Many people struggle with feeling shy when a camera is around, due to a lifetime of unflattering photos. Whether it’s closed eyes, double chins, or goofy smiles, we’ve all been there. But fear not! Photographers have shared their top tips for achieving the perfect smile in photos, no matter how you’re feeling.
A recent study by Invisalign revealed that around 70% of Brits feel uncomfortable in photos. So, if you find yourself feeling anxious when a camera is pointed in your direction, know that you’re not alone. The experts from Lafayette Photography have shared their tricks to help you smile naturally and feel more at ease during your next photoshoot.
Smile with your eyes:
Most people in the UK have heard of “smizing” – a term coined by supermodel Tyra Banks, meaning “smiling with your eyes”. Achieving this look involves maintaining a relaxed facial expression, tilting your chin slightly, and squinting your eyes. It may not feel completely natural, but it’s highly effective in enhancing your facial appearance for a picture-perfect smile.
Think happy thoughts:
Our minds have incredible power. By focusing on things that make us happy – whether it be a person, place, or thing – we can boost our mood, reduce stress, and create a positive atmosphere. Research by the University of Sussex found that just two minutes of thinking about happy things can reduce stress levels by up to 25%. This approach ensures a genuine smile by promoting relaxation and eliminating awkward posing or fake smiles.
Laugh:
If you want to capture a big, personality-filled smile, try laughing. The combination of genuine emotion and a well-timed laugh can elevate your smile, making it appear even more radiant and full of life. Additionally, laughing can help create a natural-looking shot. When you laugh, you naturally push air out of your stomach, giving you the added bonus of a tighter midsection.
Close your eyes:
A helpful tactic for achieving a natural and effortless look in photos is to briefly close your eyes a few seconds before the picture is taken. As the moment approaches, slowly reopen your eyes while adding a soft smile to your face. This technique relaxes your facial muscles, resulting in a more authentic smile. It can be especially beneficial in group photos, where distractions may be present.
Clench your teeth:
For individuals who wish to emphasize their jawline or create the impression of a more defined facial structure, clenching the teeth slightly before smiling in photos can be a useful technique. A study by Invisalign found that about 30% of Brits do this to appear more confident. However, it’s important to remember that excessive teeth clenching can look unnatural, so keep it subtle.
Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth:
Instead of relying solely on your teeth for a smile, engage the muscles in your face and neck. By gently pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth, you can trigger a subtle tightening of these muscles, creating a more natural-looking smile.
Practice makes perfect:
Practice smiling in front of a mirror to discover your best angles and poses. Experiment with smiling with teeth and without teeth to determine what works best for you. Taking self-portraits can also be beneficial, as you can see how you appear in the camera’s viewfinder.
Keep your chin up:
To avoid noticeable wrinkles in the neck area, which concerns nearly 60% of British adults, avoid allowing your chin to point downward. Instead, elongate your neck and gently push your chin forward. This will create a more defined and elegant jawline, contributing to a confident look in photos.
Be yourself:
The most important tip for achieving the perfect smile in photos is to simply be yourself. Forcing a smile rarely looks good. The best smile is one that you can comfortably maintain for an extended period. So, relax your facial muscles, let your eyes sparkle, and don’t be afraid to show your teeth (or not) depending on what feels natural to you. When you are yourself, your true beauty will shine through, resulting in the most attractive smiles in your pictures.
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