Scowls and duckfaces and sneers, oh my! How many times have you come across what would otherwise be a beautiful wedding photo… were it not for the fact that the bride is doing her best runway model impression? Personally, I love to mug for the camera, but when I try to play it serious, I end up looking constipated, not sexy or edgy. And I know there are others like me out there, who just can’t pull off the stern, smoldering look that is oh so popular nowadays. I mean, if you happen to look great with a frown on your face, then fantastic. But the fact is that most brides look more beautiful when they’re sporting a smile – my apologies to model Sasha Pivovarova.
But maybe you’re wondering just how to smile in wedding photos so you look your best. I know it’s something I’ve wondered about, since there are way too many photos of me showing giant tracts of gum or looking like I have no upper lip. It just so happens I found some great advice on StyleList that has helped me look better in most photos.
According to Dr. Golub-Evans, to look your best and most natural in photos, “Smile with your teeth slightly parted, as if you’re excited about something,” he says. “You’ll show more white teeth because the lower teeth won’t be hiding behind the uppers, and your smile won’t look forced.”
“keep your lips at rest as much as possible,” says Dr. Golub-Evans. Smile enough to show your teeth, but not too much to thin the lip. “The moment full lips are moving in an animated fashion, they look thinner.”
But the best advice I’ve ever received on how to smile in wedding photos is think happy thoughts! Of course you’re happy – it’s your wedding day after all – but maybe your feet are a little tired after the ceremony or you just found out that the caterer brought food for 80 instead of 100 and you’re totally stressing. Before you pose for your pics, take a moment to think about why you married that wonderful wo/man of yours. You’ll look (and hopefully feel) a lot happier and more beautiful for having done so!