This entry was posted on February 4, 2022.
Whether you are a photographer by trade or just someone who enjoys constantly snapping pics of your family and friends, you already know how hard it can be to capture a genuine moment or smile that doesn’t look faked or forced.
If you are struggling to get your targets to produce a real smile, or any smile at all, we’ve got your back. Here is a list of pro tricks, providing simple ways to capture natural smiles in your photos.
- Complement Your Target
- Give Specific Instructions
- Tell a Corny Joke
- Say Something Shocking
- Take your photo in a natural setting
In today’s post, we will be discussing in detail how to utilise all these ideas. The result we’re shooting for? To help you get the best pictures out of any situation.
So settle in, grab your camera, and let’s get to it.
Complement the Target
Who doesn’t love a good compliment every once in a while? We do for sure, and we’re betting you do too. Many professionals have found this is a great way to elicit a true smile from just about anyone who is on the receiving end.
Tip: When complimenting someone, be sincere and not over the top. “Wow, the camera picks up the natural sparkle in your eyes.” Avoid over embellishing - “Omg, you look stunning today.”
Give Specific Instructions
Nerves can make it very difficult for some people to form a smile that doesn’t look awkward or off. As the photographer, give your clients specific instructions on what you are looking for.
Be clear on what you want your subjects to do.
Knowing what is expected can help people relax and provide some pretty fabulous smirks.
Tip: Tell your targets before the session what to expect going in. Once a shoot starts, it can become overwhelming having someone yell out orders, and smiles will not be the response you get.
Tell a Corny Joke
Yep, go for that good ole fashion dad joke (and make it as terrible as ever).
People tend to give better smiles when they hear a joke that is so ridiculous that it is funny. So, ditch any elaborate attempt at clever, witty, or comedian level humour, and opt for pure silliness.
Example: “How do you find Will Smith in a snowstorm? You look for fresh prints.”
Tips: Make sure your jokes will be funny to the person hearing them. Steer clear of insults or discriminatory topics.
Provide Helpful Tips to Your Targets
Forcing a natural-looking smile isn’t always easy. Unless you are experienced, you probably won't know how to create a smile that doesn’t look uncomfortable or forced.
There are many tricks the professionals use to help their targets smile for the cameras, even when it's difficult.
- Relax the Face Muscles.
- Think Happy Thoughts.
- Smile with Your Eyes.
- Close Your Eyes and Breathe.
Tips: The most natural pictures are going to come from a calm and content client. Wait for the right moment to snap the photo and don’t push too hard; stay patient.
Say Something Shocking
Whether it’s funny or not, if you shout out something shocking, most people are going to smile. Whether out of happiness, disbelief, or complete confusion, you will provoke a natural reaction.
For example, drop, “I have to remember to give my grandma back her teeth,” and leave it at that.
Tips: Again, keep it clean and do not border any type of controversial issues.
Move the Photo Shoot to an Active Location
What better way to get a natural smile than in a natural setting where people are naturally happy?
If you are looking for fun photos of children in the winter, take them out to have a snowball fight and wait for the right time to snap your photo.
If you’re a wedding photographer, or even simply shooting pictures of a happy couple, move the shoot to somewhere picturesque. Ask them questions about how they met or what they love most about each other. Watch as you spark true smiles that will look fantastic and breathe life into your photos.
Tips: These types of photos always look the best when you are outside with natural lighting and the environment.
Smile at Your Target
One of the best ways to get a natural smile from someone is to offer them a natural genuine smile yourself. Happiness is contagious, so give off good vibes.
Tips: Never overdo the smile or hold it for too long, this can come off extremely creepy.
Fun Ways to Take Photos with Natural Smiles
There are many types of situations you can use to enlist natural smiles while capturing fun photos.
Here are just a few ways to capture the happiness in their smiles, in their eyes, and in their body language.
- 1.2.3 jump - Take the Instagram-worthy jump picture on the beach, by the pool, or at a celebration.
- The subtle kiss - Have a couple kiss their significant other on the nose or cheek. This is also a great photo op for mums and babies.
- Play games - Have little ones play fun games like duck duck goose, or hopscotch. Happy kids make great keepsake photos.
- Have them dance - Have couples dance hand in hand, staring into each other’s eyes.
- Call someone out - In a group photo, without warning, tell everyone to turn and look at one person. The reaction on the one singled out is sure to make the best smile.
- Interact with the camera - Have groups hold up peace signs or point directly at the camera. Staging a scene is a great way to make people laugh.
- Stick your tongue out - Kids love doing crazy things (and some adults do, too!). Have them stick out their tongues or give bunny ears, you will see some legit grins.
These are just a few simple tricks to try out when looking to get some natural jaw-dropping smiles out of your clients. Be creative and you will always find a way that works.