How to Achieve Perfect Portraits using the S³ Approach

As a portrait photographer and photography teacher, I created a simple three-step method called S³: Serious, Smirk, Smile to help photographers capture more dynamic and authentic expressions. The concept is straightforward—guide your subject through three distinct expressions in a natural sequence. Start with a strong, confident serious look, transition into a subtle smirk, and finish with a full smile. This progression feels natural for the subject and creates a variety of portraits in just moments.

I developed S³ after noticing that many new photographers focus almost exclusively on getting their subject to smile. While a smile is important, it’s not always the most powerful or appropriate expression for every portrait. Some images call for confidence and intensity, while others benefit from a softer, more relaxed expression. By chasing only the smile, photographers often miss out on depth, personality, and emotional range.

The S³ method solves this problem by giving photographers a simple framework they can use in every session. It eliminates awkward guesswork, helps subjects ease into the camera naturally, and ensures a well-rounded gallery of expressions. Instead of hoping for the “perfect” shot, photographers can confidently capture three strong looks in seconds—delivering more variety, more authenticity, and ultimately, better portraits.