How to Avoid Fake Smiles in Your Portraits

Smiling photogenically is much easier said than done. A genuine smile is one of the most attractive expressions of the human face, and a photographer, we love them because they create connection and create warmth.

Five Characteristics Of A Fake Photo
• A tense or forced smile
• Skin that is overly re-touched or airbrushed
• Unnatural lighting
• Fake or staged background
• The use of props that draw focus away from the person

We all know a fake photo when you see one. Everything in the photo is just a little too perfect. This is where potential dates and potential employers alike can start to lose interest.

Good social media headshots, whether for Twitter, Facebook, online dating or a professional profile pictures for LinkedIn, while it might be taken by an expert, it should have a feeling of spontaneity.

The Difference Between Fake And Genuine
• A genuine smile is always visible in the eyes. Smiling eyes are relaxed, with raised cheeks, and a nice tension appearing on the side of the eyes. The mouth can be anywhere from slightly raised or wide open, but it is the eye action that communicates the honesty of a smile.

• On the other hand, a fake smile will have no, or very little, eye engagement. The mouth smile can still be very wide, but you will not see any action in the upper cheek and eye areas. It looks more like a grin, than a smile.

• The expression of contempt is often mistaken for a smile. The most obvious sign of disdain is a one sided smile, with the lip slightly pulled up.

Contact Us
At Capitol Photo Interactive, our is not always as simple as it might seem because often it takes time to stop analyzing so much and to be yourself on camera. We always want our clients to get out of their heads and into their best photos. For more information contact us today at 203-255-4002.

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