Fake Smile

🌻SMILE 💞, you’re on camera 🎥 ⁣

Some pictures I look at of mine I know what I was thinking or feeling at the moment. I know how posed or how unnatural and difficult it was to get that smile.

I've been practicing my smile; not only in the way my checks lift up, but also in the way my eyes squint just right to give off that genuine, friendly and approachable look. In commercial modeling this is important because they want one that will grab the customers attention and be attracted to the product. They want the customer to be able to visualize themselves wearing those shorts or carrying that bag and having just as much fun as the model in the picture.

Yet, I have realized there is so much more depth behind a smile than just faking it. When one looks at another their one can feel that difference. That genuine smile has to come from within. One has to be happy and has to be vulnerable to allow that happiness to be seen.

I have heard photogs (photographers) speak about how they love what they do because they love "capturing the essence of a person". I realize everyone has a different view of what that essence looks like, but for me I think the "essences of someone" is captured in the moments that are candid or as close to candid as possible (in terms of photo-shoots and staged situations). The best portraits and lifestyle pictures I have seen are when a person is just moving freely and interacting with the camera. You can see they are comfortable. It doesn't just show in one picture posted, but in the many they have shared. The raw emotion is seen whether they're happy, sad, mad, or content.

Tapping into the deeper emotional sides of oneself and what holds one back from being real, vulnerable, and comfortable in front of the camera is a huge element. This takes some deep thinking. See here:

1) Getting a list of memories one can tap into helps to relax.

2) Thinking of a specific person; family, friend, acquaintance, your biggest fan, some comedian... just whoever makes one laugh and happy, let the camera be that person.

3) A lot of it is a mindset though. Clearing ones head beforehand. Preparing and setting the platform in advance so that one can be free and vulnerable. Using these techniques:

> Visual or Audio hype: whether that is listening to music that uplifts beforehand, a fun-knee comedian, TV/movie video clip, family/friend videos or photos, or a banging motivational/thought provoking poddie. (podcast)

> Spiritual freedom: doing whatever type of mediation that helps; breathing, yoga, gratitude thoughts, affirmations, listing out things one loves about themselves, going to that space to get centered.

> Connection: calling a friend to lift you up and talk about silly jokes or fun memories.

> Physical movement: working out, dancing, moving around silly, bouncing a bouncy ball, skipping, singing or yelling obnoxiously, jumping on your bed...hahah I don't know! Just anything to get yourself out of yourself.... Yaknow what I mean?! Yeah, it might be a little weird and uncomfortable... sure you might get stared at for a second, but you have to get out of your head and let go.

4) If those things aren't helping too much then tap even deeper into what's holding you back. Sit and ponder - what do you fear? Why do you fear that? Is that a real fear? What are the different possible situations/consequences? What's the core of this emotion or where does this stem from? Heard recently that emotions are signals to tell us something is up, so pay attention to them and address those emotions. Bring them to the surface and resolve them the best you can (perhaps seeking bigger help may be needed and that's ok). Only you can tap into these thoughts and find the answers to those feelings. It may be difficult and frustrating and may trigger stronger emotions; yet, it may leave you understanding yourself it more and finding resolution. If you don't figure it out in one sitting then repeat it again later. Benefits are guaranteed not just in pictures, but in all aspects of life. Striving to become the best version of yourself is a good thing. It's all about finding freedom and overcoming obstacles from the past and the present.

Of course, besides just the emotional difference there are physical tactics to produce better pictures. For one, it makes a big difference when we look directly into the lens. They sometimes call this the eye of the lens - that little hole you see... yeah look directly into that. Secondly, of course practicing your smile does help so when you are in front of the camera those muscles are trained. It's called muscle memory even for the face. Then you will be less focused on your facial expressions and more focused on feeling the moment or tapping into an emotion packed memory. It's fascinating what you learn about yourself as you do study the small details and muscles of your face. Sit in front of any camera with natural light or direct light straight on your face and move slowly changing your expressions slightly. You'll notice subtle differences as you stare. Try multiple different smiles each at different angles; chin up, chin down, chin left, chin right. Try it all. Sit with the self-timer on your phone practicing, make a video, or just have the camera open so you can watch yourself in real time. Then add in different emotions to test: sad, mad, irritated, lonely, confused, content, worried, unsure, innocent, happy, relaxed, intently interested in another's story they are telling, inquisitive, etc. Just go through it all. Thirdly, as you hang out with friends or run errands start to pay attention and notice how your face feels and the muscles used when you're laughing at a friends joke, or when you're staring at the blue sky in wonder. It's a lot different of a feeling and of a look when it's real compared to when you're faking it.

In addition, whoever you're shooting with it should be their upmost priority to make you comfortable. Their energy effects you. Their direction effects you. They should have been taught this if they took any classes or have learned these skills through practice. This isn't something you have to do anything about, but it does make a huge difference. If you are struggling in anyway then communicate your concerns, ideas, and discomforts before going further.

Life hack:

keep a friendly smile and soft eyes while at the grocery store, at a party, or in line at Disney to avoid those suspicious judgmental looks. You can smile and still think whatever in the heck you want at the same time. But don't fake it.

Life hack Number Two:

If you're struggling to get hit on or have others want to talk to you...then have that nice, kind smile on that cute face of yours. Make it easy in those first five seconds for someone to want to come talk to you. It's really all in the smile. It's ain't that hard. :)

If you haven't seen my IG post on this idea, go check it out and leave a comment on what it is that brings out your best and biggest smiles in you :)

@kimbo_jenks

All the best <3

#kickingpeach #dogood #smilebig

Inspiration based on Henry Ammar and