Smiling in photos

[JasonDoyle]

Hi Guys,
This is my first post, so be kind to the newbie!!! I hope you can help me. I am an avid photographer and have no problem getting behind the lens. However, when I get in front of the lens, it all seems to go wrong for me. To put it simply, I can't smile properly in front of a camera! My smile looks forced, false and just wrong! It has been said lots of times to me and my family and friends poke fun at me because of it! Has anyone got any tips to help with this?
Kind Regards,
Jason.

[PowerPix]

Welcome to DPS! Try to think of something to laugh about. I too have a problem with looking natural, but I find if I chuckle to my self it turns out to more natural looking smile.

[Sonya Natasha]

This reason is why I like to stay behind the camera....

My only hope for not looking foolish is to try and have something amusing in my mind or have hubby cracking jokes.

[Big Nick]

I have the same problem. I just try to be the goofy guy in all the pictures that way people are making fun of me for being a jerk not the guys who cant smile:-)

[Quo Fan]

I am, apparently, genetically incapable of smiling in photographs as evidenced on the happiest day of my life. I'm the good looking chap in the middle.

[naeno]

Might I recommend trying a 52. There's a really good DPS group over at Flickr here. Fifty two self portraits, one per week, over the course of a year is great for learning and getting more comfortable in front of the camera. Try it, you'll like it!

[sybren]

A smile that you're worried about will show that worry. Forget about it. Just don't smile any more, don't even try. If the photographer requests a smile, give him your most horriffic, psychopatic smile, and let him feel sorry for ever asking

Once you've stopped worrying, you might even occasionally let a smile slip onto your lips ;-) Oh, and a 52/365 project works wonders in getting comfortable in front of the lens.

[gturner]

I always think it is guys who are waiting for something to happen that dont smile. This look they have at the camera as though it is a jack 'n a box.

Look at the silly photag instead of the lens!

[the.world.through.my.eyes]

I agree with PowerPix... When I'm taking self portraits I tend to learn towards more serious photos. But when I want to get a natural looking smile I think of something funny or I dance around If you start dancing a random jig you can't help but get a natural light in your eyes and a smile!

[greenfin1]

Welcome to the forum, its good to see you here, hope we will enjoy your company.