Did you know studies show that your smile is one of the first things someone notices about you when they meet you for the first time? With so many relationships beginning online nowadays, have you considered what your profile picture says about you, or even
what you’re communicating to employers on LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms? If you’re feeling like you need a fresh headshot, but you’ve been putting it off because you don’t feel confident about your smile, I have great news for you. First of all, you’re not alone, and secondly, there is hope!

As a photographer, I will never ask my clients to smile during the headshot session. My goal is to elicit a natural expression from anyone in front of my camera, however, some clients are self-conscious about their smile and work hard to fight the laugher and keep their mouth closed for the photograph. When I ask them why, it’s inevitably always
the same answer: they don’t like their smiles for one reason or another, and I
honestly can’t blame them. There’s nothing worse than investing in images of
yourself and then being distracted by the fact that you wish your smile was
straighter, brighter, or that you felt prouder of it. This got me thinking about teeth and how to care for them, so I came up with these four tips to help
you get your smile photo-ready before you step in front of the lens:

One: Dental Hygiene Is an Everyday Necessity

You might be able to say you brush your teeth on daily basis, but how often do you floss? Doing these things together is crucial for keeping your teeth safe from plaque build-up and protecting your gums from infection. It is one of the best preventive things you can do for your oral health. Plus, you’ll have pearly whites that you’re proud to show to others.

Two: Discuss Invisalign With Your Dentist

One of the most common reasons I hear clients say they’re not happy with their smiles is because they feel like their teeth are crooked. If you can relate to that sentiment, even if the misalignment isn’t very noticeable to others, it can play a huge role in deterring you from having the confidence you need in front of the lens. If you’re ready to have a straighter smile without sacrificing by wearing brackets and wires, your Arlington Heights dentist can offer you the transforming treatment of Invisalign. The best part is that the clear aligners are impossible to notice in a photograph, even a headshot!

Three: Have Your Teeth Professionally Whitened

Who would turn down the opportunity to have a whiter smile for their next professional headshot? If you’ve tried over-the-counter whitening products before, then you probably know that the results don’t exactly turn out like the advertisement images. Instead of wasting more time and money on strips and gels, ask your dentist about in-office professional whitening. They have state-of-the-art treatments that can brighten your smile by several shades in just one visit.

Four: Just Be Yourself

It sounds like the simplest piece of advice, but “acting natural” in front of a camera lens is something that many people struggle with (especially if someone is telling them to do so.) The great thing about having a beautiful smile that you love is that it allows you to take your mind off of trying to hide it and truly be yourself. In my experience, the best images I take are the ones of people who have learned to love themselves, and I would be honored to take your next headshots.

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Four Tips for a Confident, Photo-Ready Smile