Jenni8 Loc: Oceanside, CA

I can completely understand how a photo of someone not smiling can show certain emotions to make it interesting or whatever the photo shows to the viewer. But I've seen a few websites from "Pros" saying to take a photo of someone smiling is just amateur. Why would that assume the photographer an amateur just because the model(s) are smiling?

What is supposed to be so wrong with smiling? I know in the olden days people didn't smile to avoid blurring. Obviously that isn't a factor any longer and sometimes that is exactly what the client wants. Smiles. I personally shoot both back and forth to get a wider dynamic. Anyone care to throw in their input on this?

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

If you show a grandparent apicture of their grandparents smiling and a very artistic picture of them not they will buy the smile everytime even if they buy the other.

Just my experiance with kids and I could say the same with High School Seniors & even Wedding. I TAKE BOTH AND USUALY SELL BOTH - Dave

WildBill Loc: South West Florida

The big fake smiles are what's bad. The mouth is drawn up too high and the emotion of the smile is typically lacking from the rest of the face. Ever been to a studio for photos and not wanted to be there? You may have smiled but "I want to go" was written all over your face. "Say Cheese" does not create a professional photo.
As for a model, they are a type of actor and should be able to give the emotion desired ... whole body emotion and not just the corners of the mouth turned up.
Smiles IMHO are professional when done properly. They convey as much about the person as other poses do; maybe more.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Smiles! Its when they point at me and laugh out loud thats gets me upset.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Tell kids to say "boogger' and you will get a real smile. Or some other nonsence slightly tabo word. - Dave