“Say cheese” is the phrase meant to get photography subjects to smile and strike a pose, because it’s so common. Photographers can now just say the word “cheese” to get their clients to smile. But there’s something about a “cheese” smile that’s not that natural, some might even go as far as saying it just appears “cheesy”.

If you do say cheese, what usually happens is that you can have a deer in the headlights look. That look is especially true for those who aren’t taking group pictures, since you can most certainly rely on the group to get a natural smile. Group photo subjects can also be more lighthearted because each person can enjoy the experience together. 

Having said that, there are a few ways to get yourself to smile in professional portraits without having to rely on “cheese” … so here’s our guide to a dairy-free smile.

How To Get The Perfect Smile In Pictures

1// Practice In Front Of The Mirror

It sounds silly, but practicing your posing and smiling in front of the mirror can help you pinpoint what you’re doing wrong and help you find ways to fix it. A great example of this is finding ways to get your jaw and face muscles to relax so you don’t look so tense, in addition to finding your tricks and techniques to smiling with your eyes.

The idea isn’t to only practice smiling the morning of your session with a photographer but try practicing for a week or so in advance - spending approximately 5 minutes in the mirror each time.

2// Think Of A Funny or Happy Memory

If you’re finding it hard to overcome that deer in the headlights look, simply think back to a memory that always makes you laugh or smile. Doing this is going to bring out your most natural smile and pose because you’ll genuinely be happy.

3// Ask Your Photographer To Tell A Joke

Photographers aren’t usually comedians, but sometimes even bad jokes can be good ones because they’re so cheesy and they get us to smile.

Doing this will also help you break the ice with your photographer and make it easier to get into a natural rhythm to smile and pose during your photo shoot. 

4// Don’t Stress or Argue Before The Pictures

This tip is quite unconventional, but if you’re angry, flustered or upset when you have to take a portrait, you’re not going to smile naturally. So, for that reason try to minimize the likelihood that you’ll feel stressed or upset before arriving for your session with the photographer. Plan to arrive in a Zen and happy state of mind; it will do wonders for your images. 

You have to remember that the trick to the perfect smile is smiling from within. You’ll be most authentic when you’re smiling legitimately instead of faking a smile. But, if all else fails … I guess you should just “say cheese”.

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Brought To You By:
Shaun Stockton Photography 

Specializing in Photography for:
• Seniors • Families • Models • Headshots • Personal Branding  

Serving NC in Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point and Beyond

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