Whether it's a family photo, a selfie with friends, or a professional headshot, knowing how to smile for pictures can make all the difference. A great smile can enhance your appearance, convey confidence, and make your photos more memorable.
If you’re ready to level up your smile for pictures, follow the tips and tricks below.
How to smile for pictures
Pictures are forever, so make sure you're showing off your best self by practicing these tips to feel confident the next time you need to smile for pictures:
- Think happy thoughts: The best thing you can do to portray a happy smile is to think about things that naturally make you smile! Whether it's an adored pet, a favorite memory, or an inside joke between you and a friend, picture this thing in your head and let those genuine feelings shine through.
- Give your teeth some love: Be sure to practice good oral hygiene by following regular brushing and flossing routines and keeping up with visiting the dentist. If your teeth are prone to yellowing or discoloration, a whitening treatment may help increase your confidence.
- Avoid saying “cheese”: Saying cheese often leads to awkward smiles. If you need a keyword, professionals suggest “money” instead.
- Keep your eyes closed: No, silly. We don't mean during the actual photo. Close your eyes before a picture is taken to help reset yourself. Try to resist jerking them open, and instead open them at a steady pace and bring the corners of your mouth upward at the same time.
- Relax your face muscles: In addition to deep breaths and closing your eyes, consciously relax your face and jaw muscles. As dentists often say, “Unlock your jaw.” Relax your forehead, cheeks, lips, and jawline, and avoid pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth. This will release tension, allowing a natural smile to appear.
Practice makes perfect!
You want your smile for pictures to be warm, welcoming, and most importantly, natural. So don't be afraid to stand in front of a mirror, practice your grin, and play around with different poses to figure out which angles best capture your features. If you have a camera or smartphone, snap a few photos and review them to find a radiant smile you feel confident in sharing with the world.
Why smiling is important for your health
Photos aside, smiling is important for your overall health and has many benefits that can improve your physical and emotional well-being. According to an article from the University of Alabama, cracking a smile can:
- Help your body release feel-good hormones
- Improve interpersonal relationships
- Relieve stress
- Increase productivity at work
- May help you live longer
A beautiful smile can light up any picture, making you look and feel your best. By following these tips, you can achieve a natural, confident, and photogenic smile. Remember, the best smiles are genuine and come from a place of happiness and confidence. So, relax, think happy thoughts, and let your true self shine through in every photo!
