How I Get Genuine Smiles in Headshot Sessions
“Say cheese!” might be my least favorite phrase to hear in the studio. It comes in handy when getting a group to smile but on individual portraits and headshots, it creates a forced smile that just doesn’t feel right.
Even though you might not have met the person before, a fake smile can be obvious. The mouth might say, “happy to be here,” but the eyes? The eyes are pleading, “please send help.”
That’s why I never stop at just the pleasant, professional “smile for the camera” smile. I’m here to capture the version of you that looks confident, approachable, and- most importantly- real.
Why a Real Smile Matters
Your headshot is your digital handshake. Whether you’re updating LinkedIn, launching a new brand, or stepping into a bigger role, that image says a lot before you ever speak.
And real smiles? They say:
- “I’m confident, but not stiff.”
- “I’m open to connection.”
- “I’m someone you can trust.”
In contrast, fake smiles tend to read as uncomfortable or distant. Most people can spot the difference instantly—even if they don’t realize it. A genuine smile reaches the eyes. It shows up in your whole face. It’s the kind of smile that makes people want to say hello.
How I Get the Real Smile
I’m not going to ask you to dazzle me with a brilliant smile right out the gate. Instead, I usually start with the classic “professional” expression- just to get it out of the way. It helps ease some nerves and lets you settle in.
Then comes the fun part.
I’ll put the camera on a tripod or peek around it, and we have a conversation.
I might ask:
- “What do you do for fun?”
- “What was your last vacation?”
- “Any summer plans coming up?”
- “What’s one topic you could talk my ear off about?”
Sometimes, we laugh over a memory. Sometimes, you light up when you start talking about your work or your dog or your dream trip to Iceland.
And that’s when the real smile shows up.
You forget about the camera. You stop trying to “pose.” You just… exist. And I’m right there, capturing that authentic moment when you’re fully being yourself.
Does this mean we’ll get some awkward photos of you talking? Sure BUT it’s all digital so I’ll happily delete twenty photos of you talking to get this one amazing smile when you are being your true self.
Pro Tips for Genuine Expression
Here are a few things I do during every session to make sure we get the best version of you:
- Keep things relaxed. This isn’t a DMV photo. We chat, we laugh, we take our time. I’m going to help you pose from the feet up but relax into and make it your own.
- Stay connected. I don’t shoot through the viewfinder the whole time- I want to see you, and I want you to feel seen.
- Use live previews. Thanks to tethered shooting, you can see your images as we go. That way, we can make tiny adjustments and you feel more confident right away.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to force a smile to look professional. In fact, the best headshots happen when you don’t try so hard.
If you’ve ever said “I hate photos of myself,” I hear you—and you’re not alone. Most of my clients feel that way at first. But by the end of our session, they’re not just smiling for the camera—they’re smiling because they feel good.
And that’s the kind of energy that shines through in every frame.
Want to chat about booking your own relaxed, real, confidence-boosting headshot session? Head over to the contact page to get started.