Smiling for a photo can feel surprisingly unnatural. Whether you’re aiming for a toothy grin or a subtle Mona Lisa smile, capturing a genuine, unforced expression can be challenging, especially when you’re not a professional model. Many people feel awkward or self-conscious in front of the camera, which can lead to stiff and unnatural smiles. But achieving a natural and attractive smile in your photos is absolutely possible with the right techniques.
Drawing inspiration from portrait photography expert Mathieu Stern, this guide expands on proven tips to help you, or your models, achieve genuine smiles in every photograph. Whether you’re preparing for a professional photoshoot, snapping a self-portrait, or just taking a casual selfie, these insights will transform your smile from forced to fantastic. It’s time to unlock the secret to a confident and natural photo smile.
7 Proven Tips to Achieve a Natural Smile in Photos
1. Relax and Close Your Eyes
Nerves can be a major obstacle to a natural smile. If you’re feeling tense before a photo, take a moment to center yourself. Closing your eyes for a few seconds can work wonders to calm your mind and body. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly. You can even try simple breathing exercises to further soothe your anxiety. Focus on your breath, count slowly, or visualize a peaceful scene. When you open your eyes, you’ll find yourself feeling more relaxed, and that ease will naturally translate into a more genuine smile.
Interestingly, even a smile captured with your eyes closed can result in beautiful, candid shots. The relaxed expression often conveys a sense of peace and natural joy.
2. Ditch “Cheese” and Say “Money”
The word “cheese” has long been used to prompt smiles in photos, but it’s an outdated technique that often results in forced and unnatural-looking grins. Saying “cheese” typically stretches the mouth wide but doesn’t engage the eyes or other facial muscles necessary for a genuine smile. It can create a grimace rather than a warm expression.
Instead of “cheese,” try a Hollywood secret: have the person being photographed say “money.” The key isn’t the thought of wealth, but rather the subtle shaping of the lips when you pronounce the word “money.” This lip movement naturally forms a more relaxed and authentic smile. While the idea of money might coincidentally bring a smile to some faces, the real trick lies in the mouth mechanics.
3. Release Facial Tension
Tension often manifests visibly in our faces. When nervous, we tend to clench our jaw, furrow our brows, and tighten our facial muscles without even realizing it. Becoming aware of this tension is the first step to releasing it and achieving a more natural smile.
Beyond deep breathing, consciously focus on relaxing your facial muscles. Think about the phrase dentists often use: “Unlock your jaw.” Actively try to relax your forehead, cheek muscles, lips, and jawline. Even pay attention to your tongue and ensure it’s not pressed against the roof of your mouth. Releasing this tension allows your face to soften, paving the way for a smile that emerges effortlessly and genuinely.
4. Think Happy Thoughts
This is a classic and effective technique for eliciting a natural smile. While posing for a photo, direct your thoughts to people, memories, or things that genuinely bring you joy. Perhaps it’s thinking about a beloved pet, a funny moment with friends, or an upcoming vacation. Mathieu Stern mentions his model thinks of ice cream and dogs – universally delightful subjects! Personalize this tip by focusing on what specifically makes you happy.
For example, if a funny memory always makes you laugh, bring that memory to the forefront of your mind. The genuine happiness you feel internally will radiate outwards, creating a smile that reaches your eyes and lights up your entire face.
5. Get Goofy and Have Fun
Sometimes, the best way to relax and smile naturally is to inject some lighthearted silliness into the situation. If you are the one being photographed, don’t be afraid to be a little goofy. Mathieu Stern suggests making “motorboat sounds” with your lips or playfully shaking your head. You could also do a silly dance, sing a favorite tune, or make funny faces – anything that helps you loosen up and forget about the camera’s pressure.
For photographers, you can also initiate the goofiness. Especially when working with someone who is shy or reserved, your own playful energy can be contagious. Being silly yourself can make your subject laugh and feel more comfortable, leading to genuine, unposed smiles that capture authentic joy.
6. Imagine a Liked Person Behind the Lens
Similar to thinking happy thoughts, you can also evoke a natural smile by imagining someone you genuinely like is taking your photo. Visualize a person whose presence makes you feel comfortable and happy. This could be a parent, a partner, a close friend, or even a favorite celebrity or fictional character. Mathieu Stern’s model imagines SpongeBob Squarepants! Choosing someone who brings you joy and comfort will help you relax and smile as if you were interacting with them personally.
7. Ask for a Joke (or Tell One Yourself)
Humor is a fantastic tool for breaking tension and prompting genuine smiles. If you need a “smile boost,” don’t hesitate to ask the photographer to tell you a joke. Alternatively, you can take the initiative and share a joke yourself. Sharing a laugh together can immediately lighten the mood and create a more relaxed atmosphere for both you and the photographer.
Photographers, observe your model’s comfort level. If they seem nervous, take a short break and initiate a joke. A moment of comic relief can effectively diffuse tension and allow everyone to return to the photoshoot feeling refreshed and ready to smile genuinely.
Bonus Tips for Enhancing Your Photo Smile
The Power of Music
Music has a remarkable ability to influence our mood and emotions. If you find yourself needing to smile for a photo, try putting on some music that makes you happy or laugh. Certain songs can instantly lift your spirits and make it easier to smile genuinely. Experiment to find your go-to “happy songs.”
For photographers, playing upbeat and enjoyable music during a photoshoot can create a positive and relaxed atmosphere for everyone involved. It can help your subject feel more at ease and encourage more natural expressions.
Body Language Matters
Nervousness isn’t just reflected in your face; it also shows in your body posture. Tense shoulders, crossed arms, or a hunched back can all convey discomfort and self-consciousness, which can hinder a natural smile. While posing, be mindful of your body language. Take a moment to consciously relax your shoulders, uncross your arms, and straighten your posture. A relaxed and confident body posture complements a genuine smile.
Practice Makes Perfect
Before a photoshoot, practicing your smile in front of a mirror can be incredibly beneficial. This allows you to explore different smile variations and discover what feels and looks most natural and attractive for you. Experiment with different types of smiles – a wide, toothy smile, a closed-lip smile, a subtle smile – and see which one you prefer.
Don’t be afraid to get playful during your practice sessions. Remember making funny faces as a child? Revisit that playful spirit and experiment with different expressions. You can also take self-portraits with your phone to review and refine your smile. By practicing beforehand, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to smile naturally when the camera is on you.
Final Thoughts: Smiling with Confidence
As a photographer, fostering a relaxed and trusting environment is key to capturing genuine smiles from your subjects. Guide them, make them feel comfortable, and help them find their natural smile. If you are the one being photographed, remember that awareness and technique are your allies. By understanding and applying these tips, both photographers and subjects can feel more at ease and enjoy the process of creating beautiful, naturally smiling photographs. The goal is not just to smile for the shot, but to genuinely enjoy the moment and let that joy shine through.
What are your favorite tricks for achieving a natural smile in photos? Share your tips in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I smile more attractively?
- Smile with your eyes: Engage your eye muscles (creating crow’s feet) for a genuine smile.
- Show your teeth (moderately): A toothy smile is often seen as more attractive, but avoid over-exposing your gums.
- Practice in the mirror: Discover your most flattering and natural smile at home.
- Relax your face: Release jaw and facial tension for a genuine, unforced smile.
- Think happy thoughts: Evoke genuine joy by focusing on positive thoughts.
What smile is most attractive?
A Duchenne smile is widely considered the most attractive. This genuine smile involves both the mouth and the eyes, creating wrinkles around the eyes and lighting up the entire face, signaling true happiness.
How can I make my smile stronger?
Facial exercises can help strengthen the muscles involved in smiling. Research exercises that target key facial muscles to potentially enhance the appearance and strength of your smile over time.
7 TIPS that Will Make You SMILE Naturally on every PHOTOS | Mathieu Stern
