![[Monk Research Magazine vol. 32] Why Do I Always Look Awkward in My ID Photo? — How to Make Natural Expressions](https://storage.googleapis.com/monk-ai-images/blog/1776745108834_banner_KR_vol32.jpg)
###### "Why do I always look so awkward in photos?"
This is the question I've heard the most while running a studio for 10 years. Even with perfect hair and makeup,
expressions often look awkward when the photo is actually taken. Today, I'll tell you why and share expression correction methods actually used on set.
😶 Why Does My Expression Freeze in Photos?
When you stand in front of a camera, your brain recognizes it as "an important moment." At that moment, your muscles unconsciously tense up,
and your usual natural smile freezes into a forced smile. Especially with ID photos, the pressure to "look good" is high,
which often leads to even more awkwardness than regular photos.
✅ Our Muscles Move as Much as We Use Them = The Same Goes for Facial Muscles
If you look at in-house models for airlines or corporate brochures, they're smiling so brightly and beautifully, right?
The truth is, they probably couldn't smile that well from the start.
Actually, when you join an airline or a service industry job, there are dedicated smile practice sessions and training.
Facial muscles are just like weight training. They move as much as you use them; it's hard to suddenly smile well!
So, if you suddenly try to smile when taking a photo, your mouth might cramp, so it's very important to practice smiling regularly!
✅ 5 Ways to Create Natural Expressions
1. Open and Close Your Mouth Wide Right Before Taking the Photo: This is the fastest way to relieve tension in the muscles around your mouth.
Open your mouth wide like saying "Ah~" and then close it naturally. This will eliminate the forced look of your mouth.
2. Close Your Eyes Tightly Once and Then Open Them: Trying to open your eyes too wide can make you look scary.
Capturing the moment when you close them slightly and then slowly open them will result in a natural and soft gaze.
3. Close Your Mouth and Say "Eum" Instead of "Whiskey": If a smile that shows your teeth feels awkward, you don't have to force it.
Simply closing your mouth lightly and slightly raising the corners of your lips can give a good impression.
4. Practice Smiling with Your Eyes: The key to a natural expression is not your mouth but your eyes.
Stand in front of a mirror and practice slightly raising the muscles under your eyes (aegyo sal) while keeping your mouth still. It will completely change your expression.
5. Close Your Eyes and Exhale 5 Seconds Before Shooting: When you're tense, your breathing becomes shallow.
Closing your eyes and slowly exhaling right before the shutter clicks will naturally relax your entire facial muscles.
📌 Impression Differences by Expression — Which Expression is Suitable for a Job Application Photo?
| Expression | Impression | Recommended Industries |
|---|---|---|
| Closed mouth with a slight lift at the corners | Trustworthiness, Neatness | Public enterprises, Finance |
| Natural slight smile | Friendliness, Comfort | IT, Service industry |
| Smile with teeth slightly showing | Brightness, Vivacity | Service industry, Sales |
#### 
📸 If It's Difficult to Practice Expression Correction Alone?
The expression you practice in front of a mirror is different from the expression that comes out in front of an actual camera.
The best way is to take selfies with your smartphone beforehand and find the expression that suits you.
And for those who have always felt awkward in photos taken at a studio or by others,
using Monkos.ai, which allows you to take photos just like selfies, you can check how your expression will look before the actual shoot with just one smartphone selfie.
If you're worried about your expression, test it with Monkos.ai first 👇 👉 monkos.ai
 