Do You Like Your Smile?

Question of the Day...Do you like your smile?  When you see photographs of yourself which ones do you like the best?  Which ones do you like the least?  Are you smiling?  Do you show your teeth?  Are your eyes smiling?  We can all be very critical when we see photographs of ourselves.  I'm guilty of this as well.  I'm usually behind the camera so when someone asks to take my picture I get alittle photo shy.  I've also taken thousands of photographs for people who although they have fabulous smiles do not EVER smile for the camera.  This takes some practice and that is exactly what I suggest to all my clients.  Practice, practice, practice your smile in the mirror.  Sound funny to you?  Or have you secretly been doing this and feel silly doing it.  Don't feel silly.  If you were about to give a speech wouldn't you practice it numerous times to perfect it?  

When you practice your smile in the mirror check to see whether you think you look best smiling with your teeth showing or without.  Contrary to popular belief, having some teeth show is usually your best and most natural look.  Do you smile with your eyes or do they have that "deer in the headlights" look to them.  A blank or startled look is usually not your best option.  Many times we are so concerned about whether or not we blink when the flash goes off that we open our eyes too wide and get that scared look.  However, you don't want to squint too much or it will look like your eyes are closed in every photograph. 

Have you ever heard that the camera will add 10 pounds to you in a photograph?  The reason why this happens is because 9 times out of 10 you are shying away or leaning back away from the camera.
By leaning or shying away from the camera it will widen even the slimmest model.  This common mistake can be easily corrected by "engaging the camera" or leaning slightly into the camera.  The best way to do this is, if you are standing for the photograph, turn slightly so you are not straight on to the camera, then put your weight on the foot closest to the camera.  It will give you a slight lean into the camera with out looking like it is intentional.  You can use this same technique when you are sitting as well.  Turn slightly and lean just a small amount towards the camera.  You can also use these techniques whether you are having your photo professionally taken or when a family member or friend is snapping a few photos for facebook. 

Practice, Practice, Practice.  It will be well worth the few minutes you spend smiling at yourself in the mirror.  You will have flattering photos that you will love to look at of yourself.  They will give you the most natural look even if posing for the photograph doesn't feel "natural."