Did you ever wonder why people never smiled in old photographs? To answer this question, we need to understand a little bit about photography and smile magic.
Photo Portrait History
Louis Daguerre’s invention revolutionized portrait photography. Prior to his invention in 1839, portrait photography was impossible because photographs required an eight-hour exposure time. Daguerre’s process required a subject to remain motionless for twenty minutes. Smiling for twenty minutes was not practical. By the 1840’s, advances in photography reduced exposure time to 20 seconds. But, smiling for 20 seconds can still look unnatural, more like a sneer.
In addition, people wore solemn expressions for another reason. Before photographs existed, painted portraits preserved a subject’s image for posterity. Portraits were symbols of status and wealth and smiling was discouraged. Later, portrait photography followed the customs set by painted portraits. Photographs became indicators of social standing and smiling continued to be disfavored.
Cameras have come a long way since 1839. An image can be captured at lightning speed. Photographers can freeze a moment in time and capture an event or a person’s mood.
A Reason to Smile
Today, people smile in photographs to convey joy, happiness, friendliness and approachability.
Before receiving dental treatment at Pi Dental Center, many of our patients are embarrassed by the condition of their teeth and are reluctant to smile.
Once these same patients have had their oral makeover and beautiful new smiles, we sometimes discover that some of them no longer remember how to smile.
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” — Phyllis Diller
Smiling has many benefits. A smile can make a lasting positive impression on others and is a universal welcome. The smile gives the wearer an appearance of confidence and self-assurance. In business, smiling can encourage collaboration and increase productivity. Studies have shown that smiling can improve a person’s mood. And, of course, a smile is contagious. Smiles are magic!
Because smiling is so beneficial, we recommend that people make an effort to smile more often. For those who have forgotten how to smile, we recommend practicing in the mirror. There are several videos on the web that demonstrate this skill.
Smile Again
Pi Dental Center has been making patients smile for over 37 years! Our Teeth in a Day® dental implant protocol can restore a single tooth or an entire mouth. We are dedicated to improving our patients’ appearance, function, and bringing out their natural smiles.
If you would like to restore your smile, give us a call to schedule an appointment to begin the process. (215) 646-6334.