A friend just tagged you in a group picture at the end of your reunion; then you see it. There you are in one corner, looking awkward with a strange pose and the fakest grin. Cringe! How embarrassing! But instead of spiralling into self-consciousness and skipping succeeding gatherings, why not do a 180 and start preparing for the next photo opportunity? Yes, you, too, can wear a genuine smile that radiates warmth and authenticity. Learn how to smile for photos (with natural, effortless pizzazz!) by following these practical tips.
How to smile nicely in photos
The perfect smile comes when you’re at ease. But the truth is that social situations can be uncomfortable, resulting in an awkward smile in photos. Use these techniques for a better photo outcome.
1. Practise your smile in front of a mirror.
Facing a mirror to practise your smile is an old yet effective trick. The idea is to train your facial muscles to remember a specific expression – in this case, happiness. Follow these steps to up your game:
- Start with a neutral expression.
- Turn away from the mirror and think of something happy.
- Face the mirror again and analyse your face. Examine the movement of your eyes, forehead, and cheeks.
- Look away and then back at your reflection while smiling. Repeat with different poses (close-mouthed, wide grin, open mouth with teeth exposed, etc.). Pay attention to the differences.
- Keep practising until you find your most genuine-looking smile.
- Remember your preferred expression and repeat until you can beam with ease.
2. Say other words besides “cheese.”
It’s time to stop saying “cheese” when smiling for the camera! This good old habit just isn’t as effective in producing the most authentic smile. Many times, it only leaves you looking forced to flash your pearly whites. If you want to showcase a more natural expression, opt for words ending with an “ah” or “ee” sound.
Some suitable replacements:
- Grandpa
- Mocha
- Money
- Kimchi
- Whiskey
- Yeah
- Yoga
3. Take lots of selfies.
When learning how to smile for photos, it’s essential to find the right angles that will highlight your features. What better way to discover your best side than by taking a few (dozen) selfies? Make your photo session easier by propping your phone on a flat surface or using a tripod. Set the timer and get the ball rolling. Then, go through the images and select the most photogenic ones. Recreate those poses and that winning smile until you master them.
4. Try the laughing-out-loud trick.
It’s hard to imagine that faking a laugh can result in an organic-looking smile. But believe it or not, letting out your best LOL is the top advice you’ll get from many professional photographers. It’s simple and effective, doesn’t require special tools, and works on kids and adults. The best part? Faux laughs can eventually lead to heartfelt giggles and full-blown roars. You can’t get any more natural than that!
5. Learn to “smize.”
Do you sometimes scrunch your eyes and mouth for photos in an effort to appear happy? Bad news – this only results in the most unappealing forced smile. And, possibly, wrinkles! So instead, take your cue from supermodel Tyra Banks and master her favourite trick: the “smize.”
The idea of the technique is to “smile with your eyes” – make them sparkle and attract others with a powerful stare. Whether you’re learning how to smile for a photoshoot or casual “groufies,” it’s easy to get this method right. Start by slightly pulling your lips back at the corners and raising your brows. Then, while facing the camera, conjure up everything that makes you happy and strike those poses. Work it!
6. Use your tongue.
Does your megawatt smile make you look like the kooky and mischievous Chesire Cat from Alice in Wonderland? Try something less toothy and with a little more restraint by using your tongue.
Nope, that doesn’t mean sticking it out and acting goofy. Next time you smile, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth. You’ll look more relaxed, youthful, and even slimmer! Go ahead, try it out.
7. Swipe on a flattering lipstick shade.
Lipsticks come in various shades and styles. Some formulas offer a lip-plumping effect or a glossy shine. Others keep it natural and subtle. Whichever you choose, it must always highlight your features.
If you want to make your teeth dazzle, avoid dark and matte lippies. Go for nude or light pink hues that give the illusion of whiter teeth. Feeling a little bold? Reach for a bright red and swipe it on. Just remember to check for teeth stains before your photo op; you don’t want embarrassing lipstick marks to show up in your pics.
8. Maintain good oral hygiene.
Conscious about smiling for the camera because of your not-so-perfect teeth? You’re not alone. A 2021 study revealed that teeth discolouration, shape, and misalignment are the most common culprits behind smile insecurity.
But all hope is not lost, as long as you adhere to excellent oral hygiene practices, including visiting your dentist. Regular checkups can help address your dental issues. Your dentist can suggest whitening options for yellowing teeth and crowns or implants for cracks and chips.
How do clear aligners help your smile?
If you struggle with teeth misalignments or bite issues like overbites and underbites, your dentist might recommend orthodontic solutions. Go for invisible aligners, like ClearCorrect, to keep your treatment discreet. Compared to traditional metal braces, these customised trays are more comfortable. They’re made with a revolutionary tri-layer ClearQuartz material, which exert gentle force to move teeth into their proper positions. Plus, their high trimline makes them look natural.
Clear aligners allow you to smile with confidence even while undergoing treatment. They might not even be noticeable in photos. And once you’re done with your aligner course, you’ll have straightened teeth that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also easier to maintain. Win-win!
Take this online smile assessment to find out if you’re a candidate for clear aligners.
Like many things, learning how to smile for photos without looking awkward requires lots of practice. Keep at it! Experiment with these techniques and lean into those that bring out your authentic self. Soon, you’ll be able to put on your best grin before the cameras start clicking.
Reference:
Ellakany, P., Fouda, S. M., Alghamdi, M., & Bakhurji, E. (2021). Factors affecting dental self-confidence and satisfaction with dental appearance among adolescents in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study. BMC Oral Health, 21(1).
