“Fishing for Smiles”: Capturing Authentic Expressions
In the children’s photo studio, there was a singular catch—the elusive smile. As the studio manager, I held myself to a higher standard when it came to capturing those precious moments. It was a challenge I embraced with pride. It required tools, patience, and a touch of magic.
The Tools of the Trade:
We used invisible nets to sneak out grins and tickle laughter from our young subjects. These tools aren’t tangible; they’re the rapport we build, the silly jokes we tell, and the comfort we provide. Patience is our fishing rod. We'd wait for the right moment, allowing our subjects to relax, forget about the camera, and simply be themselves.
The Quest for Authenticity:
A forced smile is like a fish out of water—it doesn’t belong. Parents yearn for genuine expressions that reflect their child’s true self. But what if big, giggly smiles don’t come naturally? I empathize—I’m one of those people. Put me behind the camera, and I can coax smiles from others, but capturing my own giddy grin is a challenge.
Neurodivergence adds another layer. Our expressions may be softer, more nuanced. What feels like happiness and confidence to us might appear pensive or nervous to others.
The Unexpected Smile:
I recall working with a young man who adamantly declared, “I don’t smile for pictures.” His parents confirmed this. In that moment, I shared a secret: “You don’t smile with your mouth; you smile with your eyes.” It was a revelation. Suddenly, he relaxed, forgot about the mechanics of smiling, and just connected with me.
The result? Natural, relaxed expressions and genuine smiles. I hadn’t anticipated that smile, but it came—a testament to accepting him as he was.
Respecting True Expressions:
As an autistic person, I honor authenticity. I won’t force a fake smile. Instead, I seek to capture eyes lit up with life, faces reflecting comfort and confidence. I still use my old smile-fishing tools, but I cherish the eye twinkles—their unfiltered joy—whether or not they reveal a toothy grin.
