Getting a natural smile is one of the biggest challenges in portrait photography.
Not many people are comfortable in front of a camera, and helping them relax is one of the best things you can do.
I will usually talk with my subject for a few minutes to find out a bit about them.
We don't talk photography, we talk about things that they like, their family, hobbies, anything they have an interest in.
Then we talk about photography and why they came for a portrait, what they expect, and what kind of portrait they would like to have.
Most often they will have seen a portrait they like and can describe it to me or at least have some idea of what they would like, casual, formal, or contemporary.
If it is a business portrait they have come for, I will discuss with them the kind of image they portray, who their market is, and what they plan to use the photo for so we can tailor the portrait to suit their needs.
We talk a bit about the kinds of poses they like.
Maybe they have something quite particular in mind.
If there are kids in the portrait sitting, I will crouch down to their level and talk with them as well.
Find out about them and what they like.
See what ideas they have for their photo.
It is easy to make friends with the kids if you talk with them, at their own level.
Then you can have them do almost anything during the sitting.
I even have them help take a picture of Mom and Dad.
All this shows my customers that I understand what they want from their portrait and that I am capable of photographing them in this way.
By the end of our discussions, as we start the photos, I find they are far more relaxed than when they first arrived.
Smiles are coming a bit more naturally now.
I try to make the posing fun and easy, nothing that takes a long time to set up or requires them to be uncomfortable.
I am talking about nice things, trying to have them visualize happy times, their holidays or the beach.
When it comes time to push the shutter button, I don't make a big deal about it.
I crack a quick joke, make a funny noise, or have them say 'cheese'.
Well I don't usually use 'cheese', but I have a number of words that help people to smile all at the same time, and a little more naturally.
I have words for kids (happy, spaghetti, wieners, smelly socks and ooga-booga) and words for adults (ferrari, whiskey, holidays, hawaii and payday).
The words usually fall to the lowest common denominator, so if I have a child in the photo, I use the kids words.
This should be a whole lot of fun with no stress.
I always ask if people can do something, instead of telling them what they can't do.
We crack jokes, laugh and enjoy our selves.
Most people find this a fun way of having their portrait done.
My customers are constantly telling me how easy it was and how much fun they had.
Try to find your own way of relating to your subjects.
And remember to try them not only for your clients, but for your family and friends as well.
You will find a world of difference in the expressions you are able to capture.
Happy Shooting!