Five Tips for that Perfect, Photogenic Smile

In today’s day and age of social media, capturing the perfect photo is more important than ever, especially if you’re traveling somewhere special or have the perfect backdrop. Unfortunately, one thing can make or break your photo: your smile.

Whether you need help learning how to make yourself smile, you forgot how to, or you feel embarrassed in front of the camera, StarImage Dentistry is here to help you capture your best photogenic smile and teach how to become photogenic.

Here are five photogenic tips for achieving your perfect smile in photos.

While you wait for your photographer to take your picture, keep your eyes closed. Once the photographer is ready, slowly open your eyes and begin to draw the corners of your mouth upward. Not only does this alleviate the awkwardness you may feel about being in front of a camera, but opening your eyes moments before they take the picture produces that look of calm happiness like waking up well-rested. This will help you learn how to become photogenic.

Regardless of whether someone tells you to say it or not, do not say cheese. Instead, simply speak a two-syllable word or phrase right before you take a picture to mimic a perfect photogenic smile. Instead of saying cheese, try saying “peanut” or “money” instead.

As tempting as it might feel, try not to focus on the camera. Instead, distract yourself before the photographer takes your picture. Try looking around in different directions, making noises with your mouth, or anything you can to distract yourself. That way when it comes time for you to smile, it will look more natural and relaxed. The key to a photogenic smile is to make it look real!

Another photogenic tip you can try out is doing facial muscle exercises to loosen up your smile. Think of it as yoga for your smile. To do this exercise, stretch the corners of your mouth while keeping your lips together and then hold the pose for ten seconds before releasing.

You can also try another exercise where you impersonate a rabbit. Wiggle your nose from side to side twenty times or until you feel your cheek muscles become exhausted.