How to Avoid the Cheesy Grin On Your Next Professional Profile Photo Shoot

Do you remember as a kid how you were cajoled to smile and chant “cheese” whenever a camera came out? Your jaw clenched, your teeth locked to a grimace, your lips stretched, your eyes popped and your cheeks hurt. “NOOOOO, not like that” came the moan... No wonder you hate being in front of the camera!

Here are 4 things you can easily do to prepare for your photo shoot to avoid tapping into those childhood woes! 

Give yourself about 20minutes before your photographer is due.

It’s a little like warming up for going on stage. The best performances happen when we’re prepared, right? Even if you only do one of these exercises you’ll be more relaxed. They may feel strange, but give yourself permission to have some fun and embrace your inner child. 

1. BREATH 

Take 2-10-minutes to relax and focus on your breathing and relaxing your mind. 

Try breathing in for the count of 6 seconds, hold for 3 seconds. Breath out for 6, hold for 3 seconds. In through your nose out through your mouth. Repeat for 10 - 20 breathes or until you notice you’re more relaxed. 

The app Headspace is perfect for a 10-minute timeout routine. 

2. FACE STRETCHING & MOVEMENT 

• Loosen up; Do some neck rolls by rotating your head very slowly clockwise a couple of times then anti-clockwise. Move slowly, don’t force a stretch. 
• Face Massage; Massage your whole face by drawing slow circles with the tips of your fingers to relax the muscles of your face. 
• Jump around; Shake your hands and feet for improving your circulation and loosening your muscles. 

• The Lion/Mouse technique; stand in front of a mirror and stretch all your facial muscles. First stretch your mouth wide open, imitating a lion’s roar and snarl. Then switch to a mouse face immediately, by scrunching your facial muscles and looking small and meek. Switching between the lion and mouse to improving circulation in your face. 

• Stick out your tongue; Pull your tongue out as far as you can, trying to reach your chin by pulling it down or the tip of your nose by stretching it up. Also, try to reach your ears. 

3. MIRROR TALK 

Look into a mirror and imagine you’re talking to your best friend. Your job is to make them feel good because they may be nervous. Tell them how great they look today. Looking in the mirror will make this more powerful. You’re not allowed to say anything disparaging this is your friend and they need your support. Be a great friend, tell them anything that would help them be less nervous. 

Take 1-2 minutes on this 

4. BE A POSER! 

Give yourself permission to be playful. Stand looking into the mirror and create the following faces and matching body stances. Overacting it’s OK

• Thoughtful 
• Happy go lucky 
• Professional 
• Playful 
• Joyous 
• Super fun 
• Sexy 
• Approachable 
• Trustworthy 
• Authoritative 
• Kind
• Super cool

Your photo shoot should be fun and painless

Download your own Smile Guide@ https://lavinephotography.com.au/free-smile-guide/

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If you'd like some feedback on your current image and brand positioning, get in touch. I'd love to help. [email protected]