Unlock the Power of Your Smile
Learn How to Smile Naturally
Discover the transformative power of a genuine smile. Learn techniques to smile effortlessly and understand the profound impact it has on your life.
What Makes A Smile “Real”?
Here’s the very interesting thing about smiles: even if you fake it, if you do it right it will have the same impact as a real smile. And almost every time, in spite of yourself, you will find yourself eventually with a big wide genuine smile on your face. One proven “smile hack” is to deploy the Duchenne smile (quick take: smile with your eyes).
The name originates with Guillaume Duchenne, a 19th century scientist who is mainly known for his contributions to our understanding of how the muscles of the human body are mapped out – and in particular the muscles controlling facial expressions. He found, as many subsequent researchers have confirmed, the key to a genuine smile that shows real true happiness and enjoyment lies in the eyes. (The “smize” in other words, as many of us discovered during the dark days of Covid-enforced masking). In biological layman’s terms, a Duchenne smile occurs when the zygomaticus major muscles lift the corners of your mouth at the same time as the orbicularis oculi muscles lift your cheeks and crinkle your eyes at the corners, producing what is known as crow’s feet or smile lines.
Takeway: you real smile is a superpower
The Duchenne smile looks like and IS a real smile. It signals you are truly enjoying the moment and (importantly in the context of your next headshot) it makes you appear trustworthy, likeable, approachable, friendly and generous. All of these feelings are produced in others with whom you socially interact (or digitally interact when they respond to your profile photo) and this in turn induces others to view you more favourably and to act accordingly. In my opinion, having done an MBA and shot several thousand portraits, I think it should be part of any modern business education curriculum.
“Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’
‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit.
‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. ‘When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.’
‘Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,’ he asked, ‘or bit by bit?’
‘It doesn’t happen all at once,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
Above: two split screen photorealistic images generated by DALL-E attempting to illustrate the difference between a neutral smile (left sides of the faces) and Duchenne smile (right sides of the faces)
The Importance of Smiling
Smiling is more than just a facial expression; it’s a universal language that bridges gaps in communication. In both personal and professional settings, a genuine smile can foster trust, ease tension, and create a positive atmosphere. Our mission is to help you harness the power of your smile to enhance your interactions and improve your overall well-being.
From boosting your mood to making a lasting impression, smiling plays a crucial role in our daily lives. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or closing a business deal, a sincere smile can make all the difference. Embrace the power of your smile and see how it can transform your relationships and opportunities.
Health Benefits of Smiling
Why Smiling Matters
In my line of work, as a portrait photographer, I see a lot of smiles. This is a happy occupational hazard I never tire of, but over the many thousands of professional portraits I’ve taken, I have also seen a lot of otherwise supremely skilled and competent professionals, struggle with producing a natural looking smile. Often this is just the effect of the “unnatural” context of portraying joyful connection and inner peace while having your photo taken by someone you’ve just met in a board room at your workplace and is quite understandable. Other times, however, it can point to something deeper, perhaps a painful self-consciousness and discomfort with how one looks in photos (or the mirror), or more upsettingly, a sadness or sorrow carried silently that one can’t quite conceal. I am writing this post with the hopes of helping everyone who has from time to time experienced “smile shyness”, by providing a few tips and facts about smiling that will make it easier for anyone to smile freely and genuinely – even if you have to fake it to make it.
Reduces Stress
Smiling is often considered a simple, involuntary reaction but research suggests it can play a crucial role in reducing real stress.
Boosts Immune Response
Smiling triggers a number of biological mechanisms that have a direct and positive impact on your immune health.
Improves Mood
Smiling can boost your mood by releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.
Enhances Creativity
Smiling induces a positive state of mind which has been shown to boost creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Mastering the Natural Smile
Step 1
Understand the Importance –
- Recognize the health benefits of smiling and how it can positively impact your well-being.
Step 2
Start Simple: Practice in Front of a Mirror –
- Spend a few minutes each day practicing your smile in front of a mirror to make it feel more natural.. Begin by gently lifting the corners of your mouth into an easy natural looking smile. Even if it feels forced keep doing it and study how you look until you find a smile that feels real.
Step 3
Use Visualization Techniques –
- Picture yourself in happy scenarios to help evoke a genuine smile. Focus on positive thoughts or think back. ona happy memory. Engaging in this practice can enhance the effectiveness of your smile as positive emotions are associated with broader cognitive functions and improved health outcomes.
Step 4
Test drive your smile in public –
- Use your newly found smiling superpower in real social interactions. Reflect on how it helps foster connections and lift your mood. Observe how it spreads and creates positive feedback loops improving not just your own well-being but the well-being of those around you.
Step 5
Make smiling a habit –
- Incorporate smiling into your daily routine, whether it’s during your morning routine, at work, or in social settings. Over time, smiling more frequently can contribute to long-term health benefits, including reduced stress and enhanced immune function.
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Spread Your Smile
Now that you’ve mastered the art of smiling naturally, put that learning to use and book your next headshot session with us. Smiling is one form of contagion we are happy to help spread!
