How to Smile for the Camera

Co-authored by Adam Kealing

Last Updated: November 12, 2022 References

Producing an effortless smile for the camera requires practice, patience, and a bit of panache. Take time discover and master your signature smile. Devote time to learning how to relax in front of the camera so that you can achieve a natural smile. Master the smize, the ability to smile with your eyes, to convey a sense of power and mysterious allure in front of the camera.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Discovering Your Signature Smile

1
Study your favorite smiles. Studying old images of yourself is an easy way to identify your signature smile. Flip through a photo album, click through your social media pictures, or thumb through a stack of photographs of yourself. Note your favorite pictures and consider why you like these images of yourself:
- Is your head tilted in a certain way?
- Do you have a toothy grin or are your lips closed?
- Are your eyes focused on the camera or staring off in the distance?
- Is your face relaxed, with wrinkles around your eyes and mouth?
- Does your smile look natural or forced?^{[1]
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2
Recreate these smiles. While standing in front of a mirror, try to replicate your favorite smiles.
- Replicate your body position in the photos—tilt your head and angle your shoulders as they appear in the photograph.
- Recall the moment captured by the camera and note your emotions.
- Channel these memories and feelings; embody them with your smile.
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3
Practice your signature smile. To master your signature smile and flash it on command, you must devote time to practicing your grin. Continue to practice your smile in front of a mirror—recall the memory, recapture the emotions, and produce your signature smile. Gradually, your muscle memory will improve and it will become more natural to flash your signature smile.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Achieving a Natural Smile

1
Relax in front of the camera. To achieve a consistent natural smile, it is important that you commit to having fun during the photo shoot.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Adam Kealing
Professional Photographer
Expert Interview. 7 April 2020.} Jump around between shots to stay loose. Recall funny memories or jokes to make yourself laugh during the session. Fill your mind with happy thoughts that will ease your nerves. Don’t take the photo-opt too seriously, but stay calm and enjoy your time in front of the camera.^{[3]
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- Talk with the photographer so they get to know you better and figure out how to get a natural smile out of you.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Adam Kealing
  Professional Photographer
  Expert Interview. 7 April 2020.}
2
Release the tension from your face. To relax your face, begin by taking a deep, cleansing inhale. On the exhale, smile. Simultaneously, relax your forehead, release your brow, and unclench your jaw. There will only be slight points of tension at the corners of your eyes and lips.^{[5]
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3
Embrace your smile lines. Wrinkles are a byproduct of your natural grin. A natural smile causes lines to appear around your mouth. It also produces small lines around your outer eyes. When you fake a smile, these lines are less likely to appear, causing your grin to look forced.^{[6]
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4
Combat a toothy grin by shifting the position of your tongue. While flashing some of your teeth is acceptable, it can be unbecoming to reveal all of your teeth when you smile. Fortunately, there is a quick and simple trick to avoiding the joker grin. Raise your tongue and place it directly behind your top front teeth. This will lift your chin and relax your mouth.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Perfecting the Smize

1
Relax and release your facial muscles. Before smizing, smiling with your eyes, calm yourself and relax your facial muscles. Take deep breaths to center yourself and quell your nerves. Enhance your calm demeanor by Intentionally release the muscles in your face one by one. Smooth out the wrinkles in your forehead and release your clenched jaw. As you relax, you will feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
2
Select a focus point on the camera. When smizing, it is essential that your eyes are full of life and energy. Open your eyes wide and search the camera for a focal point. You may choose to focus on the lens, a logo, or a specific button. By connecting with the camera, you will generate a twinkle in your eyes and a sense of vibrancy in your face.
- Staring off into the distance can cause you to look bored and lifeless.^{[8]
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3
Position your chin, neck, and shoulders. Posture is the key to an exceptional picture and a memorizing smize. Pull your shoulder down as you extend your neck and head up.^{[9]
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Research source} Once your neck is elongated, bring your head forward and lower your chin slightly. This will result in an elegant posture and an exquisite look.^{[10]
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4
Squint slightly. When smizing, the alluring look rests in the squint of your eyes. In order to keep your forehead wrinkle free, you must squint from below not above. As you pull up the muscles below your eyes, consciously strive to relax your brow and forehead. This will produce a mysterious, enticing glint in your eyes.
5
Smize with confidence. To pull off a convincing smize, you must exude confidence. As you continue to squint, transform your relaxed lips into a glorious natural smile. Maintain your elegant body position and sustain eye contact with the camera. Push aside your insecurities and tell yourself that you are powerful and full of confidence.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I prevent my eyes from squinting when I smile?

Community Answer

As someone who suffers from the exact same problem, I find that raising my eyebrows helps. Also, just having a pleasant, friendly smile is good enough. You don't need to have a big smile. Remember, this is only for the camera, in your everyday life you shouldn't worry about how you look when you smile. You look beautiful, don't be self-conscious.