It’s probably the most common question I get when someone steps in front of my camera:
“Should I smile… or not?”
And my answer is always the same:
Yes. And also… no.
Because it’s not about choosing the “right” facial expression. It’s about capturing the range of who you are. Some portraits shine with a full-on, joy-filled smile. Others speak volumes with a softer, quieter look.
It’s not one or the other. It’s both.
What a Smile Says
Smiles are magnetic. A genuine smile can make someone feel immediately connected to you. It can soften a photo, make it warmer, and bring out the best kind of energy.
But only when it’s real.
A forced smile? The camera picks up on that in a split second. And so will you.
That’s why I never ask anyone to “Say cheese.” It doesn’t work. What does work? Conversation. Breathing. Moving. Laughing. Being present.
That’s how we get the smile that feels like you.
What a Neutral Expression Can Do
Here’s something people forget: a photo doesn’t have to be cheerful to be beautiful. A quiet, thoughtful expression often draws people in even more. It can feel calm. Strong. Centered. It creates space for the viewer to feel something.
Some of my favorite portraits—especially for older teens, creatives, and couples—aren’t smiley at all. They’re still. And they say so much.
If you’ve ever felt like your smile looks forced or you don’t love your “smiling face,” that’s okay. You don’t need to smile to show warmth. You just need to be real.
We’ll Try Both
You don’t have to decide in advance. In most sessions, we’ll naturally flow between different expressions. I might shoot you mid-laugh one minute, then ask you to exhale and settle the next. We’ll play. We’ll explore. We’ll find what works.
Some photos will be soft.
Some playful.
Some strong.
Some soulful.
All you have to do is show up. You don’t need a game plan for your face.
Final Word: Your Face, Your Call
There’s no one expression that works for everyone. And there’s no rulebook for what a good portrait “should” look like.
Whether you’re grinning ear-to-ear, quietly gazing at the camera, or caught somewhere in between—what matters most is that the photo feels like you.
I’ll help you get there. Promise.
