How to Smile for Pictures

A natural looking smile always looks great for the camera. Whether the picture is taken at a family reunion or for an award at work, if you can learn to avoid a fake smile, you will be much happier with the results, and feel better getting in front of the camera next time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A mirror

1. ~ Laugh. Really ~
   
   One of the best tips to have a natural looking smile is to laugh in the second or two before the picture is snapped. Not an all-out guffaw, but just a little chuckle, enough to make your mind think you're happy, and remember what your face looks like in that position. It's hard to chuckle and keep your face looking somber, so just go with what feels natural! Then hold it there.

2. 

   ~ Don't Forget Your Eyes ~
   
   One of the biggest mistakes that chronic "fake smilers" do is that they just freeze their mouth in a smile, but the rest of the face gives the fake-ness away. Remember to make your eyes look happy. People can tell whether you're happy or sad just by the expression in your eyes. Practice making your eyes look happy for the mirror. This usually looks like a little sparkle in your eye and some little crows feet wrinkles by the corners of your eyes.

3. 

   ~ Show Your Teeth~
   
   Some people are able to pull off a great smile through closed lips. Not many, though. The most genuine and happy smile comes when you let your teeth show. Don't try and show off more or less than you do when you are actually happy about something. Practice showing your teeth in the mirror when you do the "chuckle" in Step 1, above.

[mizzshady]

on 9/25/2009 Nice article 5*

[richardbanks]

on 7/23/2009 I was just remarried after 15 years. This is the perfect advice.

[musicdeb]

on 7/20/2009 I need all the help I can get when posing for pics!
5*