How to Capture an Authentic Smile: Quick Tips from Photographer Tamara Lackey

When it comes to portraits, one of the most important factors is capturing an authentic expression — a real smile. Unfortunately, a genuine smile can be hard to come by during a structured photo shoot. With gear around and pressure on the subject, a fake smile is much more likely, and not at all what you’re looking for.

As shown by Nikon ambassador and talented lifestyle photographer Tamara Lackey in the video above, however, getting a genuine expression is far from impossible. All it takes is some clever communication, preparation for capturing that authentic moment, and maybe a small dose of luck.

Coming in at two and a half minutes, this quick video — which is part of Nikon’s Behind the Scenes series we told you about a little while back — shows just one example of how Lackey manages to capture the most genuine of expressions.

Discussion