Any Tips For Smiling Naturally In Front Of The Camera?

Think of something funny

My number 1 tip for having a warm, natural smile is to think of something funny. Everybody smiles when they laugh, so why try to reinvent the wheel?

The problem then arises that it's hard to laugh on command. I totally understand that, but I still recommend trying to make yourself laugh.

The reason is that when you think of something funny, you're not going to start hootin' and hollerin' and crying because you're laughing so hard. Sorry, there's no way you can trick yourself into doing that, but by imaging a funny phrase or situation, you can make yourself at least chuckle. Lo and behold, even with a slight giggle, you'll flash a natural, happy, smile—effortlessly.

The best things to think about to make you laugh are funny situations, memes, jokes, words, or people. Physical humor works well, too, so maybe you just imagine the cameraman falling. Either way, I recommend you spend some time on YouTube finding what content makes you laugh. Then, think back to those comedic clips to smile on command.

Think of something that makes you happy

The most natural way to smile for the camera is to simply think of something that makes you happy and smile in real life. A routine that I practice is to look down, close my eyes, and think back to something that I had a good laugh about. It could be my dog goofing around or my son saying something cheeky. A smile will naturally appear on my face. That is the moment where I lift up my head and open my eyes to give that perfect smile for the camera.

Remind yourself to relax

This can be a tough one. If you aren't trained in it, you're probably trying too hard and coming across as fake. When we focus on what our facial muscles are doing, we have a tendency to constrict them which immediately reads as unnatural.

The best thing you can do is first relax. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, consciously relax your facial muscles. Pull up the image of something that makes you happy in your mind and focus on that for at least 30 seconds. Let your smile come naturally, then open your eyes and proceed with the camera.

This is easier said than done. It can take practice. Don't get discouraged, just remind yourself to relax. A relaxed smile will look a lot more convincing than a tight one.

Wear your confidence

Think about something that makes you happy. The happiness inside you will make your smile more natural and will give your audience some positive vibes.

Prepare for it. Being at your best before facing the camera will help you gain more confidence. Wear your favorite shade of lipstick, color of tie or set of accessories. [This] will help you achieve the confidence you need. The more confident you are, the more natural-looking smile you’ll express.

Be genuinely happy at that moment.

To be able to smile naturally, you have got to be truly happy about what you’re currently doing. Because if you’re not, no matter how many lessons you take or how many rules you follow, the smile wouldn’t appear as natural as a genuine smile that comes from the inside.

Think happy thoughts. Do you know those random moments in life where you just pause and smile effortlessly? Mimic those moments when in front of the camera by reminiscing [about] the last thing that made you happy.

Few tips from the pros

I've spent 12 years on camera, and the one thing I can tell you is that staring into an emotionless black box and pretending that makes you happy is anything but natural. From an early age, we are taught to, "Say cheese" when the camera clicks, but the truth is, it's hard.

How do you smile naturally? There are a few tips the pros know that you should too.

First, this one is simple, but practice makes perfect. The more you smile on camera, the better you get at it.

Secondly, stare at yourself. This doesn't make you vain, it makes you pick up nuances that you can't exactly feel. What that means is, you probably can't feel that your smile is too big, but when you see it over and over again you may say a little less gum showing here, or a little more teeth showing looks good.

Lastly is contrary to everything you may think, but I want people to feel a little forced. Yes, feeling a bit unnatural will turn into feeling natural. Your natural smile that was so cute as a kid may not actually be your best look.

After reviewing yourself, see what you think looks best. Is your best look a half-smile? Is your best look a smile from the side? Decide what looks best and then force it and then pretty soon your forced smile will become a habit which will become natural and then you will look like your very best self.

Smile naturally and look great on camera

Smiles. Art direct your models. I love happy-faced model photographs. Some people are challenged to pose with a natural-looking smile. Ask them to practice with some selfies at home before you shoot together.

Facial Expressions. Have your models smile big with and without teeth showing. Have them try to pose happily with a smile, and their eyes open, directed away, up and down. Try a few happy shots with their eyes closed. Have them pose in a variety of facial expressions from happy and serious to sad and excited.

Pose Positions. It is important to pose your models from at least three different angles. Have your model turn sideways to look over one shoulder, then the other, before facing square on to the camera.

Body Expressions. Look up creative body language and pose ideas on the Internet. Cut out preferred poses from magazines and print out potential poses you find on the Internet to use as a reference for you and your models.

Eye Expressions Are Essential. Try having your models look off to each side, up, down, and with their eyes closed, besides looking straight into the camera.

Wardrobe. Solid colors are always the best. Black can be slimming for your models. Avoid stripes and plaids. Avoid excessively loud and large jewelry. Try at least 3 different outfits for each portrait shoot.

Hair & Makeup. This is extremely important. Make sure your female models have makeup to further accentuate their facial portrait imagery.

Backgrounds. Try shooting both indoors and outdoors. Use a variety of wall textures, bright solid colors, and interesting background options. Poses can be in front of a very old rustic door or a beautiful field of sunflowers.

Props. Ask your models to bring a few props, like flowers, balloons, flags, a small pet, or a few of their favorite items for a few extra poses.

Creative Lighting. Use a flash indoors or outdoors. Never have strong light like a sunrise, sunset or window behind the model, unless you are using a fill flash. Try some Renaissance lighting with a darker room and only one light tightly directed towards their face. Try using romantic candles.

More Is Better. I always shoot as many extra photos (dozens or hundreds) as possible.

Art Direction. Have a plan. Don’t just have the model stand there in front of you – telling them to smile, while you randomly take a few quick candid snapshots. Be prepared by using these basic tips and researching other creative ideas.

Post Shoot Creativity. Try turning your traditional portrait photos into fine art photography by posterizing and adding some creative special effects with your computer.