Real smiles naturally
Great, ok, now say cheese, smile and look into the camera. Umm, not quite, how about a real smile? Can you show me a real smile? hmm, how about I throw a snowball in your face that should help.
Trying to talk a smile out of a model isn’t much fun and doesn’t usually work anyhow. That’s one more reason why I love to photograph people in the outdoors doing things they really enjoy. The smiles that you see on a good sledding hill, after a great surf session, while kitesurfing, after a sick snowboard jump, etc., these are the priceless grins. Surfers often call this stoke. When viewing these real smiling moments I find a grin forming on my face too. It’s only natural to smile back at them, you can feel the pleasure, the thrill, the good times.
Here’s a little collection of photos with those smiles that come naturally in the great outdoors.
These are great Scott. Real smiles are definitely contagious. :)
Thanks Free. You are so right, I've looked at these many times, but I still can't resist getting caught up in the fun.
Scott, Outstanding images as usual. I love the way you've captured the true excitment and thrill in your subjects expression. Wonderful job! Bob Jackson Bellaire, Texas
One more thing about these "real" outdoor smiles... they're infectious! I always smile when I view these photos and look forward to stumbling upon them... the social equivalent of "Smores"... one is never enough - when you are outdoors and the air is fresh.