Short answer: No. No .
A little more detailed – and more honest: Of course, a genuine smile almost always comes across as warm, likeable, connecting and approachable. But not every photo has to be as radiant as a toothpaste model. Sometimes a relaxed, neutral or even serious expression is much more powerful. And above all: much more genuine.
The smile – the classic with stumbling blocks
“Smile!” – you know it, right? You’re standing in front of the camera, just about to find your posture, and then this sentence comes. Zack – tense grin that looks like “I have back pain, but I want to look nice”.
And you probably know them: those photos where the smile looks kind of strange. A bit forced. A fake smile never looks relaxed, but rather like a compulsory program. And it doesn’t convey you, but only a face that is tensely trying to be “likeable”.
What business photos should really show
Modern business portraits are not application photos from 1998. They should show you as you are. Do you want to radiate confidence? Competence? Looseness? Closeness? There are many forms of expression for this – and they don’t always have to be a smile.
Perhaps a concentrated look suits you. Or a quiet self-confidence.
A clear gaze can inspire confidence just as much as a friendly, genuine smile. A calm, focused expression often comes across as confident. And sometimes it is the neutral facial expression that shows your personality best.
The important thing is: it has to suit you. Not some idea of “this is how you look professional”.
More than a grin: your real expressions
- a subtle smile (even with just your eyes)
- a concentrated, focused view
- cool & confident
- intensive & direct
- relaxed & satisfied
- thoughtful or curious
- …
Conclusion: not a push-button smile, but a real you
In the end, it’s not about the “beautiful photo”, but about how you are perceived.
Your pictures are part of your communication – they tell who you are, how you work and what you stand for.
Therefore: If laughter suits you, then please laugh. If you’re more the quiet type – perfect, then show exactly that. There is no right or wrong. Only authentic or inauthentic.
My tip for you
Don’t stress about the idea that you always have to “smile friendly” in photos. You don’t have to do anything. If you feel comfortable and are open during the shoot, you’ll create exactly the expression that suits you. And it works – because it’s authentic. And I’ll help you with that!
Because in the end, it’s not about the perfect smile. It’s about people immediately noticing when they look at your photo: Ah, that’s him/her. That’s what makes people tick. And that is worth its weight in gold.
???? So: Laughing is allowed. But not a must. And if you laugh – then please laugh for real.
