Smile! How the Smile Came Into PhotographyFrom stiff portraits to selfies05.03.2026, 10:30 Uhr
and 05.03.2026, 18:30 Uhr
Museum Ludwig

Smiling in photos feels natural today, but it wasn’t always that way.

This ArtTalk takes a fun, surprising look at how the “camera smile” became a social habit.

We’ll explore how technology (long exposure times), etiquette shaped early portraits, and how photography slowly shifted from stiff documentation to something more personal and performative - say “cheesse!”

Or course, we’ll connect the dots to the present.

Think selfies, social media, and the subtle pressure to look “effortlessly happy.”

You’ll leave with fresh eyes for what a simple expression can communicate, and what it can conceal. Join us for a revealing look at what we now take for granted 😊

💡 Long Cologne Thursday opening, free for Cologne citizens (bring your valid ID).

• 📍 Meeting Point: Museum Ludwig, Central foyer, by the column with the BLUE dot.
• 💰 Fee: €28 adults | €8 students, artists, and kids

We’ll wrap up with refreshments 🥤 and relaxed networking 🤝 swapping impressions with the ArtTalk community ✨

Join us to for new perspectives and fresh ideas 😍

ArtTalk Sign Up

Sessions

Session 1: 05.03.2026, 10:30 Uhr (Register here)
Session 2: 05.03.2026, 18:30 Uhr (Register here)

Sign Up Information

Register one week before. Minimum 5, maximum 15 participants.

Venue

Museum Ludwig, Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln

Fee

Regular ArtTalk 28€; Kids/Students/Artists 8€; KölnTag: free entrance with Cologne ID

Fee payable one week before the ArtTalk. Refund possible with prior notice.

Bank Account

DE17 6723 0000 4019 2455 50

Further Information

Meeting point: central foyer, column with the BLUE dot. Large bags must be checked. Contact: info@art-talks.de