How to Smize

Relax. Anxiety and tension can lead to stiff poses, which often result in lifeless photos. To eliminate stress, try deep breathing exercises (if you practice Pilates, yoga, meditation, or martial arts, you’re likely familiar with these techniques). Shake out your body to loosen up; if clothing or makeup restricts you, stretch and twist as much as possible. Visualize a peaceful scene and focus on positive, calming thoughts. Remember, this is just one of many life experiences, and you’ll get through it just fine.

• On one hand, you’re aiming for what’s known as a 'Duchenne smile,' a genuine smile that reaches the eyes. On the other hand, you might try to create a 'social smile' with your eyes without necessarily conveying authenticity, which can be challenging. Therefore, relaxation and embracing the moment are key!

Choose a focal point. It’s crucial to focus your gaze to avoid darting eyes, which can create a sense of instability or uncertainty. Selecting a focal point provides a central reference and stabilizes your gaze. Focus on objects or people such as the photographer, the camera, an assistant, an object at the appropriate height you’re asked to look at, or even a favorite dish.

Laugh out loud. If you can comfortably laugh and smile during the photoshoot, go ahead and do so. Think of something funny, whether it's related to the photographer's outfit or a humorous memory from your past. If you can't physically smile, laugh internally. Can you find joy in the funny thoughts in your head without letting your lips curve?

• Laughing out loud creates a more natural pose because it helps you relax and stay calm.

Lower your chin slightly. You'll need to glance slightly upward from under your eyelids as if looking outward. This will eventually help you achieve the smize.

• Avoid lowering your chin too much. Your neck will appear hidden, and your face will look downward instead of engaging with the viewer.
• Tyra also recommends dropping your shoulders, imagining your head being pulled up by a string, and looking straight ahead.

Focus on your mouth. At this stage, you'll need guidance from a photographer. Are you smiling broadly, slightly, or keeping your lips serious? The key is to combine a closed mouth with a smize, ensuring your smile is evident even if your mouth isn't fully cooperating. Practice smizing with a genuine smile, slightly parting your lips while keeping your mouth closed. Let your jaw relax enough to place your tongue between your teeth. Practice in front of a mirror to observe your facial reactions and find your best look (unless you're a model, as your mouth position must be perfect in every shot).

• Avoid pouting. Like the behavior of goats during mating season, pouting isn't appealing to most unless mastered for the right angles. Pouting conveys frustration, so eliminate it from your facial expression toolkit.

Prepare your eyes. The first exercise is to use only your eye muscles, without engaging the rest of your face, to slightly squint. Practice in front of a mirror until you can squint slightly without affecting the rest of your face.

• Don't stare; when practicing smizing, you'll notice your temples retract slightly if done correctly, as your eye expression and shape adjust. The only way to achieve this is by letting your upper facial muscles move gently as you stare, then stop! Keep practicing and watch Tyra Banks' videos for guidance. For example, in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZhRz6DZSrM, you can see how the upper part of Tyra Banks' face changes minimally as she transitions from staring to smizing.

Smize. Once you've practiced each facial element separately, combine them all and start smizing. As a beginner, use a mirror to observe your progress (or lack thereof). Slightly squint (less than in previous exercises), let your desire shine through your gaze, and focus on a chosen point with intense, simmering joy.

• Aim to convey warmth through your eyes. Without warmth, your eyes will appear lifeless and empty.
• Don't think about showing teeth; think about 'smizing.'
• Strive for naturalness in your expression. Even with heavy makeup, maintain a natural look regardless of how the professionals have styled you.

Be mysterious and playful. Even if you can't feel as joyful as a kitten playing with a ball of yarn, embrace the moment and enjoy what you're doing. Return to the first step of relaxation, and let your energy and spirit rise with youthful enthusiasm and joy in every action. If you're genuinely enjoying yourself, it will shine through in your photos. Unlike photo editors, cameras capture authenticity; they will seize the inner happiness when you're ready to radiate.

• A relaxed and comfortable state will result in a natural and captivating photo; it shows you as someone carefree, in control of your destiny, and brimming with confidence—qualities that are truly attractive. Just ensure your playfulness doesn't cross the photographer's boundaries.