Rule #1 when posing for a photo: don't say cheese. Forming the 'ee' sound stretches your mouth into an unnatural grin, and it's better to say words that end in 'a', such as 'panda' or 'pyjama'. If you'd like to learn more about these and other tricks to produce a beautiful, authentic smile when the photo is taken, see Step 1.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Practicing your pose
Step 1. Smile with your eyes
When taking pictures, the last thing you should do is smile with your teeth bare, without your eyes laughing too. To ensure that your smile really comes across, your eyes will have to cooperate and thus produce a so-called Duchenne smile. A real Duchenne smile is natural because it is very difficult to get the muscles around the eyes to work unless there is really something to smile about.
- See what the difference is with the help of a mirror. Do you see how much less happy you appear when your eyes don't cooperate?
- If you're smiling for the picture, pretend you're smiling at someone you love. Your eyes will squint in a convincing way and your smile will look really beautiful.
Step 2. Show your teeth
It's not necessary to show a big grin, but if you can see any of your teeth, your face will light up. Try to show only your top teeth instead of smiling in such a way that all your teeth can be seen. If you'd rather smile with your lips together, that's fine – just keep in mind that you'll probably look more serious than anyone else in the photo.
Step 3. Determine the best angle
For most people, a frontal shot isn't the most flattering. It flattens your features and can cause your proportions to appear out of shape in the photo. Instead, show off your beautiful bone structure by turning your head slightly to one side. If you have something you think is your "good" side-a side that enhances your facial features-show that side to the camera.
- While turning your face can make your face look more flattering, it can look unnatural if you overdo it. Make sure your face is turned to what appears to be a natural angle.
- If possible, sit slightly lower than the camera so that it is pointing slightly downwards and not upwards.
Step 4. Make sure your face is aligned with the camera
If you tuck your chin in, your face will be distorted. If you turn your head up and stick your chin out, it looks like you're trying to hide a double chin. The most natural position of your face is perpendicular to the camera, as if you are going to have a conversation with it.
Step 5. Say words that end in 'a'
Photographers love asking their subjects to smile, but this usually results in "cheap" snaps for two reasons. The mouth usually departs into an unnatural smile. In addition, a smile will not look authentic unless you are actually happy and most people over 8 find it only annoying if they have to laugh on command. The solution? Think of something you like and ends in an "a" sound. Pronouncing the 'a' forces the lips into a more natural smile. Thinking about something you love also results in a more natural smile. Doing both at the same time will help you produce your most beautiful smile!
For example, if you love someone named Elijah, think of him and say his name when it's time to smile for the camera. Any other person, place or thing will work just fine, as long as it brings out a genuine smile when you think about it
Method 2 of 3: Freshen up your smile
Step 1. Take good care of your teeth
Your best smile will come in part from your confidence in your own appearance. If your teeth are not clean, you would rather not show them to the world. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly to make sure they look as bright and beautiful as possible.
Step 2. Make your teeth even more beautiful with whitening
If your teeth are yellowed or discolored, you may feel more confident in your smile if your teeth are whiter. However, an expensive whitening treatment is not necessary. You can make your smile brilliant in minutes using a natural whitening technique. Here's what to do:
- Rinse your teeth with hydrogen peroxide. This is a safe, natural whitening agent that whitens your teeth by a few degrees.
- Brush your teeth with sodium bicarbonate. Add a little to your toothpaste or make a simple paste of sodium bicarbonate and water, then brush it off. Don't do this too often, though, as it can wear down your glaze.
Step 3. Wear lipstick that makes your teeth look pearly
Certain shades of lipstick will dampen the yellow of your teeth and make them look brighter and whiter. You can boost your smile by applying one of these shades before getting the shot:
- Full berry red. These contrast very much with your teeth so that they stand out more.
- Shades with a blue undertone. They dampen the yellow of your teeth.
- Do not wear orange or yellow lipstick. This will bring out the yellow of your teeth and make your smile look duller.
Step 4. Keep your lips moist
Smiling with flaky or cracked lips can be bad for your confidence and result in an unflattering photo. Scrub your lips and apply lip balm or gloss to keep them in good shape. When it's time to smile, don't worry about how your lips look.
Step 5. Use different makeup to bring out the contours of your smile
Applying foundation, blush and bronzer can add some contrast to your smile and make it stand out even more. Choose shades that go well with your skin tone. Your teeth will look whiter if you use a little more dark makeup to make it look like you have one color.
Step 6. Be sure of what you have
Smiling isn't about looking perfect – it's about looking happy and confident. Your smile will look more beautiful if your face radiates confidence and relaxation. Worrying about your appearance will show itself in your face making you look tense and upset in photos. Just remember to relax and think of nice things, and you will be rewarded with a photo that shows you at your very best.
Method 3 of 3: Dealing with difficult situations
Step 1. Practice in front of the mirror
If there is an occasion during which pictures will be taken and you are nervous about appearing stiff in the picture, take a moment to practice your smile. Look in the mirror and figure out your best angle and how many of your teeth you want to show. Don't forget to smile with your eyes too. When you find a smile you like, see how it feels on your face so you can duplicate it whenever you want.
Step 2. Recognize the feeling of an authentic smile
If you're worried that the expression on your face will look made in the photo, pay attention to how it feels next time you really have to laugh at something - like when someone makes you laugh, or when you crack up. while watching your favorite comedy. Ask yourself the following questions that will help you "remember" the feeling of a real smile:
- What kind of feelings go through your mind when you start laughing sincerely? See if you can evoke those feelings when you're in front of the camera.
- What position does your head usually take? If possible, look in the mirror before your smile fades and make a mental note of what your real smile looks like. When it's time for the photo, try to recreate that total pose of your face to produce your most captivating smile.
Step 3. Blink before laughing
If your eyes are always half closed in photos, try a trick to avoid this and look more alert. Just before the photographer takes the picture, close your eyes for 1-2 seconds before opening your eyes again and smile at the camera. You will then be much less likely to blink when the photo is taken and the flash fires.
Step 4. Moisten your teeth before you smile
If your teeth seem a little dull, there's a quick fix that you can try without preparation: just before you laugh, run your tongue along your teeth to wet them. Teeth that are slightly moist will look more brilliant than dry teeth. The shine will keep them from looking dull. Some makeup artists actually recommend smearing a little over the front of your teeth to keep them looking smooth and shiny during the shoot.
Step 5. Don't think too much about how you look
If you are concerned about your appearance, chances are that negative emotions in the photo will show in your smile. In the end, you will look tense and worried instead of natural and happy. The next time you pose for the camera, ignore the photographer's request to smile and go to your own 'happy place'. Instead of thinking how strange your face must look, think about something that automatically makes you laugh. Your positive thoughts will emerge and light up your smile.
Tips
- Stay relaxed. A picture can't really show your smile if you're otherwise stiff and formal.
- Try to think of something funny that makes you laugh.