A man smiling while looking at his phone

Tips on How to Smile for Photos

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

One of the essential parts of taking a good selfie is having a great smile. A genuine, happy grin can make any photo more attractive and memorable. But sometimes, it can be challenging to get that perfect smile right on camera! Here are 13 cute ways to help you master your selfie game.

Effective tips on getting the perfect smile for a photograph

Check these out.

Smile with your eyes

This is the most important part of improving your smile in photos. Your smile should fill up the camera lens and light up any room. Focus on lifting up the corners of your eyes as well. This will make your smile look genuine and happy. Smile like you mean it! 

Practice in the mirror

Many people tend to scrunch their faces up when they smile for a photo. Or you might be smiling too much. Smile in the mirror and see how your smile looks from an angle, or practice making smiles with just one side of your mouth at first until you get comfortable, then try spreading it across both sides evenly. 

Think happy thoughts

It is often said that if you smile with your mind, it will show on your face. So before you take a picture, think about something happy or funny that has happened to you. This will help you naturally smile for the camera.

Relax your facial muscles

Do not let your jaw muscles tense up and give away their nervousness. Relax them with just a second or two of conscious effort, then focus on how natural it feels when you do this. 

Show your teeth

Many people are self-conscious about their not so perfect teeth, but it is important to show them in photos! Teeth are one of the most expressive features a person can have, so do not hide them. But if it is tooth stains that are holding back your smile, go for some teeth whitening products and see the change. 

Get the angle right 

When taking a selfie, it is important to get the angle right. Tilting your chin down a bit will make you look more slender and elegant. You will create a more graceful smile. Keeping the camera above eye level is also more flattering. You will avoid that pesky double chin and distortion of facial features while making your smile look brighter.

Place your tongue behind your teeth

You can give your smile a more natural look by placing the tip of your tongue behind all teeth when it is spread out. This will help avoid an over-wide grin, making you come off as goofy in pictures.

Do not let your top and bottom teeth touch each other

This is a tip that many people are unaware of, but it can make all the difference in your smile. When you smile, if the top row and bottom teeth touch together (or even slightly), this puts pressure on the skin around the neck, causing muscles to tense up or bulge out unattractively. Keep space between them for a more natural appearance.

Stop saying cheese 

Although the traditional "cheese" smile is often used in photographs, it is not always the most flattering. In fact, it can make your teeth look less attractive! So next time you take a selfie or pose for a photoshoot, try one of these tips instead. You will be surprised at how great your photos turn out!

Wear a lipstick that makes your teeth look better

There are a lot of different shades and types of lipstick out there, but it is important to find one that makes your teeth look their best. Avoid dark colours and matte formulas, as they will make your teeth appear dull and less white. Instead, go for a light pink or nude lipstick colour for whiter teeth that will help you stand out.

Feel good with a good outfit

Finding clothes that make you look and feel great is also one way to enhance your smile. When it comes time for your big photoshoot, do not forget to wear something flattering! It will raise your confidence in yourself that goes miles in capturing beautiful moments on camera. 

Keep smiling!

It can sometimes be tempting to quickly take photos with fake smiles in between poses or after they say "cheese." But it is much better for the photo if you keep smiling throughout the shoot! 

Be confident in who you are

The most important thing to remember is that you should be yourself in your photos. So own your smile, and let the world see how happy and confident you feel!




Man brushing his teeth using a bamboo toothbrush and Colgate Optic White O2 toothpaste

How to get a natural and perfect smile?

Gaining a perfect smile is quite easy. Here are some tips on how to achieve that goal: 

  • Brush and floss every day: Brushing the teeth helps remove plaque, leading to cavities or gum disease if left unchecked for too long. Brush twice a day, each day, with a quality toothbrush and toothpaste. 

  • Use the right oral care products: You want your smile to be at its best, so start with the right oral care products. Try pairing Colgate Electric Toothbrush with Colgate Optic White O2 Toothpaste for quicker results. 

  • Whiten your teeth: If you have several tooth stains or yellow teeth impacting your smile, teeth whitening treatments will be beneficial.

Key takeaways

A beautiful smile is the result of confidence and happiness! Therefore,

  • Learn to get the right angles, facial expressions and attitude

  • Build your confidence by wearing the right clothes and a bright smile

So there you have it! You can start taking beautiful photos that show off your amazing smile by following these tips. Just remember to be confident and happy in who you are, and the rest will follow! Smile away! 

Just remember to have fun and be yourself – that is when your best smile will shine through. :)