disturbed in photos. Just remember to relax and have pleasant thoughts, and you will be rewarded with a photo that expresses the best of you.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Dealing with Complex Situations
Step 1. Practice in the mirror
If you are attending an event where photographs will be taken and you are concerned that yours will not turn out well, take the time to train your smile in advance. Look in the mirror and find your best profile, and the right amount of teeth to show. Don't forget to smile with your eyes too. When you find a pleasant smile, remember the movements of your face, so that you can replicate it at any time.
Step 2. Analyze an authentic smile
If you are afraid that the expression on your face may look fake in the picture, pay attention to how you feel the next time you laugh spontaneously - like when someone or something makes you laugh. Ask yourself the following questions, which will help you "memorize" the sensations caused by your spontaneous smile:
- How do you feel when you smile spontaneously? See if you can recreate those feelings in front of the lens.
- What is the natural position of your face when you smile? If you can, look in the mirror before the smile fades and keep his appearance in mind. When it's time to take a picture, try to recreate the same condition to get a better smile.
Step 3. Blink before smiling
If your eyes tend to be half closed in photos, try a trick to appear awake and alert. Just before the photographer takes the picture, blink for a couple of seconds before opening your eyes and smiling. You will be less likely to close your eyes when the flash fires.
Step 4. Moisten your teeth before smiling
If your teeth are a little dull, there is a quick trick to try that requires no preparation: before you smile, run your tongue over your teeth to moisten them. Wet teeth will appear whiter than dry ones. The shine will prevent your smile from looking dull. Some makeup artists recommend smearing some petroleum jelly on your teeth to keep them fresh and shiny during the photo shoot.
Step 5. Don't think too much about your appearance
If you are concerned about how you will look, negative feelings are likely to emerge from your smile. You will end up looking tense and constrained rather than spontaneous and happy. The next time you pose, ignore the photographer's suggestion to say "cheese" and think about your "happy island". Instead of worrying about how weird your face is, think about something you can't help but smile about. Positive feelings will shine through, making your smile brighter.
Advice
- Try to think of something fun.
- Take it easy. A photo cannot capture a smile the right way if you are stiff and formal.
