A stiff smile can ruin an otherwise perfect portrait.
We’ve all seen those photos where someone’s smile doesn’t quite reach their eyes – forced, awkward, or uncomfortable. As a photographer, the goal isn’t just to capture someone’s image, but their personality too.
The key? Natural smiles.
Whether you’re having your portrait taken or you’re a photographer helping your subject relax, there are a few simple posing tricks that make all the difference.
The right approach will help bring out real smiles that reflect who someone truly is – not just what they look like.
Here’s how to make that happen.
Start with comfort, not posing
The biggest mistake is jumping straight into formal posing.
If someone isn’t relaxed, it’ll show. The best portraits begin before the camera even comes out. A bit of friendly chat, a laugh, or even walking around the location together helps ease nerves.
When the subject feels comfortable, everything that follows — including their smile – will come more naturally.
I often begin a session with conversation. It could be about their business, their pet, or what brought them to the shoot. This isn’t wasted time – it’s how we move past the “photo face” and into something more genuine.
Get them to move
Static posing often leads to frozen smiles. Instead, encourage gentle movement.
Ask your subject to shift their weight from one foot to the other, walk slowly, turn slightly towards or away from the camera, or gently play with a prop like a scarf or mug. These movements relax the body and distract the mind from the pressure of smiling on command.
For example, if I’m photographing someone in a local café or co-working space, I might ask them to stir their coffee, reach for their glasses, or lean on the table as if they’re in a meeting. The resulting expressions are often natural and unguarded.
Use conversation as a tool
Rather than telling someone to “smile,” try asking a question. Something light-hearted or unexpected often works well.
For example, “What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you this week?” or “What’s your favourite place to escape to on a Sunday afternoon?” The answers spark a story, and stories bring natural expression.
Some people respond well to gentle teasing or a bit of dry humour. Others open up with a compliment or a shared joke.
The point isn’t to perform for the camera – it’s to forget the camera is even there.
Mind the eyes, not just the mouth
A real smile shows in the eyes. This is where natural connection becomes so important.
I try to maintain eye contact before and after the shutter clicks.
I might say something just as I press the shutter to capture the reaction, not the pose. Laughter, surprise, amusement – these all live in the eyes, not just the curve of the lips.
A trick I often use is to ask someone to look away, take a breath, and then look back at me when I say. That brief moment, when they look up and reconnect, is often when the most natural smile appears.
The “almost-smile” works wonders
Not every portrait needs a big grin. In fact, some of the most engaging portraits show a soft, thoughtful smile – just a hint of emotion.
For subjects who are nervous or shy, asking them to smile softly with their eyes, or to think of someone they love, can bring out a gentle expression that feels both honest and intimate.
When working with professionals, especially in brand photography, these subtler expressions often feel more authentic and appropriate. They’re not trying to sell you something – they’re simply being themselves.
Think about hands and posture
Uncertainty about what to do with your hands often leads to tension, which affects the whole body – including the face.
Give your subject something to hold, lean on, or interact with. Resting a hand on a hip, folding arms gently, or using nearby objects (a bag, a chair, a wall) can help the whole body look and feel more natural.
Posture also affects mood. Standing tall, opening the chest, or tilting the head slightly can change the energy of the portrait.
A relaxed body leads to a relaxed face – and that’s where those genuine smiles come from.
Create an environment, not just a photo
People don’t smile because you tell them to – they smile because they feel something. As a photographer, your role is to create that feeling.
Choose a setting where your subject feels at ease. That might be a favourite park in Cranleigh, a cosy corner of a local café, or the workspace where they spend most of their week.
When people recognise their surroundings, they relax. They associate those places with comfort or purpose, which shines through in their expressions. That’s why location matters just as much as lighting or lens choice.
It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being real
I believe portraits should feel personal. The goal isn’t to iron out every line or get the most symmetrical smile – it’s to tell the story of the person in front of the lens.
Sometimes that means capturing a quiet moment. Other times it’s full-blown laughter. Either way, it’s always about authenticity.
So if you’re preparing for a portrait session, or thinking about updating your headshots or brand photography, remember this: natural smiles come from natural moments.
The right photographer won’t just pose you – they’ll guide you, listen to you, and help you feel like yourself.
Ready for portraits that feel like you?
If you’re looking for relaxed, genuine portraits that bring out your best, I’d love to help. Whether it’s for your personal brand, business or charity, I work across Cranleigh and the Surrey Hills to create natural images that reflect the real you.
Get in touch today to book a session or chat about what you need.
