“How to Smile for the Camera: Expert Tips from a Florida Photographer”
Your wedding day is one of the most important day of your life. It is a day when you choose to devote yourself to your best friend forever. Because it’s such a milestone in your life, photography is a huge part of your wedding. As a South Florida wedding photographer, I hear from lot’s of brides who are concerned about the groom smile. It’s true that many guys are just not into smiling. This is also the case with brides as well. It’s certainly understandable, that smiling on your wedding day can be a challenge for some people. Often on a bride and grooms wedding day, there are lots of other things on a couples mind. Brides are often concerned with, the hair and make-up, the flowers, the bridal gown, and the crazy unpredictable friend of the groom. Ok yea, then the brides smile, as if that needs to be another issue. Smiling for your wedding pictures is the best way to convey the joy you your wedding day. With that said many people have difficulty smiling for the camera. Listen, I recently shot an engagement shoot here in South Florida where the groom could not smile, his smiles came off as smirks, or half smiles or forced grins. During the shoot I was able to get him to crack a few genuine smiles but it was tough. He said, I’m a serious guy, I just don’t smile. In the end the pictures turned out great, however, his fiancé told me she wished he was better at smiling. – no one wants to feel that way about their wedding, elopement or engagement photos. This is a day you want to remember forever. However, sometimes brides and grooms are just not confortable cracking a smile, especially when they are concerned about the wedding. Nerves can get in the way, and some people just don’t like how their smile looks, or just don’t like getting their picture taken. Whatever the case may be, I am here to break down those worries into simple steps the will ensure your photos will look beautiful on your special day.
At the bottom of this article are some very good links on How to smile for the camera. I’ve tried to make this post as useful as possible.
Imagine What Makes You Happy
You would think that this would be counterproductive because you need your eyes open for a picture. However, if you closed your eyes for a few seconds it would give you a chance to relax and kick those nerves to the curb. Let yourself travel to a place that makes you feel better. Whether it is the beach, mountains, or your pet, or whatever else, it will distract you from what is about to happen. Before you open your eyes, make sure to take a deep breath, and it is guaranteed that your smile will look and feel more natural.
Remember to BREATHE!
Do you remember the episode in “Friends” when Monica and Chandler went to get their engagement photos done, (Click this link: It’s really funny and will make you smile!) but no matter what they tried, Chandler could not get himself to smile? Listen, stage fright is a very real thing, on and off the stage, and wedding photos are a big deal because they represent the most important day of your life (so far)! So, if you are the type of person that gets anxious, try to take 5 to 10 deep breaths beforehand to calm the nerves. When your muscles relax, they do not tighten as much, which in turn results in a livelier smile.
Their smiles aren’t posed or forced; they’re a reflection of the fun they’re having and the love they share. Engaged just moments ago, the significance of the milestone keeps them glowing with excitement as they stroll along the beach, soaking in every second of their celebration. Their carefree steps, with the ocean breeze ruffling their hair and the soft sand beneath their feet, create a relaxed energy that makes their smiles all the more authentic.
This moment captures the essence of what makes a picture truly memorable—those genuine emotions that can’t be faked. When you’re lost in a meaningful experience, like sharing this once-in-a-lifetime chapter of love, smiling for the camera isn’t a task. It’s second nature.
Whether it’s an engagement, a cozy moment with loved ones, or even sharing a laugh with friends, doing something that brings happiness reflects naturally on your face. It’s less about where you are, and more about how you feel. The joy of this couple perfectly reminds us that sometimes, the best smiles happen when we aren’t thinking about smiling at all—they’re simply part of the moment.
Laughing is the Best Medicine
One time when I had to take photos of a new team in a business, they had trouble getting the right smile during the photo session. So, in order to get the right smile, I had them speak out the alphabet backwards. You can imagine the reactions I got at first (looks of confusion, to be exact). However, the results were a complete 180 turnaround. Whether it is saying the alphabet backwards or saying something silly, laughing actually allows the photos to be more “candid” and showcase a more genuine smile. So, bring out the jokes and funny photos to the session, and I guarantee you, you will see amazing results!
The beauty of an open-mouth smile like this lies in its authenticity. For anyone wondering how to smile for pictures even if you’re not good at smiling, this is your blueprint. It’s not about stiff poses or practiced grins. Instead, it’s about letting yourself be fully present in the moment. When this bride turned around and saw her bridesmaids admiring her wedding dress, their excitement became her joy, lighting up her face with a laughter-filled smile that photographers dream of capturing.
What makes spontaneous memories like these so powerful in photos? It’s the story they tell. Smiles triggered by real emotions, like the surprise and delight of seeing your closest friends cheer you on, are impossible to replicate on demand. This moment wasn’t rehearsed or prepared—it was sparked by the genuine energy in the room. And for anyone nervous about how they’ll look in their pictures, here’s a tip from a pro photographer’s playbook: relax and take the pressure off. Focus less on trying to perfect your expression and more on letting interactions unfold naturally. Whether it’s sharing a laugh, hearing something sweet, or experiencing pure joy, your best smile will shine through the emotion.
This bride’s big, open-mouth smile is a reminder of why these spontaneous moments matter so much. They’re not just visually stunning—they’re fun, deeply personal, and completely unique to you. Sure, you can practice your angles, but at the end of the day, moments like this show that the best way to smile for pictures, even if you’re not good at smiling, is to simply be yourself, surrounded by people who bring a smile to your face effortlessly. After all, isn’t that what the most beautiful photos are all about?
Say “Money”, not “Cheese”
Are you familiar with the remarkable Julie Andrews? If not, you are missing out on one of the most inspiring performers of all time – The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, The Princes Diaries, etc. Anyway, she came up with the perfect trick for creating the ‘picture perfect’ smile by saying only one word – Money. I know what you’re thinking, how can that make my smile picture worthy? Well, it’s simple. When you say the word “cheese”, it actually widens your mouth and makes it look like you are trying too hard. Instead, you just count down from three and say the word “money”, and voila! It also helps when you think of the nice things money could buy too, it helps. Don’t believe me? Ask Stephen Colbert – he lives off of only Julie Andrew’s tip now. Also, who doesn’t love money? It makes people happy.
See Your Loved One Behind the Camera
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Just imagine the audience naked and you won’t be nervous”? Well, instead of picturing the audience naked, just look at the camera and see your loved one. Although they will be next to you on your wedding day, you will not be looking at them the entire time. So, if you look at the camera by picturing your wife/husband, then you will look happier than you ever thought possible while looking at an inanimate object. Trust me, the change in the quality of the photo will be black and white. If it helps, just pretend to say “I do” in your head while looking at the camera, because your face will show the same emotion as you did when you were standing at the alter.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
Rehearsing isn’t just for actors. In reality, we practice for mostly everything we do in life (meetings, presentations, class, exams, even photos). Before the photoshoot, practice smiling in front of the mirror. Smile at yourself and see if you like what you see. You know how we can be our worst critic, so if you do not like how you smile, then more than likely you will work at it to improve it. If you don’t like the mirror, take selfies through your phone. It is known that if you practice something for over a week, it will become a habit. We all want to have a smile anyone could love, so make sure to keep practicing and eventually you will have one that you will want to show off.
“How to Smile for the Camera: Picture-Perfect Moments with a Vintage Twist”
On the left, this radiant bride and groom show us how to keep it natural and joyful, sharing a candid moment on a chic pink car at The Boca Raton. Their smiles are genuine, their chemistry undeniable—proof that the best smiles come from being in the moment.
On the right, our bride takes a playful approach, striking a funky pose while chatting on a vintage phone. Her smile is bold, carefree, and full of personality, reminding us that sometimes the best photos happen when you let loose and embrace your unique vibe.
Want to elevate your smile game? Here are some pro tips:
Position the camera lens just above your eyes for the most flattering angle.
Separate your teeth just a tiny bit—this small space between your upper and lower teeth can make your smile look more natural and beautiful.
Wet your teeth with your tongue before smiling to give them an extra shine that pops on camera.
Whether you’re going for timeless elegance or quirky charm, the key to a picture-perfect smile is to relax, be yourself, and let your happiness shine through. After all, the camera loves a confident smile!
Which style speaks to you—classic romance or playful flair?
“How to Smile for the Camera: Why Choosing Jeff Kolodny as Your Photographer Makes All the Difference”
When it comes to smiling for the camera, the most important tip I can give you is this: hire the right photographer. And by “right,” I mean me, Jeff Kolodny. Why? Because the photographer you choose can make or break your experience in front of the lens. A skilled photographer doesn’t just snap pictures—they create an atmosphere where you feel confident, comfortable, and, most importantly, look your absolute best. That’s exactly what I do. With years of experience photographing everything from weddings to portraits to surprise proposals, I’ve mastered the art of making people look amazing.
Here’s the thing: when you’re in front of my camera, you’ll know within seconds that you’re in expert hands. I don’t just point and shoot—I guide you. I know exactly how to position you, how to adjust your posture, and how to bring out your most flattering angles. I’ll show you how to stand, where to look, and how to let your natural beauty shine through. And trust me, once you realize how good you’re going to look, smiling for the camera becomes effortless. There’s no time for nerves or self-doubt when you’re working with someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
My job isn’t just to take photos—it’s to make you feel like the best version of yourself. I’ve spent years perfecting my craft, and I know how to create images that you’ll treasure forever. So, if you want photos where your smile radiates confidence and joy, there’s only one choice: hire me, Jeff Kolodny. I don’t just take pictures—I create moments where you look and feel incredible. Let me show you how easy it is to smile beautifully for the camera when you have the right photographer behind it.
It’s Show Time!
Your wedding day is quickly approaching – are you ready? Of course, duh! You have done all of the necessary tips and tricks that will ensure your wedding photos to be the best ones in the photo album. Just remember this, your smile is your best asset – so flaunt it! Pop the champagne because you’re getting married – it’s time to celebrate!
So there I was, at a beautiful South Florida wedding venue, I had my camera, and was ready to make to most amazing wedding pictures. Then I remembered, this is the groom who couldn’t smile, the one I mentioned in the beginning of this post? When he arrived he had a big smile and was able to smile beautifully on command. It was really sort of amusing, he would look at the camera, then smile a perfect genuine smile. After I took the photo, he sort of acknowledged, in unspoken words, Yea, I got the smiling thing down. What changed? It turned out that he practiced and learned how to smile for his wedding!
If you would like more helpful information on how to smile for the camera, check out these links:
CAMERA SHY? 7 TIPS ON HOW TO GET OVER IT. This side has some very helpful info not included in this article.
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SMILING IN PUBLIC
SEVEN TRICKS TO HELP YOU SMILE NATURALLY AND LOOK GREAT IN PHOTOS
Is Your Smile Making You Unhappy?
Different types of smiles. – did you know there is a wide range of smile types?
