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.