How to Smile for Professional Headshots

Should you smile in a headshot?

Most photographers recommend some kind of smile for professional headshots, because a relaxed expression tends to read as approachable. That said, the right level of smile depends on your field and the impression you want. A subtle, calm expression can suit a conservative profession, while a warmer smile may suit client-facing or creative roles. Neither is wrong; what usually looks bad is an expression that appears forced or tense.

Pick a smile style

Three broad styles come up repeatedly in headshot advice:

• Closed-mouth smile. Lips together with a gentle lift at the corners. It tends to look calm and composed.
• Soft smile with a little teeth. Lips slightly parted, teeth relaxed rather than clenched. It tends to look friendly and open.
• Eye-led smile. The expression comes mostly from the eyes, sometimes nicknamed “smizing”. Thinking of something genuinely amusing or warm often helps the eyes join in.

You can try all three during one session and pick the one that feels most like you when you review the images.

Should you show teeth?

There is no universal rule. Showing teeth can look warm and energetic, but a very wide smile can look strained in a still image. A good middle ground is a relaxed, partial smile where the teeth are visible but not clenched or fully on display. If you are self-conscious about your teeth, a closed-mouth smile is a perfectly professional option.

A simple warm-up routine

Before the camera starts, a short routine can reduce stiffness:

1. Take a slow breath in and let it out to relax your shoulders.
2. Loosen your face by gently moving your jaw, lips and cheeks.
3. Think of a person, memory or joke that makes you smile for real.
4. Let the smile build gradually instead of switching it on instantly.
5. Check the result in a mirror and adjust.

Some photographers also suggest shaking out your hands and rolling your neck. Anything that makes you feel relaxed is worth trying.

Techniques that help

• Avoid saying “cheese”. Many people find it pushes the mouth into a flat, wide shape. Photographers sometimes suggest other words or a quiet laugh, which can produce a more natural curve. Try a few and see what looks best on you.
• The tongue trick. A commonly suggested tip is to rest the tip of your tongue lightly behind your upper front teeth or against the roof of your mouth. People report that it relaxes the jaw and reduces a tense look. It does not work for everyone, so treat it as optional.
• Mind your chin and posture. Bringing your head very slightly forward and a touch down can define the jawline. Sit or stand tall with relaxed shoulders. Make small adjustments, because exaggerated posing looks unnatural.
• Use a slight squint. Some photographers suggest narrowing your lower eyelids very slightly, sometimes called a “squinch”, to look more confident. Keep it subtle.
• Engage your eyes. A smile that reaches the eyes usually looks more genuine than one that involves only the mouth.
• Take breaks. Pausing between sets and chatting lets your face reset. A smile held too long tends to look stiff.

If you feel self-conscious

Many people feel awkward in front of a lens, and this is normal. A few things may help:

• Bring a friend or choose a photographer who talks with you during the session (see why hire a professional photographer for what direction a pro offers).
• Shoot many frames, because the best expression is often a transitional moment, not the first try.
• Look at a few frames early on to see that you look better than you fear.
• Remember the shot only needs to look like a relaxed version of you.

Choosing the best frame afterward

When reviewing images:

• Look for eyes that are open, sharp and engaged.
• Check that the smile looks even and relaxed, without tension around the mouth or neck.
• View the image at small size, as most viewers will.
• Ask someone you trust to choose their favorite among your finalists.

If you want to tidy up the final image, keep edits modest. Heavy retouching of the mouth or teeth can look unnatural.

Common mistakes

• Forcing a very wide smile and holding it too long.
• Clenching the jaw or tensing the neck.
• Smiling with the mouth only while the eyes look blank.
• Tilting the head too far or leaning toward the camera.
• Wearing clothes that distract from the face. Our guide on what to wear for a professional photo covers outfit choices.

Related reading

For the full shoot workflow, from planning to editing, see how to do professional headshots.