You pose for the perfect shot. The light is flattering, the background is clear, and you are feeling good about your expression.
Then you check the photo and realise your eyes are closed. You blinked. Again.
If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Blinking at the wrong moment is one of the most common things that can ruin an otherwise great portrait, but it is also one of the easiest problems to fix.
As a portrait photographer based in Cranleigh, I have worked with all kinds of people, from business owners and charity founders to performers and families. I have seen blinking spoil a brilliant photo more times than I can count.
Thankfully, I have also learned some reliable tricks to help people keep their eyes open and look natural in front of the camera.
So if you always seem to blink just as the shutter clicks, here’s how to stop it from ruining your portraits.
Why Blinking Happens
Blinking is a natural reflex. Our eyes dry out, and we blink to refresh them.
When you are nervous, tired, or trying too hard to hold a smile, you may blink more often without even realising it.
Studio lights or bright sunlight can also make people blink more than usual. Sometimes it is simply bad timing. The exact moment the shutter fires is the moment your eyes decide to close.
The Old Photographer’s Trick
There is a simple method that works almost every time. I call it the “close, open, smile” routine.
Before I take the shot, I ask you to close your eyes. Then, on the count of three, I ask you to open them and smile. I take the photo just after you open your eyes. This gives a natural, refreshed look.
Your eyes are open and relaxed, and your face looks alert without feeling stiff. It might sound basic, but it really works.
Timing Is Everything
If you are blinking during a photoshoot, it might be because you are holding your expression for too long. People often try to stay “photo ready” while the photographer adjusts the camera, checks the light, or talks. The result is tired, blinking eyes.
Instead of freezing in place, I encourage my clients to move a little between shots. Drop your smile, blink normally, relax your face, and then return to a natural pose when I say we are ready. This short pause resets your expression and makes the next shot more likely to succeed.
Natural Light Helps
Bright flashes can trigger blinking, especially if you are sensitive to light. In many of my sessions around Surrey, I use natural light outdoors or window light indoors. It is softer and easier on the eyes.
If we do use flash, I make sure it is diffused and set up so that it does not cause discomfort. This makes a big difference, especially for people who blink more when under pressure or strong light.
Rapid Fire to the Rescue
Another way to beat blinking is to take several photos in quick succession. I often shoot in bursts when I know someone blinks a lot. Even if your eyes are closed in one frame, they are likely open in another.
It is not about taking hundreds of photos, but about improving the odds. A few quick clicks can be the difference between a missed shot and a brilliant one.
Keep It Light
People blink more when they are tense. A photoshoot can feel like a lot of pressure, especially if it is for your business, website, or social media.
I do everything I can to keep the mood light. We talk, we laugh, and we take breaks when needed. When you are relaxed and enjoying yourself, you blink less and your expressions look more natural.
This is why I allow time in my sessions for people to settle in, especially if they are not used to being photographed.
Practice Before the Day
If you know you often blink in photos, practise at home. Stand in front of a mirror or use your phone’s camera. Look into the lens, smile gently, and hold it for a few seconds. Blink a few times to relax, then reset and try again.
You will start to recognise what a natural, open-eyed smile feels like. This practice can help you feel more in control when the real session comes around.
Trust the Photographer
One of the best ways to avoid blinking problems is to trust your photographer. A good photographer will spot closed eyes, adjust their timing, and guide you through the process.
I always review shots during the session, checking for blinks and making sure we have strong options. If someone blinks in a few shots, it is not a big deal. We simply try again and keep the energy positive. With patience and experience, we always get the results we need.
You Are Not Alone
Blinking happens to everyone. Even professional models and actors blink in photos. The difference is in how we work around it.
Whether we are shooting in your garden in Cranleigh, a studio in Guildford, or a business space in the Surrey Hills, the goal is the same. Clear, open eyes, a relaxed smile, and a portrait you are proud to share.
Let’s Beat the Blink
If you have been putting off booking a photoshoot because you are worried about blinking or not looking your best, I would love to help.
With a calm, friendly approach and a few simple techniques, we can capture portraits that truly reflect your essence, eyes open and full of life.
Get in touch to book a session or ask any questions. I am based in Cranleigh and work across Surrey for portrait, branding, and event photography. Let’s create the kind of photos you will actually want to use.
