As a professional photographer, I often get asked this question during my portrait photo sessions. The answer is: it depends. There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not to smile for your business portrait photo.
1. Your industry
Some industries are more formal than others. If you work in a very conservative field, such as finance or law, you may want to consider a more serious expression for your headshot. Putting on a straight face without a smile can show a little authority, if that is what you are looking to achieve. However, even in these industries, a genuine smile can still make you look approachable and friendly.
2. Your personal brand
What kind of image do you want to project? If you want to be seen as confident and competent, a smile can be a great way to convey that. If you want to be seen as creative and innovative, you may want to choose a more expressive expression. It all depend on how you want others to perceive you.
3. Your audience
Who will be seeing your business portrait photo? If it will be used on your website or LinkedIn profile, you may want to choose a more traditional smile. If it will be used in marketing materials or advertising, you may want to choose a more dynamic expression.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to smile for your business portrait photo is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. The best thing to do is to trust your gut and choose the expression that feels most authentic to you.
Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind when smiling for your headshot. First, make sure your smile is genuine. A forced smile will look fake and unnatural.
Second, avoid smiling too big. A wide smile can make you look too casual or unprofessional. Instead, aim for a natural, closed-mouth smile.
Naturally, many of us have difficulty to smile on cue in front of cameras. Here are a few tips for getting a great smile for your business portrait:
Relax your face and shoulders. A tense smile will look fake and unnatural. Take a few deep breaths and let your face relax.
Smile with your eyes. A genuine smile crinkles the corners of your eyes. To get a more natural smile, think about something funny or happy.
Don't show too much teeth. A wide smile can make you look too casual or unprofessional. Instead, aim for a natural, closed-mouth smile.
Practice your smile. Before your photo session, practice smiling in the mirror. This will help you feel more confident when it's time to take your photo.
If you're not sure whether or not to smile, it's always a good idea to ask your photographer for their advice. They can help you choose the best expression for your brand and audience.
If you need a professional business portrait to be taken, you may contact us at www.muhdikmal.com.