Capturing a genuine smile in your wedding photos isn’t just about looking happy—it’s about feeling happy. As someone who photographs over a thousand portraits every year, I’ve seen every type of smile you can imagine. From the awkward “camera’s on me” grin to the warm, heartfelt laugh—I’ve learned a lot about what makes a smile feel real!
I also know what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera. Last time I posed for a photo with my brothers, we didn’t know when the picture was being taken so we were holding our facial expressions for too long and all of our smiles looked fake. Yep... even photographers look awkward on camera sometimes.
And I know that many people don’t love the smile they have in photos. You know the one—that stiff grin you flash whenever says something you didn't think was funny but you give them a little courtesy laugh anyway. These aren’t your real smile. Your real smile is the one that you have in moments of pure joy. It's the smile you have when you're lost in the moment. It's the smile you have after you burst out in genuine laughter. THAT is the smile I want to capture on your wedding day.
I have a few ways to ensure that happens. First, is I make it my mission to capture moments of genuine expression throughout your wedding day—think candid moments when you aren't even paying attention to the camera. Second, for posed or "formal" wedding photos, I walk you through every step of the way. That way you aren't holding your smiles for too long and you know exactly what you're doing. Lastly, I help you learn how to avoid a fake smile to begin with—so keep reading for those tips and tricks!
WHY FAKE SMILES HAPPEN
To put it simply, a fake smile happens when it's forced or you're simply trying too hard. Sometimes it happens when you've just been holding your facial expression too long. Your smile may start out looking genuine, but the longer you hold it, the more "stale" it gets.
Now most the information you read about a smile is to practice in front of a mirror. STOP! You’ve practice that fake smile your whole life. Ever since you were a young child, you have been trained to give a fake smile every time your parents went, "say cheese!" (Gee thanks mom and dad....)
But for your wedding day, we want those authentic, excited smiles. The kind that light up your eyes and show your true emotions!
THE ANATOMY OF A GENUINE SMILE
A genuine smile is spontaneous and effortless. It’s like breathing—you don’t have to think about it; it just happens. This is why practicing in front of a mirror isn’t the answer.
A true smile is about the eyes just as much as the mouth. If your eyes aren’t engaged, the smile won’t look real. And don’t worry about your eyes getting a little squinty—that’s totally normal! In fact, trying to keep them wide open just looks unnatural (and a little creepy if I'm being honest).
HOW TO GET A REAL SMILE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
1. Avoid the Courtesy Smile
The worst thing you can do is hold a fake smile for too long. It starts to look stale and forced. A good photographer will cue you in at just the right moment, capturing your expression when it's fresh. That’s why I guide you through each shot, so you know exactly when the photo is being taken.
If you’re really struggling to smile naturally, try this trick: Flash a big, fake smile quickly and then relax your face. The brief burst of energy often transitions into a more genuine, softer smile.
2. Get Caught Up in the Moment
Let yourself really feel the moment. Let yourself get caught up in the excitement of the day and the people around you. When I photograph weddings, I try to bring lots of energy behind the camera. Often people get real smiles in their photos just because my enthusiasm gets contagious! I try to make it entertaining for everyone, so the photo session feel fun and relaxed.
3. Create Genuine Smiles with Personal Moments
Some of the most beautiful smiles happen during emotional, meaningful interactions. Consider including these special moments in your day:
First Look: Whether it’s with your partner, parents, or bridal party, seeing loved ones for the first time on your wedding day is always heartwarming.
Love Notes: Reading a heartfelt letter from your partner can bring out a range of authentic emotions, from happy tears to joyful smiles.
These personal moments create expressions filled with love and warmth, perfect for your wedding photos.
4. Add Playful and Interactive Elements
Laughter and playfulness lead to the most candid, joyful photos. You can bring out these smiles by incorporating fun activities, like:
Props: Sparklers, confetti, or popping a bottle of champagne can make for playful shots.
Interactive Moments: Encourage your bridal party or guests to share jokes or dance. This relaxed atmosphere makes everyone feel at ease, leading to genuine smiles.
These lively touches bring out the fun side of your wedding day, creating memories you’ll cherish forever.
5. Be Present and Enjoy the Moment
One of the best ways to smile genuinely is to be fully present in the moment. When you focus on the joy of the day and let go of perfection, your happiness will naturally shine through.
Embrace the Unexpected: Not everything will go as planned—and that’s perfectly okay! Sometimes the imperfect moments lead to the most heartfelt smiles.
Connect with Your Partner: Share quiet, meaningful moments with your spouse-to-be. These moments of connection help you feel centered and truly happy.
Remember, the day is about celebrating love and joy. When you immerse yourself in these moments, your genuine happiness will be reflected in every photo.
6. Plan for a Stress-Free Day
One key to authentic smiles is feeling relaxed. Build extra time into your wedding schedule so you’re not rushing from one event to another. When you’re calm and present, it’s much easier to smile naturally.
As a wedding photographer, I'm dedicated to capturing the true, heartfelt emotions of your special day. I'll guide you every step of the way, ensuring your genuine happiness is beautifully preserved.
So go ahead—relax, laugh, and enjoy every second. I’ll be there to capture the magic.
I also know what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera. Last time I posed for a photo with my brothers, we didn’t know when the picture was being taken so we were holding our facial expressions for too long and all of our smiles looked fake. Yep... even photographers look awkward on camera sometimes.
And I know that many people don’t love the smile they have in photos. You know the one—that stiff grin you flash whenever says something you didn't think was funny but you give them a little courtesy laugh anyway. These aren’t your real smile. Your real smile is the one that you have in moments of pure joy. It's the smile you have when you're lost in the moment. It's the smile you have after you burst out in genuine laughter. THAT is the smile I want to capture on your wedding day.
I have a few ways to ensure that happens. First, is I make it my mission to capture moments of genuine expression throughout your wedding day—think candid moments when you aren't even paying attention to the camera. Second, for posed or "formal" wedding photos, I walk you through every step of the way. That way you aren't holding your smiles for too long and you know exactly what you're doing. Lastly, I help you learn how to avoid a fake smile to begin with—so keep reading for those tips and tricks!
WHY FAKE SMILES HAPPEN
To put it simply, a fake smile happens when it's forced or you're simply trying too hard. Sometimes it happens when you've just been holding your facial expression too long. Your smile may start out looking genuine, but the longer you hold it, the more "stale" it gets.
Now most the information you read about a smile is to practice in front of a mirror. STOP! You’ve practice that fake smile your whole life. Ever since you were a young child, you have been trained to give a fake smile every time your parents went, "say cheese!" (Gee thanks mom and dad....)
But for your wedding day, we want those authentic, excited smiles. The kind that light up your eyes and show your true emotions!
THE ANATOMY OF A GENUINE SMILE
A genuine smile is spontaneous and effortless. It’s like breathing—you don’t have to think about it; it just happens. This is why practicing in front of a mirror isn’t the answer.
A true smile is about the eyes just as much as the mouth. If your eyes aren’t engaged, the smile won’t look real. And don’t worry about your eyes getting a little squinty—that’s totally normal! In fact, trying to keep them wide open just looks unnatural (and a little creepy if I'm being honest).
HOW TO GET A REAL SMILE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
1. Avoid the Courtesy Smile
The worst thing you can do is hold a fake smile for too long. It starts to look stale and forced. A good photographer will cue you in at just the right moment, capturing your expression when it's fresh. That’s why I guide you through each shot, so you know exactly when the photo is being taken.
If you’re really struggling to smile naturally, try this trick: Flash a big, fake smile quickly and then relax your face. The brief burst of energy often transitions into a more genuine, softer smile.
2. Get Caught Up in the Moment
Let yourself really feel the moment. Let yourself get caught up in the excitement of the day and the people around you. When I photograph weddings, I try to bring lots of energy behind the camera. Often people get real smiles in their photos just because my enthusiasm gets contagious! I try to make it entertaining for everyone, so the photo session feel fun and relaxed.
3. Create Genuine Smiles with Personal Moments
Some of the most beautiful smiles happen during emotional, meaningful interactions. Consider including these special moments in your day:
First Look: Whether it’s with your partner, parents, or bridal party, seeing loved ones for the first time on your wedding day is always heartwarming.
Love Notes: Reading a heartfelt letter from your partner can bring out a range of authentic emotions, from happy tears to joyful smiles.
These personal moments create expressions filled with love and warmth, perfect for your wedding photos.
4. Add Playful and Interactive Elements
Laughter and playfulness lead to the most candid, joyful photos. You can bring out these smiles by incorporating fun activities, like:
Props: Sparklers, confetti, or popping a bottle of champagne can make for playful shots.
Interactive Moments: Encourage your bridal party or guests to share jokes or dance. This relaxed atmosphere makes everyone feel at ease, leading to genuine smiles.
These lively touches bring out the fun side of your wedding day, creating memories you’ll cherish forever.
5. Be Present and Enjoy the Moment
One of the best ways to smile genuinely is to be fully present in the moment. When you focus on the joy of the day and let go of perfection, your happiness will naturally shine through.
Embrace the Unexpected: Not everything will go as planned—and that’s perfectly okay! Sometimes the imperfect moments lead to the most heartfelt smiles.
Connect with Your Partner: Share quiet, meaningful moments with your spouse-to-be. These moments of connection help you feel centered and truly happy.
Remember, the day is about celebrating love and joy. When you immerse yourself in these moments, your genuine happiness will be reflected in every photo.
6. Plan for a Stress-Free Day
One key to authentic smiles is feeling relaxed. Build extra time into your wedding schedule so you’re not rushing from one event to another. When you’re calm and present, it’s much easier to smile naturally.
As a wedding photographer, I'm dedicated to capturing the true, heartfelt emotions of your special day. I'll guide you every step of the way, ensuring your genuine happiness is beautifully preserved.
So go ahead—relax, laugh, and enjoy every second. I’ll be there to capture the magic.
