The perfect smile

Getting the right smile

Since I was a child, I have tried and tried to make my smile perfect. A lot of people struggle with this silly issue as well. I used to put my eyebrows all the way up when I smiled, thinking I looked cute. I realized that I looked scared for my life like someone was running full force towards me. We all have a “go to face” when someone takes our photo. I admit that smiling on command is VERY awkward. Over the years of taking photos and being in photos, I figured out the best strategy that works for myself and models. The best way to get a real and beautiful smile is  simple….

1. RELAX-- Take a deep breath and relax. Stop worrying about you zits, your wrinkles, your  eyebrows, your teeth, your mouth, or whatever you are so worried about.  You are most natural and beautiful when you are relaxed.

2. Think about something that makes you happy like a pet, a friend, a place, or whatever it is that instantly make you feel good. You will get a great natural smile if you picture something that actually makes you happy!

3. Laugh out loud until you actually laugh!! If faking it until you make it is what you have to do, then do it! In groups, you can get everyone laughing with the goofy fake laughs too. Sometimes you can laugh too hard and you get too goofy for a family photo. I personally love the goofy ones though.

4. If you are the photographer, the best way to get a smile is to talk about some interests that spark your model. They will smile talking about things that make them happy. Children are difficult to get to smile sometimes!! Try this trick with them by using a toy and making it talk or make silly noises to make them laugh.