I’m a photography expert and these eight tricks will make you look good in any photo

• Experts at Lafayette Photography have revealed how to find your perfect smile 
• READ MORE: Five easy and affordable ways to whiten your teeth at home 

Many people will be shy when the camera comes out – used to a lifetime on unflattering snaps from closed eyes and double chins to goofy smiles.

But photographers have now shared how to perfect your smile to take the most photogenic snap possible – no matter how you’re feeling.

Around 70 per cent of Brits feel uncomfortable in photos, according to a study by Invisalign this year.

So you’re not alone if you find yourself feeling anxious when a camera is upon you – but luckily, experts from Lafayette photography have revealed how you can achieve the perfect grin.

Whether it’s a group photo, selfie or professional shoot, these tricks will help you smile naturally and feel more at ease the next time a camera is upon you…

Smile with your eyes

Most people in the UK have tried ‘smizing’ in photos. The term, coined by supermodel Tyra Banks (pictured)  means ‘smiling with your eyes’ 

Most people in the UK have tried ‘smizing’ in photos. The term, coined by supermodel Tyra Banks, means ‘smiling with your eyes’.

To achieve this, maintain a relaxed facial expression, tilt your chin and slightly squint your eyes.

It might not feel entirely natural, but it’s remarkably effective in enhancing your facial appearance for a picture-perfect smile.

Think happy thoughts

This approach ensures no awkward posing or fake smiles; instead, you’ll naturally feel more relaxed, promoting a genuine smile. Pictured: Kim Kardashian  

Our minds are powerful. 

By simply diverting your thoughts towards things that make you happy – whether it be a person, place or thing, you can boost your mood, reduce stress and create a positive atmosphere around you towards things that make you happy – whether it be a person, place or thing, you can boost your mood, reduce stress and create a positive atmosphere around you.

A recent study by the University of Sussex found that thinking about happy things for just two minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 25 per cent.

This approach ensures no awkward posing or fake smiles; instead, you’ll naturally feel more relaxed, promoting a genuine smile.

Laugh

Laughing make for a natural shot. Pictured: Emma Watson at the BAFTAs 

If you want to create a big, personality-filled smile, try laughing.

This combination of genuine emotion and a well-timed laugh can elevate your smile, making it appear even more radiant and full of life.

Letting out an audible breath pushes air out of your stomach, giving you the added bonus of a tighter midsection.

Close your eyes 

A helpful tactic to ensure your photos have a natural and effortless look is to briefly close your eyes a few seconds before the photo is taken.

As the shutter moment approaches, slowly reopen your eyes while adding a soft smile to your face. 

This technique relaxes your facial muscles, resulting in a more authentic smile.

This method can be particularly helpful in group photos, where there may be various distractions. By briefly closing your eyes, you can momentarily block out the chaos and regain your focus. 

Clench your teeth

Clenching your teeth before smiling in photos is a technique some people use to create the appearance of a more structured or defined jawline.

This can be particularly useful for individuals who want to emphasise their jawline or give the impression of a more chiselled facial structure in photos.

Around 30 per cent of Brits clench their teeth in photos to try to look more confident, according to a study by Invisalign.

When you clench your teeth, it can cause the muscles in your jaw and neck to tense up, which can temporarily define your jawline and make it appear more prominent.

However, excessive teeth clenching can look unnatural, so clench your teeth only slightly.

Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth

Rather than relying solely on your teeth for a smile, let the muscles in your face and neck do the work.

Gently pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth triggers a subtle tightening of the muscles in your face and neck, creating a more natural-looking smile.

Practice makes perfect

Smiling in front of the mirror will allow you to move naturally and try different angles and poses that work for you – though taking self-portraits might be more effective as you can also see how you register in the camera.

Some people look better when they smile with teeth, while it’s more flattering for others to smile without teeth. Practice both to see what works best for you.

Keep your chin up

Allowing your chin to point downward can often result in noticeable wrinkles in the neck area – a cause for concern for nearly 60 per cent of British adults. Sticking your chin out will prevent this – pictured: Khloe Kardashian

Allowing your chin to point downward can often result in noticeable wrinkles in the neck area – a cause for concern for nearly 60 per cent of British adults.

To achieve a more flattering and youthful appearance, try to create as much separation as possible between your chin and neck.

By elongating your neck and gently jutting your chin forward, you can create a more defined and elegant jawline, which contributes to a more confident look in photos.

Be yourself

While it might sound cliché, the universal trick for achieving the perfect smile in photos is by simply being yourself. Forcing a smile rarely looks good.

The best smile is one that you can comfortably maintain for an extended period, even up to an hour if necessary.

So, the next time you’re about to be photographed, relax your facial muscles, smile with your eyes and don’t be afraid to show your teeth (or not, depending on what feels natural to you).

When you are yourself, your true beauty will shine through, resulting in the most attractive smiles in your pictures.

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