To fake a smile convincingly for pictures, close your eyes briefly before the photo, then slowly open them and gently raise the corners of your mouth.
Techniques for a Believable Fake Smile
While a genuine smile (a Duchenne smile) involves the muscles around your eyes, a fake smile primarily focuses on the mouth. Here's a breakdown of how to make it look more authentic:
- The Eye Squeeze: Before the picture is taken, gently close your eyes for a second or two. This relaxes the muscles around your eyes and can help create a more natural look when you open them.
- Slow and Steady: Don't force the smile. Gradually raise the corners of your mouth. A sudden, wide grin can appear unnatural.
- Think Happy Thoughts: Even if you're faking it, conjuring a pleasant memory or thought can make a subtle difference in your expression.
- Practice in the Mirror: Experiment with different levels of intensity to see what looks best on you.
- Engage the Cheek Muscles (Slightly): A true smile involves some activation of the cheek muscles. Try to subtly lift your cheeks along with your mouth corners. However, avoid overdoing it, as this can look strained.
- Don't Forget the "Squint": Genuine smiles involve a slight squint. Mimicking this, even subtly, can enhance the authenticity of your fake smile.
Why Fake Smiles Can Be Necessary
Sometimes, a genuine smile isn't always possible or desired. You might be tired, uncomfortable, or simply not in the mood to beam. Knowing how to fake a smile can be useful in these situations to avoid appearing grumpy or unfriendly in photos.
Tips to Remember
- Relax your face: Tension is a dead giveaway of a fake smile.
- Avoid over-smiling: Too much can look unnatural.
- Consider the context: A subtle, polite smile might be more appropriate than a wide grin.
