[For Dentists] Shooting "Upper Body Portraits" with a Single Strobe ② Techniques to Bring Out a Smile

In part 1, we covered basic settings and shooting methods, but in part 2, we will explain how to elicit smiles, which will bring you one step closer to professional portrait photography.

For instructions on how to assemble your photography kit and basic settings, please see the following.
[For Dental Professionals] "Upper Body Portrait Photography" with a Single Strobe ① Required Equipment and How to Shoot

Now, let’s get started.

【Shooting】Tips for Eliciting Smiles

Even professional models often struggle with smiling. It is actually quite difficult to elicit a natural smile just by saying, "Please smile."

Even if you understand that communication is crucial, it is hard to find the right words when you are not used to shooting.

Before we talk about communication, let's start by thinking about how to create an environment where the subject can relax.

<Creating an Environment Where the Subject Can Relax>

1. Relaxing with an Accompaniment

If the subject is accompanied by someone, ask them to stay for the shoot.
Having normal, everyday conversations will help the subject calm down.

2. The Photographer's Tension

The photographer's tension is transmitted to the subject. If you are in charge of photography, practice beforehand to get used to the process.

3. Use Smaller Cameras and Lenses

Large cameras and lenses can be somewhat intimidating and make the subject nervous, so we recommend using compact cameras and lenses.

4. Use a Shutter Release to Keep the Focus Off the Lens

While handheld shooting is possible, you should mount the camera on a tripod (compatible with DSLR/mirrorless cameras) to prevent camera shake.
Furthermore, we recommend using a shutter release so that the subject is not overly conscious of the lens.

Instead of looking through the viewfinder, try to chat with the subject and release the shutter in a relaxed manner.

※When using a release for vertical shots, fixing the camera with an L-bracket will provide stability.

<How to Communicate>

1. Let Them Know the Framing

If you explain the framing—whether it's a full-body shot, thigh-up, waist-up, or chest-up—the subject will know how much they need to be aware of their posture, which provides peace of mind and reduces fatigue.
Showing them a photo you’ve just taken is also a good idea.

2. Conversation Patterns

There are many ways to go about this, but here is a simple one. Try asking a few questions that the subject can answer easily without overthinking:

・Favorite fruit
・A place you want to travel to
・Favorite celebrity

By having them visualize images of things or people they like, or by inadvertently sharing those interests with the photographer, a natural smile will emerge.

You can also try asking questions that are slightly puzzling or difficult to answer; feel free to try various approaches.

3. Shutter Rhythm

Keep the timing for triggering the shutter after saying "I'm taking the shot" consistent. This makes it easier for the subject to get used to the rhythm. Repeating the process too many times in a row will tire the subject out, so limit continuous shutter releases to three at a time. The overall flow should be as follows:

Keeping the above points in mind, we conducted the shoot.

Example Photos:

Photos with smiles make the viewer smile, too. That concludes our explanation on how to elicit smiles.

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